The Hype
Headdress Canyon has everything canyoneers love all wrapped up in quick 3 hour tour. While it’s short in length, the ease of access, low difficulty level and proximity to Tortilla Flat make it a great canyon for beginners or those looking for a short, fun canyon. This is, in all likely hood, one of the few canyons you can literally walk from your exit to a saloon, drop your pack, and order burgers for lunch. The final rappel, with its boulder cave entrance and gorgeous alcove, are sure to make a lasting impression on new canyoneers and grizzled veterans alike.
Getting There
Access Road: State Route 88, aka the Apache Trail, takes you out from the town of Apache Junction toward Canyon Lake and on to Tortilla Flat.
Car Spot: As you approach Tortilla Flat, immediately before the road curves left into Tortilla Flat, pull over onto the left (north) side of the road on a wide gravel patch. This puts your car within a couple hundred feet of your exit point.
Canyon Access: Walk back up the road back the way you came until you see a gravel patch with a fenced structure. The hillside on your left is the route up, with the beginning of the route marked by a small Forest Service sign post ( 33°31’33.41″N, 111°23’44.93″W). There is a small social trail that peters out shortly thereafter, so the best bet is to take the path of least resistance straight up the hill heading south/south-east (as a point of interest, the following directions are only one way up getting up Geronimo’s Head, there are any number, some easier, some harder). When you reach the ridge, head to your right and down across a narrow valley of white tuff, then back up hill. Continuing uphill and to your right, you will reach a red outcrop of rock you climb/scramble over (to the right) until you reach a flat area. Head straight (and slightly right) across the next shallow valley. Keep to the right of the now protruding yellow ash rock formations, until you reach the entrance to a gully that lets your walk straight down into the canyon and to the first drop. The GPS coordinates of this entrance gully are 33°31’16.99″N, 111°23’45.86″W.
The Canyon
Equipment: One 150′ rope, 3 rap rings, 20′ webbing, wetsuit (in colder/wetter parts of the year), helmet
This canyon requires decent off trail hiking skills and navigation to make it up and around Geronimo’s Head. The first rappel is 30 feet into a pool that contains water year round. The anchor for this rappel is a gift wrapped rock in a crack on canyon right. After a short, albeit pretty section of slick rock, the next optional rappel is 15 feet, although this rappel is downclimable for those comfortable with one (slightly) tough move. The third rappel and real gem of this canyon is a 65 foot drop down a fluted alcove, a rarity in these mountains. The entrance to this rappel is under boulders stacked up at the top, which requires climbing down into to rig up. The anchor is a pinch point up and to the right once inside the small boulder cave. There is room enough in the cave for two people, if assisting beginners with rigging if necessary. (Note: if doing this canyon in flood stage as class C, this anchor can be flipped up to the top side of the boulders, as the cave will be unusable).
The Exit
After dropping into the alcove, take time to enjoy the beauty of the place, de rig, and continue down canyon. Immediately after exiting the alcove, it is necessary to downclimb on the right side of a large boulder. It’s preferable for some to lower packs on this drop first, and a handline might be necessary for those not as comfortable with their downclimbing skills. Continue rock hopping down stream, making sure to enjoy the scenery. About 15-20 minutes later you will encounter a large pool that may contain water, and offers an interesting bouldering route around the right side to stay dry. Keep on hopping rocks till you reach the road, your car, and warm chum waiting at the Superstition Saloon.
Red Tape
No permits are required. Headdress Canyon is located within the Superstition Wilderness, which is part of Tonto National Forest.
