Thunder Canyon
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| | Raps:3, max ↨100ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle: Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Limestone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Jan-Apr
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36.0861, -93.2535
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Introduction
Other than Shop Creek, this is the other slot canyon I am aware of in the area. While just barely long enough to make a worthwhile canyoneering route, it is beautiful and exciting.
Approach
You can get there from Erbie or the road down to Broadwater hollow. Hike up (or down) Cecil Creek. You can approach via Hideout Hollow, or up ridges leaving from Cecil Creek on either side of Thunder Canyon. The terrain is pretty easy, at least in the cooler months before the undergrowth comes in.
Descent
A short downclimb is encountered before the technical part of the canyon. The first rappel is dry and simple, about 20 feet down off of a tree. The next is longer off a tree down a waterfall into a waist deep pool above Thunder Canyon Falls. The last rappel down the falls proper is I think 80 feet, but maybe a bit more. A knot chock and a natural arch down canyon left above the falls makes a great natural anchor for this beautiful rappel.
Exit
FYI, the bottom of the falls is extraordinarily slippery. There is pretty hiking past or through some shallow slots downstream.