84x4bronco
11-24-2011, 08:35 PM
Hose Canyon 3A/B II
A short but sweet technical tributary of the south fork of Crucifix Canyon in the Superstitions
Rating: 3A/B II
Time Required: 3-6 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~100feet
Permit Information
None Needed
Camping/Lodging
Day trip from phoenix along SR88.
Preferred Season
Winter, Spring, Fall. Summer is hot hot, but it can be done if you wish.
Water Concerns
During late winter and spring, this canyon will be rated as a B canyon.
Special Challenges
Natural anchors are in place, lets keep it that way.
Equipment Suggestions
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Mormon Flat Dam
Directions to Trailhead
Head East on SR88 about 1 mile east of tortilla flat. you will cross a creek bed. turn left into the next available turn in spot where you will find a heavily used camping/day use area. in the northwest corner of this area, a road will drop into the wash and cross it. stay right at the first fork, then proceed up the 4wd road. you will encounter only one more fork, where you will also stay right. 1.5-1.7 miles FROM THE HIGHWAY is your target drop in for this canyon. looking off to the right from the road (northeast) you will drop into a drainage. Welcome to Hose Canyon.
Approach
Descend the ridge from the road and hike downstream.
Description: Standard Route
A couple downclimbs deposit you at R1, a side channeled flute around 85 ft tall. rappel from a bush on canyon right for most successful rope pull, although many anchor options exist. a few more sculpted downclimbs and you are presented with R2, a 50 footer from a tree slung higher up for good rope pull. A few downclimbs later you are at the confluence with crucifix canyon.
Exit
*Exiting this canyon you will need to pay specific attention to the topography on the south side of crucifix canyon.* Hike downstream to the confluence of north and south forks of Crucifix (upstream you are blocked by a house sized overhanging Chokestone). once there, hike just under 2/10s of a mile downstream. on canyon left, there will be a weakness in the cliffs, where you can routefind up and out of crucifix. i have placed a cairn there for added identification in the center of the stream on a large boulder, though i make no guarantee of its presence in the future. once on a doable route upwards, try to stay left looking uphill. the ridgeline you hike against will ultimately give you a view of your car or the ridge you hiked in on.
A short but sweet technical tributary of the south fork of Crucifix Canyon in the Superstitions
Rating: 3A/B II
Time Required: 3-6 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~100feet
Permit Information
None Needed
Camping/Lodging
Day trip from phoenix along SR88.
Preferred Season
Winter, Spring, Fall. Summer is hot hot, but it can be done if you wish.
Water Concerns
During late winter and spring, this canyon will be rated as a B canyon.
Special Challenges
Natural anchors are in place, lets keep it that way.
Equipment Suggestions
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Mormon Flat Dam
Directions to Trailhead
Head East on SR88 about 1 mile east of tortilla flat. you will cross a creek bed. turn left into the next available turn in spot where you will find a heavily used camping/day use area. in the northwest corner of this area, a road will drop into the wash and cross it. stay right at the first fork, then proceed up the 4wd road. you will encounter only one more fork, where you will also stay right. 1.5-1.7 miles FROM THE HIGHWAY is your target drop in for this canyon. looking off to the right from the road (northeast) you will drop into a drainage. Welcome to Hose Canyon.
Approach
Descend the ridge from the road and hike downstream.
Description: Standard Route
A couple downclimbs deposit you at R1, a side channeled flute around 85 ft tall. rappel from a bush on canyon right for most successful rope pull, although many anchor options exist. a few more sculpted downclimbs and you are presented with R2, a 50 footer from a tree slung higher up for good rope pull. A few downclimbs later you are at the confluence with crucifix canyon.
Exit
*Exiting this canyon you will need to pay specific attention to the topography on the south side of crucifix canyon.* Hike downstream to the confluence of north and south forks of Crucifix (upstream you are blocked by a house sized overhanging Chokestone). once there, hike just under 2/10s of a mile downstream. on canyon left, there will be a weakness in the cliffs, where you can routefind up and out of crucifix. i have placed a cairn there for added identification in the center of the stream on a large boulder, though i make no guarantee of its presence in the future. once on a doable route upwards, try to stay left looking uphill. the ridgeline you hike against will ultimately give you a view of your car or the ridge you hiked in on.