The snow melt has been keeping Frye Canyon flowing too high to run, until just recently. It was between 3-3.5cfs when we ran it.
Spotted this fella on the drive up, just below the reservoir.
Our gang of six.
Top of the narrows and first waterfall.
Double stage with a cold swim in between
I got pounded on this rap. Froze my brain. Felt like I just gulped a 64oz Slurpee.
One of the crew dropped my rope/bag in this pool. Luckily we found it after about 5 minutes of fishing.
Not your typical dessert canyon
Just below the upper section. Some elected to exit here due to mild hypothermia.
Saved this little guy.
Sliding rappel
Most the rock was supper slick
The chute which causes the problems when the flow is higher than 3.5cfs.
The lower section was surprisingly warmer than the top due to the lack of wind.
Swimming across the reservoir.
skunkteeth
Maybe its the angle but the ninth picture down gives me the willies where the guy with the blue helmet is sitting
Great pictures, looks like a very fun canyon!
Mike Zampino
It’s partly the angle and although I would not sit that close to the edge, it is probably okay due to height of drop and amount of water below. The locals have many hand lines so they can climb up and jump off. Those hand lines are the most terrifying thing…IMHO.
Mike Zampino
That is the third one I have seen in the wild. #1-north of Lake Pleasant on a Mt Bike ride. #2-Sunrise trail hiking in the McDowell Mts. #3-On the road to Frye Reservoir. This is the first time I was ever able to get a photo, although nobody volunteered to put down a hand for a point of reference. That guy was very quick in running for the nearest bush for cover, so I imagine he could strike fairly quicky if felt threatened.
townsend
Great photos and trip report. I am most impressed by that nice photograph of the gila monster — one of only two venomous lizards in the U.S. Though protected by law in Arizona, they must be rather rare — has anyone else ever seen a gila monter during canyon capers?
Kuenn
Beautiful!!