Pumphouse Wash

Location: Coconino National Forest
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B III
Length: 6-10 hours
Longest Rappel: none
Start: Hwy 89A (10 miles south of Flagstaff)
End:  There and Back
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: No (optional)

Overview: Pumhouse Wash is a lovely canyon forested along its edges with several small pools. Depending on the time of year you will find more or less water to wade through or not. Toward the head of the canyon and near James canyon the walls of the canyon extended much higher. The length of the canyon is 7.5 miles, so a ‘There and Back’ is quite the hike. Plan for a long day or set up a shuttle at the end where Pumphouse Wash crosses underneath Hwy 89A, and drive north back onto Hwy 89A and turn right on Forest Service Rd #237, about 1.5 miles from your spotted car. Follow Rd #237 where it crosses Pumphousew Wash and park. Head down canyon.

Approach: From Flagstaff head south on Hwy 89A. Drive just past Oak Creek Campground and follow the switchbacks to the end where the road crosses Pumphouse Wash. This is where Pumphouse Wash and Oak Creek intersect as well.  Park somewhere off the side of the road and scramble to the canyon floor. Head east, upstream in the Pumphouse wash.