AZ: Grand Canyon – Big Canyon

With the ongoing dry season I thought a trip down big canyon was in order before the temps in AZ started reaching 100+. After checking the river flow at Cameron I decided it was a go and sent in for the permits. Of course the next few days after sending in the permits I started seeing a change in the flow.

To make matters worse the drought was going to end with an incoming storm on Friday and Saturday bringing much needed rain to the area. I searched and searched for a contingency plan but everywhere I looked seem to have heavy rain in the forecast. It looked like we were going to have to cancel the trip and eat the permits when upon a last minute check I saw a favorable forecast with very little rain over that area. So with permits in hand we set out Friday to make our way through the maze of BoI roads to the salt trail canyon trailhead. There was a torrential downpour as we gassed up in Flagstaff. Nobody said a word but I could see the skepticism in everyone’s eyes. We drove onward and as we dropped down the north side of the peaks the rain let up. In fact when we turned onto BoI 6133 it was bone dry. We reached the trailhead without incident and set up camp for the night. We had some gail force winds but other than that very little rain during the night.

The morning skies still looked grim, but we all went about our business filling our packs.

We chose the overland route to the drop in at sheep wash. There are many many roads out there, but the navigation went smoothly.

Looking down the draw into sheep wash.

Lots of scrambling and big step downs left the old knees screaming

At least the sun decided to come out.

Finally at the bottom we started making our way to the confluence with Big Canyon.

The day was turning out perfect with deep blue skies

After about 5 hours we reached what I call the “fun” layers since I cannot for the life of me remember the names of each layer.

The downclimbs started getting fun but we were ready to suit up.

A few clouds did move over top and let out a sprinkle but nothing too concerning. However, since we were getting wet we decided to suit up.

Finally to the first rap.

Followed by the drop into the grotto.

This was a nice rap which I got to do twice since we stuck a rope.
Luckily it was sloping and I didn’t even use a foot loop. Just walked up.

Then onward to the travertine falls areas.

And after the last rap where Jill was trying to stay dry.

Upon reaching the LCR we were pleased to see the water was still blue.

And of course muck covered 5.10 savants.

The next morning we made the 3 mile trek up Salt Trail.

Did I mention steep?

Not all cairns were hard to locate.

The keeper in Salt Canyon looked fairly full, not that anyone had the energy to go through that canyon and climb back up again.

A welcomed relief to reach the top of the draw.

And a celebratory drink…of course we waited until we were off the rez.
So with a weekend of rain elsewhere I call this venture a success.

note: sry about so many pics. It is hard to narrow them down.

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