Cerberus Canyon (South Fork)

Cerberus Canyon (South Fork) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Cerberus Canyon.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 4.1 (14 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌4A IV (v4a1 IV) Raps:‌29, max ↨270ft Metric Overall: 10-13h  ⟷4.3mi Approach:  ↑60ft Descent:  ⟷2.6mi  ↓4327ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Required 60 min Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	36.2072, -116.7243
Condition Reports:	15 Feb 2025 "A fun romp though Cerberus south fork. R1 was potentially needing replacement, but other anchors were deemed sufficient or replaced. Being diligent ab
Weather:
Best season:	Nov-Mar (avg for this region) winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States California Death Valley National Park  Black Mountains Black Mountains North

http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/dv/dv_cerberus-sf/dv_cerberus-sf.aspx,http://brennen.caltech.edu/swhikes/cerber.htm,http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=Cerberus_Canyon_-_South_Fork_-_California_(Death_Valley)

http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/dv/dv_cerberus-sf/dv_cerberus-sf.aspx,http://brennen.caltech.edu/swhikes/cerber.htm

36.2072, -116.7243https://ropewiki.com/images/6/60/Cerberus_Canyon_%28South_Fork%29.kmltopo

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Descent

Waypoints in the KML map contain detailed descriptions of all the rappels (courtesy of Bluugnome.com).

Rappel 1: 25'

Rappel 2: 45'

Rappel 3: 45'

Rappel 4: 160'

Rappel 5: 90'

Rappel 6: 150'

Rappel 7: 70'

Rappel 8: 100'

Rappel 9: 35'

Rappel 10: 25'

Rappel 11: 50'

Rappel 12: 15'

Rappel 13: 140'

Rappel 14: 50'+ (Possible down-climb)

Rappel 15: 25'

Rappel 16: 50'

Canyon drops to the right. Climb LDC.

Rappel 17: 70'

Rappel 18: 115'

Rappel 19: 160'

Rappel 20: 75'

Rappel 21: 270' multi-staged. It is possible to break up this rappel into 2 parts making the rope pull easier, but the anchor at the lower stage should be thoroughly inspected before committing. The upper portion is anchored off a pinch point LDC and drops 100' down 2 stages. From here there is 2 pitons on the left. This lower ledge is probably big enough for 3-4 people comfortably. The rappel from this ledge is under 200'.

Rappel 22: 35'

Rappel 23: 60'

Rappel 24: 50'

Rappel 25: 100' multi-stage.

Rappel 26: 270'. 50' overhang at the bottom.

Rappel 27: 80'

Rappel 28: 100'

Rappel 29: 70' multi-stage.

Beta sites

• BluuGnome.com  : Cerberus Canyon - South Fork
• Chris Brennen's Adventure Hikes (Southwest)  : Cerberus Canyon
• Super Amazing Map  : Cerberus Canyon - South Fork

Background

First canyoneering descent by Mark Duttweiler, Randi Poer, Scott Smith, John Perry, Sonny Lawrence and Chris Brennen on Jan.6, 2007