Workman Creek
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| | Difficulty:2B IV (v1a2 IV) Raps:0-1, max ↨25ft
Red Tape: Shuttle: Vehicle:Passenger | |||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 10 Apr 2021
"Wore a full 5mm wetsuit as the water was cold and this canyon requires numerous swims. There was old webbing around a chockstone at the only rappel. W |
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33.8775, -111.0216
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
A fun trip through the narrows of Workman Creek in the beautiful Sierra Ancha wilderness.
Approach[edit]
Start at Reynolds Creek Campground just off the 288 and begin hiking along the Hell's Hole trail. Enjoy the pleasant stroll through this dense, healthy ponderosa pine forest. After a short descent to the creek at about 2.2 miles, hike downstream a short distance until the canyon walls begin to narrow.
Descent[edit]
Continue down canyon passing numerous small waterfalls, completing easy downclimbs, and wading through a few deep pools. Eventually you'll encounter the first (and only) real obstacle of any consequence - a 25' drop into what may or may not be a shallow pool. Staying in the watercourse will require a rap or potentially a jump if the water level is high enough. A large chockstone provides an obvious natural anchor. It is possible to avoid this obstacle with a bit of climbing LDC.
Once past this section, wade and swim through several pools continuing to the confluence of Workman Creek and Reynold Creek. Follow Workman westward as the water carves through the rock, creating more downclimbs and pocketed / slotted features requiring deep wading or swimming. Be prepared to make about two-dozen swims throughout this descent. After navigating the creek for a cumulative 2.5 miles you'll eventually reach the area known as "Hell's Hole".
Exit[edit]
Keep an eye out for a trail LDC that leaves the creek and ascends to the rim. This overgrown yet scenic trail weaves its way up for about 1.2 miles before tapering off approximately 800 ft above the canyon floor. From here on out, the trail is well defined and better maintained. In 2 miles you'll reach the point where you originally branched off and followed Workman Creek. Another 2 miles will take you back to your vehicle.
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
ToddsHikingGuide.com : Workman Creek
