Shakeflat Creek
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| | Difficulty:3B II (v3a2 II) Raps:2-4, max ↨250ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Required 40min Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Granite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Spring or Summer
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37.3258, -119.3472
37.3185, -119.3516
37.3380, -119.3376
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Waterflow
Introduction
Shakeflat Creek is a decent option for when the surrounding canyons are flowing too high to run after a wet winter. Without significant winter snowfall it likely would be completely dry. However when runnable, short but sweet, it offers great views and a couple longer and interesting rappels.
The main falls (R1) can be seen by hiking down a couple minutes East of the vista point. This can be a good way to check the flow.
Approach
From the parking spot at Mile High Vista, follow the ridge North until you hit the creek.
Descent
R1: About 250ft. Anchor is a bolt on a large boulder in the middle of the creek. Adding a second quicklink would make the pull significantly easier, as it would avoid rope rub against the rock surface. The waterfall angle increases very gently until it is almost vertical, and the creek goes under a giant boulder at the bottom. It is possible to bypass DCR.
After R1 there is some creek walking and downclimbing until you hit the second gorge.
The second gorge consists of a very large low angle plane of granite with many slightly detached rock slabs creating interesting fissures where the creek flows. It is possible to downclimb (meat anchor if needed) almost a third of the way down, where you will be on a large slab of granite with the creek running along the right edge. On the right side, and above the creek, this slab gets really close to a second slab to the right of the creek, almost creating an arch over the creek.
R2: 160+ft.The R2 anchor is a bolt on the side of the first slab, right above where the slabs almost meet over the creek. It is not in the best spot and may get damaged in extreme flows, so be prepared for that scenario. The rappel goes under the slabs and ends in a slightly flatter area DCR. It may be possible to extend this rappel almost 300’ to the end of the low angle waterfall, but pulling the ropes might be an issue. From this flatter area DCR, it is possible to climb/walk down to the bottom. Shoes with sticky rubber are really helpful for this part.
Exit
After the second gorge, exit DCL and hike through the forest in the direction of the shuttle road, then follow it to the car.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
Background
First descended 07/08/2023 by Feroz, Boof, Ethersnet, Knight, and Argen Smith.