James Canyon

James Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: James Canyon; Pumphouse Wash.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.4 (32 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3B III (v3a2 III) Raps:‌2+, max ↨50ft Metric Overall: 3-6h  ⟷5.5mi No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 25min Vehicle:High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone
Start:	35.0465, -111.6910
Parking:	35.0522, -111.6837
Shuttle:	35.0474, -111.7231
Condition Reports:	7 Sep 2025 "Replaced the sling and ROUS at R1 with some webbing and a more reasonably sized rapide. 2 full swims, a few more deep wades. Super leisurely pace, 5
Weather:
Best season:	Summer winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Arizona Mogollon Rim Flagstaff

http://brennen.caltech.edu/swhikes/jampum.htm,http://canyonchronicles.com/james-canyon?kmlidx=205701186783545362755.0004e4195bd0026887797,http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2179,http://ropewiki.com/User:Arizona_Technical_Canyoneering_Book?id=James_Canyon,http://onropecanyoneering.com/james-canyon-az?kmlidx=/s/James_Canyon_-_Canyoneering_Arizona.gpx,http://toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Arizona/Coconino/Coconino2.htm,http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=James_Canyon_-_Arizona

http://candition.com/canyons/james-canyon

http://onropecanyoneering.com/james-canyon-az?kmlidx=/s/James_Canyon_-_Canyoneering_Arizona.gpx,http://canyonchronicles.com/james-canyon?kmlidx=205701186783545362755.0004e4195bd0026887797,http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2179,http://brennen.caltech.edu/swhikes/jampum.htm

35.0465, -111.691035.0522, -111.683735.0474, -111.7231https://ropewiki.com/images/8/80/James_Canyon.kmltopo

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Approach

Hike in parallel with I-17 for a few minutes and then find a suitable location to climb down into the canyon.

Descent

R1: 35’ off bolts canyon left.

R2: 50’ off tree high canyon left.

Remaining vertical obstacles are commonly downclimbed or partner-assisted. There are usually a few swims and water temps are frosty year-round.

Exit

Hike up Pumphouse Wash until just below shuttle parking and then find a social trail that weaves up the steep hill and back to the road.

Beta sites

• Chris Brennen's Adventure Hikes (Southwest)  : James Cyn/Pumphouse Wash
• CanyonChronicles.com  : James Canyon
• HikeArizona.com  : James Canyon
• Arizona Technical Canyoneering Book by Todd Martin  : James Canyon
• OnRopeCanyoneering.com  : James Canyon
• ToddsHikingGuide.com  : James / Kelly Canyon Loop
• Super Amazing Map  : James Canyon

Trip reports and media

• Candition.com  : James Canyon

Background

Incidents

Credits

James Canyon

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).