Taviyik Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II R (v5a1 II) Raps:
Red Tape: Shuttle:None | |||
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34.3164, -118.5122
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Introduction
Taviyik Canyon is an interesting sculpted drainage in O'Melveny Park. There are a few side drainages that drop into the canyon which require knowledge of cairn anchors, hence the R rating, though one might be able to take a ridge down into the main canyon and avoid the need for cairns.
Approach
Park at the O'Melveny Park parking area. 17300 O'Melveny Park, Granada Hills, CA 91344. As you exit the parking lot on the Southwest side going toward O'Melveny Park there is a trail on the right, going up the ridge, the Lookout Trail. Follow this up the ridgeline. Around 34.31513, -118.51143 if you look North (to your left) you can see the final rappel. Continue up the ridge until about 34.31731, -118.51147. From here you can follow use trails down into a small tributary, up another ridge and into the second tributary around 34.31786, -118.51247 where you can begin the descent. If you choose you could also descend this first tributary which will take you right above the main falls/rappel of the canyon.
Descent
Dropping in the draining around 34.31786, -118.51247 there are 2 rappels in the 25' range. since there are likely no bushes to anchor off of you will need to use a cairn or deadman cairn anchor, though the rocks may be limited.
Once in the main canyon take a left and you'll shortly arrive at the final rappel. The drop is 60-70' but you may need to anchor 20-30' back from the edge depending on the anchors available (I used a bush DCR on the 1st descent).
Exit
Follow the drainage back to O'Melveny park and back to your car. If there is a lot of brush in the drainage you could try to find the use trail down canyon left around 34.31502, -118.51209 that climbs out of the main draining and keeps you a bit above it.
Red tape
It seems O'Melveny park closes at 6 PM though you can probably walk through the park after it closes. Another option (if you are exiting before 6 PM) would be to park inside the park and access the Lookout/Loop Trail a little higher up, cutting off some of the hiking.
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Background
First documented canyoneering descent by Alden Anderson on 11/25/2021. The canyon is named in honor of the Tatavium Native Americans who inhabited the area before the Spanish settlers arrived in 1769-1770. "Taviyik" is the Tataviam word meaning "Sunny Hillside" and forms the root of the tribes name.