Lone Spire Canyon (West Fork)
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| | Difficulty:3A III (v3a1 III) Raps:3-6, max ↨150ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 5 Jun 2021
"Three great downclimbing sections between mandatory rappel 1 and 2. Probably some of the longest and best sections of downclimbing in Flagstaff/Sedon |
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| Best season: | Spring Summer Fall; HOT Summer
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35.0209, -111.7783
35.0290, -111.7760
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WaterflowIntroduction
A short descent into West Fork with a single large spire at the confluence guarding the canyon. Cool dramatic walls towards bottom. Some thorny and viney brush along the way. Great canyon for those looking to explore a rarely ventured area. Offers some of the best and longest downclimbing sections of any canyon in the Flagstaff/Sedona area. Canyon has a pretty cool narrowish section at the beginning of it and feels like an actual canyon, and not just a wide open series of ledges. Definitely feels like being in a place that very few have ever been to.
Approach
Take 535 in off of 89A to 535A left to the parking area at the large clearing and start the approach there.
Descent
A handful of drops before reaching West Fork. If I had to pick, The Perch would be a better option to run out of these two next door neighbors.
R1: 40' off of tree RDC after short downclimb. Canyon narrows up nicely here.
Three great separate downclimb sections. Some may want to rappel, others may need handline or partner assist for spots. Way fun and challenging. Biggest section, may require as much as 150' of rope, if choosing to rappel.
R2: 90' off of tree LDC. Drops into a larger canyon coming down from DCL.
Continue down larger canyon. A few downclimbs and hiking through viney vegetation that makes seeing where you are stepping sometimes difficult.
R3: 55' off of tree RDC.
Exit
The exit is up Flintstone Canyon and is the same exit as The Perch. A bit steep but puts you pretty close to your vehicle.
Lots of loose rock near top. Steep and brushy. A few scramble sections with exposure.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3880762881944123&type=3
Background
First descent by Jay Wisocki and William L.