Griffin Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A I (v3a1 I) Raps:3-4, max ↨105ft
Red Tape: Shuttle:Optional 5 min Vehicle:High Clearance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 1 Jan 2022
"Very fun little canyon! Rappels come instantly and in short succession. The geometric rock shapes in the canyon walls make for interesting and unique |
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| Best season: | Sep-May, After rains
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33.7312, -110.9355
33.7313, -110.9355
33.7319, -110.9402
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
A short canyon with a few rappels and downclimbs and a brief narrows sequence. Could be combined with Orthrus, First Water, or one of the other quick routes nearby.
Approach[edit]
Take FR 189 (Oak Creek Rd) from the 288 turn-off. Continue to FR 3280 and park at the head of the canyon. Note that the road is rough and narrow and parking off 3280 is limited. There is, however, room for at least two vehicles to park and turn around.
In inclement weather these forest roads may require 4x4 in addition to high clearance.
Walk from the parking pin about 150’ to R1.
Descent[edit]
R1: 105’ off tree RDC. Position the rope as LDC as possible for a more free-hanging line with better quality rock. It’s also possible to combine R1 and R2 for a single 150’ rappel, if desired.
R2: 70’ off deadman. Followed by 15’ downclimb.
R3: 30’ off boulder RDC.
A couple more downclimbs will bring you to the fourth and final rappel - which is optional, but is pleasant with run-off and adds only minimal effort to the exit. Exit RDC here, or continue and rig up R4.
R4: 80’ off tree LDC.
Exit[edit]
Recommend referencing KML file.
At the base of R4, immediately leave the drainage RDC and scramble up until level with the top of the rappel. Work your way up some scree to a shelf, hugging the left side of the rocky ridge which separates you from Griffin Canyon. Stay close to the ridge to avoid most of the cacti and loose rock.
Traverse the shelf / old road to FR 1777. Follow FR 189 back to your vehicle.
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
Established 11/12/2021
