Kelly Canyon (2AIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2A II or 2A III depending on conditions and route choice
Length: 4 to 8 hours depending on route choice
Mileage: ~4 mile loop to Road #237, ~7.5 mile loop with James Canyon, or variable for out and back exploration
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Kelly Canyon Rd
End: Out and back, or loop shuttle options
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: Not required, but possible with a vehicle staged at Road #237 or when combining James Canyon

Overview: Kelly Canyon offers a scenic and relatively easy canyon hike through a forested environment with limestone canyon walls, open terrain, and light vegetation. This route is best considered a non technical canyon hike with canyoneering characteristics rather than a technical canyon.

The canyon is wide and open with no sustained narrows or required rope work. Water is seasonal and often minimal or dry depending on conditions.

Kelly Canyon is most commonly used as part of a loop with nearby canyons such as James Canyon, providing a more technical canyon experience.

Approach: From Flagstaff, head south on I-17 approximately 9 miles to Kelly Canyon Road. Follow Kelly Canyon Road to its end and park near the access area.

A social trail may be present near the parking area leading north and dropping into the canyon. Entry into the canyon may require light route finding depending on your starting point.

Route Description: From the access point, descend into Kelly Canyon and travel west along the canyon floor. Navigation is generally straightforward, though social trails may appear and disappear.

Exit: Continue down canyon until reaching Pumphouse Wash, or turn around at any point depending on your planned route.

• Out and Back: Return the same way
• Shuttle Option: Once you reach Pumphouse Wash, head north until Road #237 intersects and you reach your shuttle. 
• Technical Canyoneering loop: Commonly combined with James Canyon

If you encounter powerlines overhead when traveling Out and Back, you have traveled beyond the typical turnaround point. These can be used as a navigation reference back toward Kelly Canyon Road.