King Snake Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:3-4, max ↨90ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Optional 2 min Rock type:Limestone above, sandstone below | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 24 Sep 2025
"All anchors were in great shape, including the optional 4th rap. We found this canyon to be beautiful with a low pay-to-play ratio. Would recommend. |
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| Best season: | Oct-May (avg for this region)
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35.0048, -111.7272
35.0006, -111.7372
35.0049, -111.7340
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Introduction
A wild canyon starting at a small natural bridge, and followed with a few rappels, numerous downclimbs, and several interesting roof and subway-like features. Favored by the local king snake community.
Approach
Shuttle a short distance, or simply walk 5min along the road from the exit to Cave Springs.
Follow Harding Springs Trail from the parking area to the King Snake drainage. A fast hiker can reach the rim in 20min, and the drainage in 25min.
Consider stopping at the Oak Creek rim outlook along the way.
Descent
Throughout the canyon you will encounter many downclimbs, some of which could require partner assists or rappels depending on weather conditions and the group’s skill level.
R1: 50’ off tree RDC. Overhanging.
R2: 15’ off boulder RDC.
R3: 90’ off tree LDC.
Optional R4: 55’ off tree, or downclimb crack LDC. Avoidable RDC.
Exit
As you approach the road, look LDC for a trail that leads out of the drainage and back to the shuttle parking area.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
Background
First known descent 9/24/2021 by Eric Moorcroft and Nick Clegg