Tank Canyon
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| | Raps:4, max ↨120ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle: Vehicle:4WD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 13 Apr 2018
"No waterflow; pool water was cold! Lots of climbing along shelves to avoid deep pools. ~5 hours for Tank (car to Cibecue), 10.5 hours for both canyon |
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| Best season: | Apr-Oct
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33.8523, -110.4709
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Introduction[edit]
Located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Tank Canyon is usually done as an alternate entry into Cibecue Creek. The full route for Cibecue Creek is surely more beautiful and interesting but may require an overnight bivy and special arrangements with the guide. On it's own, Tank is a worthwhile trip containing a couple down climbs, a slide into a pool, a swim, several nice rappels and ending in a very scenic view overlooking Cibecue Creek.
Approach[edit]
A long rock hopping hike down a dry creek bed for approximately 5 miles with a couple easy down climbs and several still pools that can be avoided. The approach will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Descent[edit]
- Slide: A usually dry, 15-foot slide into a deep pool. The top portion of the slide can be down climbed.
- R1: Rock Pinch, canyon left, 95 foot, 2-tier rappel. If you have a big group and all arrive at the first rappel station at the same time, setting up a twin rappel is recommended. If the group does not get to Cibecue Creek by a certain time, the guide will not allow your group to go through the corridor to save time and you will have to hike around it.
- R2: Rock Pinch, canyon right, 120-foot, into a waist deep pool.
- R3: Rock Pinch, canyon left, 55-foot.
- R4: Tree, mid-canyon, 90-foot. Before descending, be sure to hike canyon right for 200 feet to see Cibecue Creek's impressive 3rd waterfall (from the bottom).
Exit[edit]
The exit is typically done by going down Cibecue Creek to the Salt River. This involves two additional rappels.
Red tape[edit]
It is required to hire a White Mountain Apache guide as an escort. The purpose of the guide is for archeological protection and not as a technical canyon guide. You must have an experienced canyon leader in your group. It is also required to hire a driver to move your vehicle from the trailhead to the exit point at the Salt River. The White Mountain Apache guide can arrange this. In addition, a hiking permit is required and may be obtained online.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Mark Kilian's Adventures : Tank & Cibecue Canyon
