Oc1paddler
07-11-2010, 07:45 PM
Canyon Name: Little LO Spring Canyon
A challenging loop hike with a 2 great sets of technical narrows in a pristine wilderness setting. Bushwacking and boulder hopping earn you a well deserved beatiful canyon.
Rating:3B R III
Time Required:6-9 hours
Longest Rappel:50'
Permit Information
None
Camping/Lodging
You can camp at the trailhead or not to far from the springs at the canyon exit. / Flagstaff hotels
Preferred Season
Late spring thru early fall
Water Concerns
Some of the potholes are quite deep and if the creek is running it could make some of the drops more difficult to navigate.
Special Challenges
2 keeper potholes at the begining of the technical section. Both can be exited using standard pothole escape methods but at low water could present a significant hazard for the unprepared.
Equipment Suggestions
100' rope, 30' webbing, 2 rap rings, ascenders.
Topographic Maps
USGS Sycamore Point 7.5
Directions to Trailhead
Excellent directions in Todd Martin's book "Arizona technical canyoneering" or find your way to Kelsey Springs trailhead
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking area head back up the road 1/4 mile and then turn left on to an unused track. Follow the track to the end and continue cross country NE. until you arrive at an obvious drainage. Work you way down in to the drainage and follow it down to the canyon. Parking lot to the canyon will be 2-3 hours.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description
Once your in the canyon you will have several pools and one good chockstone downclimb before you hit the first set of narrows. At the bottom of the chute is a small vertical ledge that drops you in to the first keeper pothole. DO NOT pull your rope down until someone has exited the other side of the pool. In low water conditions this could be a fatal mistake! The second pothole is directley after the first but is somewhat easier to negotiate. The canyon will open up again for a short while before you enter the second set of narrows. Several small repells and or down climbs await. All can be negotiated by a decent climber but most people will want at least a good spot.
Exit
Toward the end of the second set of narrows a small canyon enters on the left. This is Babes Hole Spring Canyon. Not far after the canyon enters Geronimo Springs will be on your left. Look for the livestock trough and listen for the sounds of running water. Take the trail by the springs up to the rim and back to the Kelsey Spring Tailhead.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Boulder hopping and Bush wacking on the entrance drainage.
2024
The first keeper pothole
2025
A typical shot of the narrows
2026
A challenging loop hike with a 2 great sets of technical narrows in a pristine wilderness setting. Bushwacking and boulder hopping earn you a well deserved beatiful canyon.
Rating:3B R III
Time Required:6-9 hours
Longest Rappel:50'
Permit Information
None
Camping/Lodging
You can camp at the trailhead or not to far from the springs at the canyon exit. / Flagstaff hotels
Preferred Season
Late spring thru early fall
Water Concerns
Some of the potholes are quite deep and if the creek is running it could make some of the drops more difficult to navigate.
Special Challenges
2 keeper potholes at the begining of the technical section. Both can be exited using standard pothole escape methods but at low water could present a significant hazard for the unprepared.
Equipment Suggestions
100' rope, 30' webbing, 2 rap rings, ascenders.
Topographic Maps
USGS Sycamore Point 7.5
Directions to Trailhead
Excellent directions in Todd Martin's book "Arizona technical canyoneering" or find your way to Kelsey Springs trailhead
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking area head back up the road 1/4 mile and then turn left on to an unused track. Follow the track to the end and continue cross country NE. until you arrive at an obvious drainage. Work you way down in to the drainage and follow it down to the canyon. Parking lot to the canyon will be 2-3 hours.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description
Once your in the canyon you will have several pools and one good chockstone downclimb before you hit the first set of narrows. At the bottom of the chute is a small vertical ledge that drops you in to the first keeper pothole. DO NOT pull your rope down until someone has exited the other side of the pool. In low water conditions this could be a fatal mistake! The second pothole is directley after the first but is somewhat easier to negotiate. The canyon will open up again for a short while before you enter the second set of narrows. Several small repells and or down climbs await. All can be negotiated by a decent climber but most people will want at least a good spot.
Exit
Toward the end of the second set of narrows a small canyon enters on the left. This is Babes Hole Spring Canyon. Not far after the canyon enters Geronimo Springs will be on your left. Look for the livestock trough and listen for the sounds of running water. Take the trail by the springs up to the rim and back to the Kelsey Spring Tailhead.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Boulder hopping and Bush wacking on the entrance drainage.
2024
The first keeper pothole
2025
A typical shot of the narrows
2026