The Hype
No Kidding is like no other North Wash canyon. Instead of skinny physical narrows, No Kidding is characterized by big drops, and potholes. Think “Squeeze” in the Swell, only much smaller in scale, and dryer.
The rather shallow canyon made it a less obvious target for early canyon descents, and it wasn’t until Jason Pease posted of his solo adventure that the canyon really hit the public radar.
Needless to say, it’s one of my personal favorite North Wash canyons, for no other reason than the skills required to safely descend it are so unique. Without proper skills, this canyon can be very difficult and dangerous. Almost all descents use sandtraps as anchors, because there are so few other options. This is not a canyon for beginners, but it is a great canyon to learn and apply sandtrap principles.
Getting There
Access Road: All of the canyons in the West Fork of Butler drainage are accessed from Cedar Point road, which heads east from Highway 95 at mile marker 25.5. Follow the main track of Cedar Point road for 3.9 miles to an intersection with a clump of trees, known as the “4 way.” Park here, or follow the track heading south from the “4 way” an additional few hundred yards, and spot your car there. This eliminates a few extra minutes of hiking.
From the Trailhead: Head in a southeasterly direction from your car and find the shallow drainage that becomes No Kidding. Follow it to the head of the technical narrows.
The Canyon
Skills required: Advanced Natural Anchoring (Sandtrap), Partner Sequencing, Pothole Escape, Downclimbing
Rappels: 7 rappels, up to 200′
Exposure Risk: R
This canyon gets an R rating because it requires advanced natural anchor skills to safely descend – namely using a Sandtrap retrievable anchor. Anchors in this canyon are difficult, and not straightforward. Only do this canyon with competent leadership and advanced anchoring skills.
Water
No Kidding will occasionally hold some water, especially in the numerous potholes. More often than not, it is dry, but be prepared for mud and water if it has recently rained. The difficulty of the canyon increases significantly after a rain.
Natural Anchors
North Wash is considered a “natural anchor” area. There are currently no bolts in North Wash. Please be competent with natural anchor evaluation and building skills, and plan accordingly. Be prepared to utilize sandtrap anchors.
Gear Recommendations
Technical Canyoneering Kit – including helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear
Sandtrap
Rope – A 200 foot rope can be fixed at the top of the first rappel, to be picked up on the exit. The longest drop after that is around 100 feet.
Pads – Knee, elbow
Gloves
Flash Flood Danger: Low
The Exit
After the final 20 foot rappel, make your way to the fault line drainage a few hundred yards south of the final rappel. Gain the small bench and being routefinding your way up the Kelsey Exit.
The Kelsey Exit: This fault line canyon is known as the Kelsey Exit, and looks rather unlikely at first view. But it all goes, with 4th class climbing and a traverse out to the right back on to slickrock to gain the final rim. Be careful, wear a helmet, and route find carefully. Once at the rim, hike cross country back to your car spot.
Red Tape
BLM Land: No Kidding is located on BLM land, and currently there are no regulations or access issues.
Most slot canyons are found on public lands managed by the US Government, although a few can be found on private lands. The US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service manage these lands. Each area tends to have unique management issues. As a result, there is not a uniform set of rules governing our use of these lands. For current issues related to canyoneering access, please visit www.americancanyoneers.org.
