Barney Springs Canyon (4BIV R)

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Advanced Canyoneering 4B IV R
Length: 8 to 16 hours (may take longer depending on conditions and group experience)
Mileage: ~10 miles
Longest Rappel: 150ft (45m)
Start: Crater Tank
End: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
Permits: None (National Forest parking fee applies). Info: (928) 282-4119
Wet Suit: Required
Shuttle: Required

This is a committing canyon with limited exit options once past the early stages. The canyon is rated advanced  and "R" due to technical terrain, multiple rappels, and the presence of a significant keeper hole. This feature presents a serious hazard and should only be attempted by experienced canyoneers with proper skills, planning, and equipment.

Overview: Barney Springs Canyon is a scenic and technical route featuring narrow slots, cold water, rappels, and sections of scrambling. The canyon begins in a forested, vegetated environment before transitioning into deeper, more confined canyon terrain.

Most descents rely on natural anchors, chockstones, and existing webbing. Anchor conditions can vary and should always be evaluated before use. Bring extra webbing and hardware to replace worn anchors if necessary. A bolt kit should only be considered for emergency use by experienced parties, and unnecessary placement should be avoided.

Water is consistently present and often very cold. Prolonged exposure should be expected, and proper thermal protection such as a wetsuit is required year round.

Approach: Shuttle Setup: From Flagstaff, travel south on Hwy 89A approximately 16.5 miles and locate Shady Lane on the right. Park your exit vehicle near the West Fork Oak Creek area.

From I-40 west of Flagstaff, take Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231) south. After approximately 18 miles, cross West Fork Oak Creek and continue. At the junction about 2 miles later, turn southeast on FR 231 and continue several miles to Crater Tank. A total of 23.5 miles from the exit of Flagstaff. Park at Crater Tank. From here, head north into the drainage as it gradually develops into the canyon.

Route Description: The canyon begins with vegetation and open terrain before narrowing into more technical sections where rappelling begins.

There is an early escape option on canyon left where a tributary enters. Once past this point, the canyon becomes committing with limited retreat options.

Rappels: Estimated 8 to 12 depending on conditions and route choice. The rappel sequence may vary depending on anchor conditions, water flow, and how drops are combined or bypassed.

• Rappel 1: ~20 ft (initial dry fall)
• Rappel 2: ~60 ft
• Emergency Exit (last reasonable escape before commitment)
• Rappel 3: ~20 ft
• Rappel 4: ~60 ft
• Rappel 5: ~40 ft
• Rappel 6: ~30-40 ft
• Rappel 7: ~15 ft (optional depending on conditions)
• Rappel 8: ~45 ft
• Rappel 9: ~100 ft

Keeper Hole Section (Crux)

• Rappel 10: ~30 ft into keeper hole
• Rappel 11: ~50 ft immediately after

These are typically completed from the same anchor. Do not pull the rope after the first descent. Plan for both drops. Be prepared with ascension tools in case retreat or repositioning becomes necessary.This is the primary hazard of the canyon. Keeper holes can trap canyoneers and may not have an easy exit depending on conditions. A strong and capable member should descend first to evaluate escape options and assist others if needed. Proper planning, teamwork, and escape strategy are critical. Keeper holes can be extremely dangerous:

• Cold, slick, and difficult to escape
• Requires strategy and strong group coordination

Alternate: A bypass may be possible by climbing out canyon right or left and rigging a longer rappel (~150 ft), but this requires advanced skill.

• Final Rappel: ~80 ft before exiting into West Fork

There is no maintained trail within the canyon. Navigation and route finding are required throughout.

• Down canyon (recommended and standard exit):
  Approximately 0.5 miles of brush followed by a well established trail for the final ~3 miles
• Up canyon:
  More difficult route involving wading, scrambling, and dense vegetation before reaching a road