Video Courtesy Of: Jerry Arizona
Deadman’s Descent
Region: Boynton Canyon (Deadman’s Dome)
Distance: 4-5 miles + 900’-1,200’
Difficulty: Hard
ACA:3Alll
Duration: 5-7 hours (less if bypassing first 2 drops)
Rop: 2 x 200’ Rope, Or 1 x 200’ Rope + 1 x 200’ Pull Cord
Anchor Materials: 60’ of webbing + 6 rapides
Longest Rappel: 180’
Parking: Boynton Canyon TH
Overview: Deadman’s Descent is one of the original Sedona Red Rock Classics. Big rappels and a challenging approach make this a great route for intermediate to advanced canyoneers. During precipitation and run off, chances of flash floods are low, and retreat or shelter options are in abundance along the route. After strong bouts of precipitation, a seasonal spring is activated, and the result is a multi-day seep that makes for perfect conditions. If you are lucky, you will catch the cascading waterfall after a recent rain. Not recommended during icy conditions. This route is rated hard due to the challenging approach, downclimbs, and larger rappels that must be negotiated.
Adventurous Approach
Panoramic Views
Free Hanging Rappels
Archaeological Sites
Approach: Starting at Boynton Canyon TH hike a short distance to the first prominent trail junction with Deadman’s Pass. At this junction leave the Boynton Canyon trail and cross over on the Deadman’s Pass trail. As you continue just over a mile to the turnoff, you will pass the large sandstone amphitheater on your left (Deadman’s Descent) and work your way toward on obvious red rock ridge (Deadman’s Spine). If the trail bends hard right, then you have just missed your turn off. After turning off the main trail you will encounter a series of braided social trails that trend up and left towards the spine. Stay on faint social trails, being mindful of cryptobiotic crust and sensitive soils. Follow the faint trails up to the red rock and work your way over to the 35’ Class 4 crack. Stem, wiggle, and squirm your way up the crack exiting on the right. Hauling bags and partner assist will be useful here. Once you have ascended the crack, scramble up the sandstone ridge and walk (or dance) across the red rock dancefloor to the next obstacle. A short 2-move boulder problem is the last class 4 obstacle in your way. Continue up to the Coconino a short distance to before heading down to the start of the watercourse. If cutting the route short, you can traverse over to the R3 anchor where the white and red rock layer meet (purple line on map).
Descent: Starting from the top, down-hike through manzanita and scrub oak into the drainage on the Coconino layer. Up to 6 rappels down a prominent slickrock watercourse featuring a large pour-off rappel.
R1: 60’ off a tree at the head of the watercourse.
R2: 12’ Tree shimmy or hand-line.
Lower Deadman’s (starting at the red rock layer)
R3: 100’ off large tree in watercourse.
R4: 180’ off bolted anchor LDC.
After R4 is a moderate down-climb/ hike RDC to next lower ledge system. Locate R5 anchor off a large tree on the RDC shelf.
R5: 50’ off tree RDC.
After R5 trend left towards the main watercourse staying on the right side for moderate downclimbing to the next anchor. An occasional anchor is placed at the head of the watercourse for those who want to rappel directly to R6, this anchor is not needed and should not be confused for R6.
R6: 150’ from from a tree on a ledge in the center of the watercouse.
Exit: The most straightforward way to exit Deadman’s is to stay high and left on the slickrock bench. Continuing down into the main drainage can lead to a maze of trenches and dense vegetation. Follow the sandstone bench above the drainage, on the left down-canyon side. Hike eastward along the base of the fin until reaching its end. From the end of the fin, continue east a few hundred feet, cross over a wash, and follow faint game trails a short distance (Watch for sensitive soils) to the man trail. From Deadman’s Pass you can return the way you came.
Coordinates:
Turn Off: 34.91770, -111.83424
Class 4 Crack: 34.92074, -111.83974
Route Established By: Josh Marks & Jay Wisocki
Updated 4/4/24