Workforit Canyon

[rcwild]

For anyone interested in doing a little investigation and exploring, the reward will be an incredible canyon. There are a few other, less spectacular canyons in the area. Don't get disappointed if you fail to find the right one on your first try.

Rating: 4B IV XX

Special Concerns
Serious pothole escape challenges, especially in low water conditions. Map reading skills and scouting required to ensure you are in the correct canyon. For advanced/expert canyoneers only.

Water Concerns
Cold water year round, even in summer. Full wetsuits required.

Topo Map
Wilson Mountain 7.5

Directions
The first objective is to get to FR#231 which is Woody Mountain Road. It runs south from I-40 near Flagstaff and is a major road and ok for passenger cars.

Here's the easy way (but a longer drive): Directions to FR#231

From Phoenix, take I-17 north into Flagstaff. Turn left (west) onto Route 66 at a Cheveron gas station and sign for I-40. Drive 1.9 miles on Route 66 and turn left (south) onto Woody Mountain Road following the signs for the arboretum. Woody Mountain Road (which is also Forest Road 231) crosses over Highway 40 and after 1 mile becomes well graded dirt.

Here's a shorter way from Phx, BUT, the roads are rougher and more difficult to follow: Optional rough road directions to FR#231

From the junction of State Highways 179 and 89A in Sedona, head north on Highway 89A. Drive 17.4 miles on 89A and turn left on FR #535. Drive 5 miles on this dirt road to a sign pointing left for Harding Point. Turn right (remaining on FR #535). Drive 5.5 miles on a semi-rough road as it travels through some rutted fields staying straight at any branches. Where it ends turn left onto FR #231 (better road).

OK, once you're on FR#231 follow it south for quite a ways (more than 20 miles if coming in via route #1, about 15 miles via route #2). Continue on FR#231 to just past a scenic overlook which looks down into the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness (the lookout will be on the right and is not marked by a sign) and turn left onto FR #9019M and drive ~0.4 miles to a fairly well defined campsite with fire ring on the left.

[rcwild]

Heard from someone who is upset that I revealed their secret canyon on this forum. Even though the canyon is on OUR public lands, it is easy to understand why they feel protective of such a special place.

They did share some concerns that are important for me to add to this beta.

The canyon does have quite a few potholes, including some that will present serious challenges, especially in low water conditions.
There is a nearby canyon that includes a 320 foot rappel. Stumbling into that canyon by mistake will have dire consequences if you're not prepared.
Be sure to study the topo carefully and scout the canyon before entering.
The area includes species of rare plants and mosses. Tread lightly.


Dead Cow Soup and the Secret of Illusions Canyon (http://canyoneering.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/dead-cow-soup-and-the-secret-of-illusions-canyon/)

[mgetchis]

I would mind the water-levels in this region; we descended this after the last precip being a month ago in snow form and the pots were still full. If the pots are full, escape is easy. Tom has certainly advised properly on it not being for beginner/intermediate canyoneers. The party should be equipped to perform beginner direct-aid moves and advanced pack tosses. By beginner I mean some experience on using direct aid gear is a bare essential.

Funny story behind this canyon, I spent a year gathering beta before we attempted it. We were more than ready; but this is not to say that this canyon should be taken lightly. To be honest, I wanted to post full GPS track that showed the world how to find the place because I felt as though the elitists canyoneers did not want to play nicely. After descending the canyon; if you can't find it on the suggested map than you shouldn't be there.

With my previous warning standing; I feel it necessary to share my experience related to this canyon. Bring a bolt kit, thank Todd, and do not use your kit unless absolutely necessary.

Also, canyons can be generally over-rated. Like I said earlier, I spent a great deal of time researching this place. Most of what I gathered from scuttlebutt on the internet was the long-winded garbage of over the hill, or under-prepared (E.L.) canyoneers. See "Dead Cow Soup" or more appropriately "Possibly dead people soup" (note the garments).

If you know what you are doing you could complete it in 6-8 hours, from sign in to the fork opposite the orient.

[Boltman]

This Canyon is also known as illusions. Went through it in June of 2011, Great trip. We hiked the AB young trial as our approach, the cut west (not reaching the look out tower). If looking at a map hiked about half way to the tower from the to of the switch backs before shooting our compass bearing to the north west, leading us to descend the drainage which is a tributary of the main drainage for illusions. I do not advise this approach!!!! The swacking in the drainage was thick, long and hard. If your group is not fit or have experience in extremely difficult terrain, dont do it! I loved it, like I was in New Zealands beach forest again!!! A better approach is to continue you hike to the lookout tower, you will then meet the end of 231 at East Pocket, hike past pine tank the up fr9019 ( distance is slightly longer compared to "previous stated approach" but will save 2-3 hours!! If you group is looking for a challenge, Go for the swack!!! was awesome.

All keepers were full, this canyon is very cold!!! 7mm needed. exposure in water is high without much dry spots. there were 13 rappels I believe. Longest of 120'. many short raps, some anchors are ????? but most are very good, there are bolt chains also.

Have fun!!!