The Perch (West Fork Oak Creek)
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| | Difficulty:3A III (v3a1 III) Raps:5-7, max ↨300ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:4WD - High Clearance Rock type:Sandstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 3 Sep 2022
"Sumac, sumac, sumac. Canyon is okay. Replaced most webbing. Maybe exiting down West Fork is a better option since fire has made the exit rough with al |
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| Best season: | Spring Summer Fall
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35.0187, -111.7776
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WaterflowIntroduction
The Perch > West Fork Az. A technical drainage dropping off steep on the north side of Westfork. This is a dry canyon so it can be done up until the gates are closed for the winter. This 3A III canyon is one out of three so far we scouted, did a first descent with Ken B. and Todd H. and named. All raps have natural anchors.
This particular drainage drops off steep from up top and the rappels come pretty quick one after the other with very short hikes in between each drop. These shorter canyons can be done up until the gates are closed for the winter. (no wetsuits required). Keep far right when entering oak creek for less bushwacking.
Approach
Take 535 in off of 89A to 535A left to the parking area at the large clearing and start the approach there.
Descent
Anywhere from 3 to 5 hrs
R1 120ft off large pine tree
R2 30ft (optional down climb)
R3 165ft
R4 30ft (optional down climb)
R5 300ft (tree anchor on DCR provides an easier pull)
R6 20ft (anchor is +25' back)
R7 50ft off small oak trees on DCL (optional 20ft down climb)
Exit
A loop is now in place as the map shows. Exit by heading up West Fork of Oak Creek to the confluence of Flintstone. Head up Flintstone climb on DCL to get above the final rappel in Flintstone. There can be a lot of poison ivy. Continue up canyon until you pass two brushy drainages DCL. Then head up the obvious wide drainage until you reach the upper section. Climb up the steep fire damaged, sumac covered slope to the ridge and head left back to parking.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1405758246111278&type=3
Background
First descent by Jay Wisocki, Todd Holmes and Ken Bittay