Pumphouse Wash (2BIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B III
Length: 6 to 10 hours
Mileage: ~7.5 miles end to end or variable for out and back exploration
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Hwy 89A crossing or Road #237 / Kachina Village
End: Out and back or shuttle
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Optional depending on conditions
Shuttle: Optional

Overview: Pumphouse Wash offers a long and scenic canyon hike through a forested environment with seasonal water, small pools, and open canyon terrain. This route is best considered a non technical canyon hike with canyoneering characteristics rather than a technical descent.

This canyon is best used as a connector route rather than a primary destination. It is commonly used to link routes such as James Canyon and Kelly Canyon or to create longer loop or shuttle based outings. The canyon gradually deepens as you travel upstream from Hwy 89A, with taller canyon walls and more defined features appearing near the upper sections around James Canyon and Kelly Canyon.

Water is seasonal. Expect wading and possible wet sections depending on conditions. Avoiding water is not always possible.

Approach: Spot a vehicle in Kachina Village, where service Rd #237 crosses Pumhouse Wash, or at the top of  Kelly Canyon. Then use service Rd #237 to reach Hwy 89A. Head south on Hwy 89A and drive past Oak Creek Campground to the switchbacks where the road crosses Pumphouse Wash. Pumphouse Wash and Oak Creek intersect here as well. Park somewhere off the side of the road and scramble to the canyon floor.

Primary access points include:

• Hwy 89A Crossing:
  From Flagstaff, head south on Hwy 89A past Oak Creek Canyon. Near the switchbacks, the road crosses Pumphouse Wash. Park safely off the road and descend into the canyon. Use extreme caution when parking, as traffic can be fast and visibility limited.
• Road #237 / Kachina Village:
  Access Pumphouse Wash where Forest Road 237 crosses the drainage near Kachina Village.
• Kelly Canyon Access:
  Access via Kelly Canyon for loop routes or shuttle setups.

Route Description: Head east, upstream in the Pumphouse wash. A small canyon will enter from the right just a little ways in. Then James Canyon will enter form the right about 2 miles in. Kelly Canyon also come in a the right about 3.7 miles in where you can exit if a shuttle has been set up at the top of Kelly Canyon. Just a little further and  the canyon crosses services Rd #237, where another opportunity awaits for a shuttle set-up. If you set-up a shuttle in Kachina Village complete the 7.5 mile hike of Pumphouse Wash. 

From the Hwy 89A crossing, travel upstream (generally east) toward Kelly Canyon and James Canyon. You can expect open canyon hiking with gradual elevation gain with seasonal water, pools, and possible wading. The canyon offers loose rock, sandy sections, and vegetation with Route finding along the wash.

Key junctions along the route:

• A small unnamed drainage enters from canyon right early in the route
• James Canyon enters from canyon right approximately 2 miles in
• Kelly Canyon enters from canyon right approximately 3.5 to 4 miles in
• Forest Road 237 crosses the wash further upstream

These junctions provide opportunities for loop routes, exits, or shuttle options.

Depending on the year, there are opportunities for wadding or swimming in pools, but most water travel may be avoided.

Exit Options

• Out and Back: Return the same way from your chosen turnaround point
• Kelly Canyon Exit: Exit via Kelly Canyon with a shuttle
• Road #237 Exit: Complete the full ~7.5 mile route with a shuttle between Hwy 89A and Kachina Village

Route choice depends on distance, time, and shuttle setup.