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View Full Version : Flagstaff - AZ. 1 day, which canyon?


Eric Holden
05-15-2013, 11:50 AM
We will be in the Flagstaff area to hike up Humphreys Peak on the 25th. We will have one or two more days for play and wanted to know which canyons are the cream of the crop in that area. Any recommendations?
MrAdam
05-15-2013, 01:16 PM
Bear, Sundance and Wilbur Canyons in West Clear Creek are some of the best canyons that are near Flagstaff, but they are about an hour south of Flagstaff near Camp Verde.
Eric Holden
05-16-2013, 11:17 AM
Thanks for the 411, after checking the beta, looks like Sundance here we come!
mzamp
05-16-2013, 12:33 PM
Illusions!!! Sundance is good, but way too short. You can combine Sundance and Bear for more of a full day, but you cannot beat Illusions...IMO
Eric Holden
05-16-2013, 12:50 PM
Illusions!!! Sundance is good, but way too short. You can combine Sundance and Bear for more of a full day, but you cannot beat Illusions...IMO

I read all about Illusions, and while I do like getting myself into things that are over my head... Having only two people, and no real pothole experience, Illusions = SAR
zul
05-18-2013, 09:12 AM
Sundance has keeper pot potential. I ran it yesterday (May 18, 2013) and all pots were full. +1 to add Bear Canyon = Nice full day.
Eric Holden
05-20-2013, 06:06 AM
Sundance has keeper pot potential. I ran it yesterday (May 18, 2013) and all pots were full. +1 to add Bear Canyon = Nice full day.

Thanks much for the beta!
Bluff-Canyoneer
05-21-2013, 05:54 AM
If you want something closer to Flagstaff, you might consider James Canyon. It's less than 10 minutes from town and the start is right beside I-17. I have not done it this year, but the swims are likely to be very cold and you'll want a wetsuit.

http://www.toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Arizona/Coconino/Coconino2.htm

http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/jampum.htm

I shot some video of the upper portion when my wife and I made an attempt a year ago. She didn't want to do the long swim, so we bailed at the 40' rappell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGhpYmYBUls

I wrote a TR at that time:
http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?64243-James-Canyon-Flagstaff-AZ
MrAdam
05-21-2013, 09:17 AM
I read all about Illusions, and while I do like getting myself into things that are over my head... Having only two people, and no real pothole experience, Illusions = SAR

Much respect for knowing your ability and not wanting to get in over your head! I wish more canyoneers were like that!

As for James Canyon.... meh. I am not a fan. It is a lot of work for a few short narrow sections, none of which are sustained, and some VERY cold swims. Like mzamp said, Sundance is good, but short, but has the 180' final rap which is awesome. Bear is less technical and only has 2 short drops, but has some of the most spectacular narrows in the Southwest!
Eric Holden
05-21-2013, 11:09 AM
Much respect for knowing your ability and not wanting to get in over your head! I wish more canyoneers were like that!

As for James Canyon.... meh. I am not a fan. It is a lot of work for a few short narrow sections, none of which are sustained, and some VERY cold swims. Like mzamp said, Sundance is good, but short, but has the 180' final rap which is awesome. Bear is less technical and only has 2 short drops, but has some of the most spectacular narrows in the Southwest!

Thanks much for the info! Being that we are coming off hiking Humprys the previous day, a good short canyon sounds great. Time to use my 187ft rope ;).