As part of our canyoneering/rappelling training, our guide Shawn recommended Parker Creek Canyon near Globe, AZ. From Phoenix, the drive to reach the trail took approx. 2 hours including a very rough road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. We rented a Hyundai Santa Fe which made it ok but we scraped the bottom a few times and there were a lot of branches scratching the sides of the vehicle.
The quartzite canyon is breathtaking to say the least. We rappelled 5 descents ranging from approx. 15' to 80'. We also slid down several water slides. The water was ICE cold and literally took your breath away. We hiked in June so even though the temperature was in the high 80's in the canyon, I was shaking from the cold water for almost an hour. I would wear a shorty wet suit if I do this canyon again. It is important to check the weather conditions due to heavy water flow especially in the spring. The overall distance of the hike is only 2.72 miles but it took a full day due to the amount of rappelling, swimming, boulder hopping and scrambling up the last steep hill with lots of loose rock and dirt.
For directions to get to this canyon see: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=2eedf265-a4d6-43ba-8599-7fa7aff732b5
Each rappel has fixed anchors in place. Go to www.toddshikingguide.com for details.
ReplyDeleteThe top photo was an awesome 80'rappel down a cliff with Lake Roosevelt in the distance. It had gusts of wind. At the bottom was the steep ascent out of Parker Canyon
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