Buttercup Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A III (v3a1 III) Raps:9-10, max ↨200ft
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| Best season: | Nov-Mar (avg for this region)
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36.5816, -117.2731
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Waterflow
Introduction
Approach
Descent
Feb/2017 some changes observed to the descent of this canyon Jan/2017 that added 3 rappels.
R0: Drop in at the far left of the canyon mouth with streaks instead of waypoint shown on previous KML, there is an expsoed down climb around a large rock in the center that looks sketchy but it is hidden by the large rock center. Some groups may need a safety rope or make a rappel LDC. If so an anchor could be built that would make this R1 of 100' 2-stage.
R1: 90', 2 stage
R2: 198', a 200' rope should reach depending on anchor locaton (reference Bluugnome R1)
R3: 40' (or rap) (reference Bluugnome R2)
(R4) Dc1 & Dc2 15' (or rap) (could be combined as the 200' stage mentioned Jan/2017)
(R4) Dc3: 15' (or rap)
R5: 100', 2 stage (reference Bluugnome R3)
R6: 90', 2 stage (reference Bluugnome R4)
R7: 35' from a chock stone, through a rabbit hole. You can rap all the way to the bottom, bypassing the cairn below and making one 190' rap, but you may have a rope pull issue. (reference Bluugnome R5)
R8: 160' (reference Bluugnome R5)
R9: 130' (reference Bluugnome R6)
Exit
Note that if you want to run a 2nd canyon (Inconceivable, Humperdinck) you can exit up right before the junction with Humperdinck. We went at 36.582361, -117.269612, but there is a 2nd option just after at the white rock that is probably easier. Follow the gully back up towards the ridge. We climbed a 15' wall at about Class 3+ near the junction with the steep canyon that goes straight to the ridge. Instead, turn left up the low angle gully, climbing a short 7' step that some may want a small assist on, then turn right up talus quickly back up to the ridge and route. Midway point- 36.579735, -117.269786. We made it to Inconceivable in 1hr and largely in the shade. Total for the day was 8:20 with a small group and above average speed.
Red tape
Note that there is no camping on this road. It is heavily patrolled at least once a day and the rangers check aggressively to see if you're camping.
Beta sites
BluuGnome.com : Buttercup Canyon- Super Amazing Map : Buttercup Canyon
Trip reports and media
From one of the early trip reports - 12-21-14, (and on an earlier trip there in 2012)
Background
Explored By Scott Swaney and teammates in 2012 when opening up the Princess Bride Canyon group. See "trip reports" above in the Trips descriptions there