Conditions:Cattle Canyon-20210511062138

Latest:	9 May 2021 (3 yrs, 8 mos ago)

Reported by:	Jcsjcs (111 reports)
Quality:	Amazing
Waterflow:	Very Low
Wetsuit:	None
Water temperature:
Difficulty:	Special challenges
Time:	12 hours

Team: 1 people

Trip report URL:

Comments: Nice cool morning that warmed as I hiked up Bear Canyon Trail with the views getting better and better. Reached the saddle at the top of Cattle Canyon in 4:35. Sliding down the scree was pretty fast going and I intersected Swaney's track after 0:25. The canyon began to have more downclimbs as well as water flowing under the rocks which soon turned into a stream. It also became more narrow and constricted with epic views over the canyon floor thousands of feet below. The rappels quickly followed, with some challenging downclimbs between R2 and R3. I didn't see any material left from the first descent. After R4 the canyon became much more level and easy to travel down, and I arrived at the terminus of the abandoned road after 3:40 in the descent. The road was frequently washed out for the next couple of miles but it wasn't difficult to walk in the gravel wash when required until getting to the well-maintained dirt road going up to Cow Canyon Saddle. Total time on the exit was 4:05.

I feel this canyon is one of Southern California's hidden gems due to its sheer scale, the lengths to which one has to go to experience it, the clean cool water, and the complete lack of brush.

All condition reports

Date	Quality	Waterflow	Wetsuit	Difficulty	Time	Team	Reported by
9 May 2021	Amazing	Very Low	None	Special challenges	12 hours	1 people	Jcsjcs (111 reports)
Comment: Nice cool morning that warmed as I hiked up Bear Canyon Trail with the views getting better and better. Reached the saddle at the top of Cattle Canyon in 4:35. Sliding down the scree was pretty fast going and I intersected Swaney's track after 0:25. The canyon began to have more downclimbs as well as water flowing under the rocks which soon turned into a stream. It also became more narrow and constricted with epic views over the canyon floor thousands of feet below. The rappels quickly followed, with some challenging downclimbs between R2 and R3. I didn't see any material left from the first descent. After R4 the canyon became much more level and easy to travel down, and I arrived at the terminus of the abandoned road after 3:40 in the descent. The road was frequently washed out for the next couple of miles but it wasn't difficult to walk in the gravel wash when required until getting to the well-maintained dirt road going up to Cow Canyon Saddle. Total time on the exit was 4:05. I feel this canyon is one of Southern California's hidden gems due to its sheer scale, the lengths to which one has to go to experience it, the clean cool water, and the complete lack of brush.