Tanner Wash

Location: Marble Canyon / Bitter Springs region, AZ
Rating: Advanced Canyon Hiking 3A III
Length: 1 to 2 days
Mileage: ~14 miles round trip
Longest Rappel: None required using bypass route. 60 ft recommended but optional rappel at primary dryfall
Start: Bitter Springs / Tanner Wash access
End: Out and back or Loop
Permits: Navajo Nation permit are required. 
Wet Suit: Not typically needed
Shuttle: No

Overview: Tanner Wash descends from the Bitter Springs region into the dramatic Marble Canyon landscape toward the Colorado River corridor. Beginning as a broad sandy wash, the canyon gradually tightens and deepens through layers of Kaibab Limestone and Coconino Sandstone before entering increasingly rugged canyon terrain.

The route offers a scenic combination of open desert drainage, narrow sandstone sections, dryfalls, polished rock, and expansive Marble Canyon scenery.

While generally completed as a non technical canyon hike, some parties choose to rappel the primary dryfall obstacle rather than utilize the steep bypass route.

Approach: Access begins near the Bitter Springs area at the junction of Hwy 89 and Hwy 89A between Page, Marble Canyon, and Flagstaff. Several dirt roads and washes provide access into Tanner Wash. Respect private property and nearby homes within the Bitter Springs community and avoid blocking roads or driveways.

From the access area, descend into the broad sandy drainage and follow Tanner Wash downstream toward Marble Canyon.

Route Description: The upper canyon begins as a relatively open sandy wash with gradual descent through desert terrain. As the canyon deepens into the Coconino Sandstone layers, the drainage narrows and the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged.

One of the primary obstacles within the canyon is a large dryfall estimated around 60 ft. Most non technical parties bypass this obstacle by ascending steep slopes on canyon left above the sandstone cliffs before descending back into the drainage farther downstream.

The bypass is steep, loose, and exposed in places, though it avoids mandatory technical rope work. Some technical canyon descents instead rappel the dryfall directly depending on conditions, anchor availability, and chosen route variation.

Tanner Wash is typically dry except after storms. Small pools and potholes may occasionally be present within lower sandstone sections. Flash flooding remains a serious hazard.

Exit: Most parties exit via Hot Na Naa Wash by continuing downstream above the Colorado River approximately 2 miles beyond the lower section of Tanner Wash to the confluence with Hot Na Naa drainage. From there, follow Hot Na Naa Wash upstream toward the rim and exit routes near Bitter Springs.

An alternate option is returning the same route upstream through Tanner Wash, though many consider this variation more strenuous due to the steep bypass terrain and repeated elevation gain.

Colorado River Exit: A final alternate variation involves descending the lower canyon via an approximate 40 ft rappel directly into the Colorado River corridor, then using float tubes or packrafts to travel downstream toward access points near Hot Na Naa Wash.

While this variation may initially sound appealing, the Colorado River presents extremely serious hazards including powerful current, cold water, hydraulics, and difficult shoreline access. Small flotation devices such as float tubes can become highly dangerous within the confined Marble Canyon environment.

Reaching Hot Na Naa Wash from the river also requires difficult route finding. Parties must locate weaknesses, talus slopes, or ledge systems above the river corridor in order to bypass lower cliff bands and gain access into the drainage farther upstream. Navigation errors near the river may result in dangerous terrain or impassable cliffs.

Regardless of the chosen return route, expect physically demanding travel involving loose rock, steep canyon slopes, route finding, and extended mileage through remote desert terrain.

Important Notes:

• Route finding is required
• Loose rock and steep terrain common
• Exposed scrambling on bypass routes
• Optional technical rappel variation exists
• Flash flooding is a serious hazard
• Summer heat can become extreme
• Limited shade throughout much of the route
• Cell service unavailable
• Overnight travel may require additional backcountry planning and permits

Tanner Wash offers a rugged and remote Marble Canyon experience combining non technical canyon travel with optional technical challenges for more experienced canyon parties.