James Canyon (3BIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 3B III
Length: 6-10 hours
Mileage: ~7.5 mile loop
Longest Rappel: 40ft (12m)
Start: Kelly Canyon Rd
End: Kelly Canyon Rd
Permits: None. Red Rock Pass Required to Park at Pumphouse Wash
Wet Suit: Preferred
Shuttle:Optional

Overview: James Canyon offers falls, swimming, rappels, climbing, hiking, high canyon walls, lush scenery, and plain adventure. Day trips may be planned around Pumphouse Wash, Kelly Canyon, Fry Canyon, and James Canyon. James Canon may be completed in a loop with Kelly Canyon or down and back, taking a high road just north of James Canyon. Kelly Canyon is a pleasant walk (comparatively speaking); you should have no trouble exiting Kelly. Both Kelly canyon and James Canyon start near I-17, so a longer hike to avoid a shuttle is a much more excellent choice - plus, you get to see two canyons.

Approach: From Flagstaff, head south on I-17 to Kelly Canyon Rd, about 9 miles south of Flagstaff. Park near the entrance of Kelly Canyon Rd or park toward the end of the road. You can follow the I-17 south for about 0.5 miles and then head west. Or, from the main parking lot on Kelly Canyon Road, you'll see some powerlines heading south.

Completing the Canyon: Follow the powerlines or I-17 and head west into the canyon. A dry pool may contain water that serves as a marker where the canyon begins. The canyon offers very cold pools and disconnecting in deep water after a rappel. Often a wet suit is preferable. After you finish the canyon, you'll find yourself in Pumphouse Wash. Head North and enter Kelly Canyon from the right. Head back up, Kelly Canyon. You've gone too far if you see the overhead powerlines, but you can follow the powerlines back to your vehicle or at least Kelly Canyon Rd.