James Canyon (3BIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Intermediate 3B III (moderate technical canyon with cold water and route finding)
Length: 6 to 10 hours
Mileage: ~7 to 8 miles depending on route choice
Longest Rappel: ~40 ft (12 m)
Start: Kelly Canyon Rd
End: Kelly Canyon Rd (loop or out and back options)
Permits: None. Red Rock Pass required for parking near Pumphouse Wash
Wet Suit: Preferred
Shuttle:Optional

Overview: James Canyon offers a well rounded canyoneering experience with waterfalls, cold pools, short rappels, and sections of scrambling through a scenic forested canyon environment. This route is often combined with Kelly Canyon to form a loop, with James Canyon providing the primary technical section.

Water is typically present and often very cold. Expect wading and possibly swimming depending on conditions. A wetsuit is recommended, especially in cooler months or after recent flow.

The technical portion of the canyon is relatively short, but includes rappels into pools, slippery rock, and confined sections that require careful movement. While most rappels are short, conditions may vary and rope work is often preferred.

Approach: From Flagstaff, head south on I-17 approximately 9 miles to Kelly Canyon Road.

Parking options include:

• Near the entrance of Kelly Canyon Road
• Further along Kelly Canyon Road closer to access points

From the parking area, follow either:

• Powerline corridors heading south and west
• Terrain features and drainage lines leading into James Canyon

Entry routes are not well marked and require basic navigation and route finding.

Route Description: Enter James Canyon and descend downstream through a mix of open sections and narrower canyon features. The canyon provides a short but engaging technical section within an otherwise moderate loop.

Rappels: (Estimated 2 to 4 depending on conditions and route choice)

Rappel locations and lengths may vary depending on water levels, anchor placement, and route selection.

• Rappel 1: ~10 ft or downclimb / scramble
• Rappel 2: ~15 to 20 ft, often into a pool
• Rappel 3: ~8 ft or handline using webbing
• Rappel 4: ~40 ft vertical drop (longest rappel)

Some of these drops can be bypassed by experienced groups, though water levels and terrain may make rope use preferable.

Exit

After completing James Canyon, you will enter Pumphouse Wash.

• Head north up Pumphouse Wash
• Locate the entrance to Kelly Canyon on canyon right
• Follow Kelly Canyon upstream back toward your starting point

Kelly Canyon provides a more gradual and non technical exit.

If you continue too far and encounter powerlines, you have passed the intended exit, though they may still be used as a navigation reference.