Barney Spring Canyon

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Intermediate 4B IV
Length: 8-16 hours
Longest Rappel: 150ft (45m)
Start: Crater Tank
End:  West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
Permits: None (National Forest parking fee. Info: 928-282-4119)
Wet Suit: Yes
Shuttle: Yes

Overview: The canyon offers some technical fun, pools, scrambling, slots and more. Bring a bolt kit just in case natural anchors are not to be found. The canyon is deep with high walls and some narrow sections. The water is expected to be very cold. The adventure begins in a very vegetative area and progresses through a beautiful canyon.

Approach: Spot a car at West Fork of Oak Creek trailhead. From Flagstaff head south on Hwy 89A. After approximately 16.5 miles from Flagstaff, Shady Ln. comes in on the right. Spot a car here in this parking spot. Then head back to Flagstaff. From Route 66 just west of Flagstaff exit Woody Mountain Rd (service rd #231) and head south. After 18 miles you’ll cross West Fork of Oak Creek. Continue south. At the junction after 2 miles turn southeast on #231. Follow for a few miles more to Crater Tank and park here. A total of 23.5 miles from the exit a Flagstaff. Head north and follow the drainage as the wash begins to develop into a canyon. Head down canyon to your spotted car.