canyonexplorer
03-31-2014, 12:32 PM
This is my first canyoneering trip report. I had a very interesting experience in Bear Canyon last weekend and wanted to share. Bear Canyon is located near the Mogollon Rim and feeds into West Clear Creek in central Arizona. It is supposed to be a short (2.8mi), yet challenging canyon with a very gorgeous section of narrows. I used the description provided by Todd Martin in AZ Technical Canyoneering to arrive at and navigate the canyon. It is a very good guide. My wife and I arrived at the parking lot (at the end of FR 143E) around 1PM and began our trip. It was about 70 degrees outside yet we knew the water would be cold in the canyon, but not sure just how cold. I had a full wetsuit and my wife just her shortie wetsuit (we would later realize that both of us were unprepared). Todd's book said to hike up the road for 15mins and then drop down into the canyon. Our 15 mins of hiking must have been at a much faster pace since we passed the spot we were supposed to head down and ended up getting a bit lost east of the entry point. Checking out the topographical map, we realized our mistake and eventually got back on track (added an extra 45+ mins to our trip time). From hiking through pine needles and small rocks/boulders for 30 mins, the canyon quickly narrows, becomes very chilly, and mossy. This canyon is a gem and completely took us by surprise once we found the technical narrows section. One can see many pools through the deep, dark, mysterious narrows lying ahead of an interesting downclimb atop a large boulder wedged in the narrows. Now that it was chilly, we put on our wetsuits and completed the downclimb. We soon came upon the 1st of 3 rappels; this one being only 15 feet and dry. It didn't give us much warning of what lied ahead. Soon thereafter we came to an ice sheet-covered pool of water. Reluctantly we both dove in and swam (while breaking up ice) about 20 feet to the other side which was just atop a waterfall and the start of the 2nd rappel. If it hadn't been for nearly freezing to death from the swim, this rappel would have been the highlight of the trip. We obviated rappelling into the deep end of this rappel and managed to get off rope in knee deep water. Soon after this we had arrived at the 3rd and final rappel. We were shocked to realize that we would soon be in about a 10+ feet deep pool who's exit was blocked by many logs. We would have to disconnect from the rope while wading in the pool and pull our rope down. We decided to double rope rappel so that we wouldn't have to wait long in the below freezing water. I was to go first and wait for my wife in the pool (I pretended not to be the coldest I've ever been in my life as to not frighten her from entering). We managed to complete this obstacle, but at the expense of mild hypothermia because of not bringing adequate clothing. A dry suit would have been required to complete this trip, and even then, not entirely comfortably! We didn't have caps and neoprene gloves. Will be buying those today to add to my gear!! After warming up, which seemed to be an eternity, we finally managed to continue on. To our dismay, we found yet ANOTHER pool with no chance of skipping. This was the longest yet. About a 50ft swim (and breaking up ice along the way), likely to take a good minute or 2 in below freezing water and already we were freezing. We knew that this swim could demobilize our arms and legs and perhaps prevent us from finishing the swim. We found a way to climb on the left of this pool and save ourselves about 25ft of swimming. Having NO other choice and darkness approaching, we had to jump in and literally swim for our lives! Almost near the end of the swim my wife lost her ability to move her arms and I had to push her out. Fortunately we made it out of the swim and more importantly, out of the narrows and into warm air. After collecting our wits, we continued out of Bear Canyon and into West Clear Creek where we finally were able to bask in the final minutes of sunlight. Twilight set in and we quickly found the trailhead up and out of the canyon to the parking lot and our car. I don't think we have ever been happier to see our car and gave thanks to still be alive!
This experience was miserable, but I think it has been the experience that has taught us the most about canyoneering. I've heard and read so many first hand accounts of other canyoneers with similar challenging experiences, but you always think that it won't happen to you! I will never go into a canyon again without more than adequate attire.
After finishing that canyon, I thought we had survived it and can move on with our lives! Bear Canyon is still laughing at me! I ended up touching some sort of poisonous plant which gave me a nasty rash on my face. It is not poison ivy, but the doctor couldn't figure out which plant caused it. So as I write this, I have a sunburn like rash on my face as a constant reminder that Canyoneering is a real life-threatening challenge. It is this challenge that draws me to it, but I should never become blind to its risks. As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I am definitely stronger and smarter after having completed this trip. It sounds sadistic, but I don't regret this trip and the learning experience. Perhaps this knowledge will save my life next time. Can't wait for the next canyon!
Here are some photos from the trip
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This experience was miserable, but I think it has been the experience that has taught us the most about canyoneering. I've heard and read so many first hand accounts of other canyoneers with similar challenging experiences, but you always think that it won't happen to you! I will never go into a canyon again without more than adequate attire.
After finishing that canyon, I thought we had survived it and can move on with our lives! Bear Canyon is still laughing at me! I ended up touching some sort of poisonous plant which gave me a nasty rash on my face. It is not poison ivy, but the doctor couldn't figure out which plant caused it. So as I write this, I have a sunburn like rash on my face as a constant reminder that Canyoneering is a real life-threatening challenge. It is this challenge that draws me to it, but I should never become blind to its risks. As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I am definitely stronger and smarter after having completed this trip. It sounds sadistic, but I don't regret this trip and the learning experience. Perhaps this knowledge will save my life next time. Can't wait for the next canyon!
Here are some photos from the trip
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