Canyon Sem Decepção
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:1+, max ↨30ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:4WD - High Clearance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Winter, Spring, Fall
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32.8637, -110.4121
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Introduction
Like Canyon Sem Alma, but worse.
There are scenic, narrow sections of canyon with some challenging downclimbs - however these narrows are never sustained.
Approach
We initially stuck to a ridge to avoid the brushy upper sections and then descended into the north fork of the canyon. The south fork appeared less interesting.
Descent
One optional 30' rappel in the north fork, several challenging downclimbs to 15' (which some may opt to rappel), and one 20' rappel just prior to the confluence with Sem Alma.
Exit
After the confluence with Sem Alma, continue to Turkey Creek and then turn left (up canyon) and locate the residual trail / road which leads up the ridge and back to your vehicle (same exit as Sem Alma).
Red tape
This canyon is located on State Trust Land which is open to recreation but requires a permit. The permit can purchased here: https://asld.secure.force.com/recreationalpermit/
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Trip reports and media
Background
Explored by Todd Martin and Nick Clegg on 5/20/2023.
Sem Alma in Portuguese means "without soul". We felt that Canyon Sem Alma actually had much soul and that the lesser quality of this neighboring canyon was therefore disappointing - hence Sem Decepção (without disappointment). Admittedly, we descended under the intensity of the afternoon heat after several hours of hiking in and around Turkey Creek. Perhaps under more ideal conditions others may find this canyon worthwhile.
