Video Courtesy Of: Jerry Arizona
Chopper Drop
Region: Boynton Canyon
Distance 6.5 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,000’
Difficulty: Moderate
ACA: 3AIII
Duration: 5-7 Hours
Longest Rappel: 195’
Rope: 2 x 200’ or 1 x 200’ + 1 x 200’ Pull Cord
Anchor Materials: 35’ of webbing + 4 rapides
Parking: Park at Boynton Canyon TH, restrooms and parking pass available at the kiosk.
Overview: Chopper Drop has quickly become a Boynton Canyon favorite with a fun approach and memorable rappels. If completing the Boynton Canyon routes this is a great link up, or half day adventure. For maximum value catch this route with a trickle of flow/ run-off. The easy starts and straightforward nature make this a good route for those new to the area.
Subway Cave
Long rappels with easy starts
Safe option with run off / precipitation
Approach: Start the hike into Boynton Canyon veering left at the initial trail junction with Deadman”s Pass, and continuing on the Boynton Canyon trail. Less than 5 minutes into the hike you will pass the Boynton Canyon Vortex and Kachina Woman spire on your right, and the humming vibrations of the Enchantment Resort on your left. The first mile and a quarter are heavily trafficked and hug the resort, but views of caves and ancient dwellings soon come into view.
Follow the trail 2.4 miles to a large alligator juniper on your left, the turnoff to the Subway cave on your right. Turn off the main trail at the large juniper tree on the left, and onto the obvious social trail on your right. The trail will cross a wash and continue towards the subway. Continue straight on the social trail .4 miles until arriving at the Subway cave. If you feel lost on this short stretch, start backtracking until you connect with other groups headed to the popular tourist destination.
Turnoff: 34.92767, -111.86187
Subway: 34.932459, -111.863042
Exit the subway cave by down-climbing the ramp below the scenic keyhole. Stay on the sandstone and do not drop back into the wash. Stay high and left exiting the subway and following the cliff face and social trail up and left along an overhung cliff face. One short section of stemming and a small double arch cave will on your left will let you know you are on the right track. Continue on the established route through dense brush until you reach the top and arrive at the sandstone slab at the top of the next bench. There is a flat area under a small overhang on the left, this is a great spot to gear up and take in the views. From here hike up the sandstone nose to the West and continue past Manzanita to the next prominent water course. Downclimb next to a brushy gully and arrive at R1.
Downclimb: 34.93327, -111.86939
Descent:
R1: 20’+ off tree in the center of the watercourse or downclimb on the right side.
R2: 195’ off boulder in water course. Continue past first ledge halfway down the rappel to the bottom. Bonus points if a chopper flies by while you’re on rope!
R3: 40’ from single bolt LDC. A cool rappel with running water.
*** After R3 walk the cougar ledge on the right side of the canyon and grab a snack before R4!
R4: 170’ from tree in the center of the water course. Use extra caution when deploying the rope.
Exit: Continue left down the drainage until it connects with the main Boynton canyon trail. Follow Boynton Canyon trail back your vehicle.
Preservation: Please respect sensitive terrain and archaeological sites along your journey.
Route Established By: Eric Moorcroft, Paul Halinan, & Michael Skeer