Chevelon Canyon (2AIII)

Location: Apache-Sit Greaves National Forest
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2A III or 2A IV
Length: 8-14 hours
Mileage: ~8.8 miles
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Chevelon Campground
End: There and Back
Permits: None (Check with the USDA)
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: Optional

Overview: Chevelon Canyon offers forest, pools, open canyon, and more. Although this canyon offers a basic canyoneering experience, the canyon is often used by fishers and backpackers. A shuttle can be arranged by spotting a car at Chevelon Campground and beginning your journey at Chevelon Lake Campground. Or, you can travel back the way you came. The canyon has running water, but getting wet is typically optional because the canyon is so open.

Approach: From I-40 in Winslow, head south on Hwy87 to Hwy 99. Continue south on Hwy99 some 25 miles to Forest Service Rd #504. On FR #504, drive 7.3 miles past Forest Service Rd #169 to Chevelon Campground. Park here and begin your adventure upstream or spot a car here and head back to FR #169. Drive south 9 miles on FR #169 and turn left to get to Chevelon lake campground.

Completing the Canyon: Follow the stream up or down the canyon, depending on where you start. Consider this canyon a nice off-the-path hike with social trials created by hikers, fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Please adhere to "Dispersed Camping" guidelines for the Apache-Sit Greaves National Forest if you plan on camping.

• No camping or campfires on the forest within city limits.
• No camping within 0.25 mile of a water source.
• Camp at least 1 mile from a paid or designated campground or established recreation area.
• Use only down and dead firewood. It is illegal to cut standing trees or tree limbs off of standing trees. Keep campfires small. Burn all wood and coals to ash, and put out campfires completely before leaving. "Leave no Trace" ethics.
• Always use the pack-in/pack-out method to dispose of litter.
• Use a digging tool to bury all human and pet waste at least 6 to 7 inches deep.
• Pets are welcome in most areas but must be kept leashed.