Punchbowl Canyon
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| Difficulty:3B IV PG (v4a2 IV) Raps:8 mandatory rappels, + 6 down climbs, max ↨120ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Condition Reports: | 19 Jan 2025
"Took gully to join with fin approach on the ledges. Bushwhacking was horrible in there. Had trouble finding the fin approach up there and probably got |
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Best season: | winter, spring, fall
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Introduction
A very beautiful and interesting canyon with numerous rappels, downclimbs, and multiple swimmers. If you're lucky, this would be a spectacular route if you catch it on one of the few days a year when it is flowing: https://youtu.be/pdV9rwGC6sA
The Fin approach adds considerably to the challenge and scenery.
Approach
The approach up to the head of the canyon can be very confusing and challenging to navigate even with GPS. It is very easy to get off track and end up cliffed out. This canyon may not be a good choice for people who are uncomfortable climbing in exposure.
DRIVE: The last 5 miles of the road is dirt but a passenger car will suffice. Most of the drive does not have phone coverage but a few look outs and parking spots do. Do not drive past and do not park after the first gate with the warning sign. From the gate area hike 2+ miles down hill towards the river. There are various switchbacks and amazing views of the colorful and high walls around the river.
BOAT: Alternatively, the long walk down and up the road can be avoided entirely if you approach via boat along the Salt River and anchor by a nearby beach. This route does not save much time, but significantly decreases overall effort required to access the canyon, and the views along the river are fantastic.
Approach #1: The Fin is a direct route and requires some exposed climbing on very chossy rock.
Approach #2: Less exposed but still requires climbing. This route follows the wash up through vegetation. Most of the vegetation can be avoided by staying on the ledges just above the creek. There will be one super large boulder in spanning the canyon that routes either in the vegetation or on the ledges will have to climb up. After the large boulder will be the point where the route map will start taking you left and up.
Descent
4 hours. Various pools and small potholes to walk through. Anchors are mostly natural off rock pinches. There are 14 anchors total, about half can be downclimbed. 3 mandatory swims in B conditions, more in C.
Approximate rappel lengths (rough estimates):
R1: 30’ off rock pinch rdc.
R2: 20' off rock pinch rdc.
R3: 20'
R4: 40'
R5: 120' off bolt ldc.
R6: 50'
R7: 55'
R8: 60' off rock pinch in watercourse.
R9: 60’ off bolt ldc.
R10: 120' off bolts ldc. Can walk ledge above pool.
Exit
After rappelling to the final pool, turn left down the road then follow it back uphill to the parking.
Red tape
Limited Access for canyoneers/hikers accessing Punchbowl canyon
4/7/16 There is a sign at the approach that explains what the rules are now.
SIGN #1: WARNING GOVERNMENT PROPERTY NO TRESPASSING Violators will be prosecuted under State and Federal criminal statutes Report a violation or suspicious activity to: SRP Security Services at 1-602-236-5305
SIGN #2: PUNCHBOWL CANYON HIKING RULES Restricted Government Property
- Limited Access for hikers is permitted into and out of Punchbowl Canyon Only
- Exit - proceed down-hill, turning left at the main road
- No vehicles allowed beyond the first gate at the top of the hill
- Approaching the camp beyond Punchbowl is strictly prohibited
- Approaching the dam beyond the old dynamite shack is strictly prohibited
Violators will be prosecuted under state and federal statutes SRP Security Services at 1-602-236-5305
Beta sites
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Super Amazing Map : Punchbowl Canyon
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CanyonChronicles.com : Punchbowl Canyon
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HikeArizona.com : Punchbowl Canyon
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OnRopeCanyoneering.com : Punch Bowl Canyon