Droppin Low
Region: Loy Canyon
Distance: 2 miles+
Total Elevation Gain: 700’
Difficulty: Easy
ACA: 3Al
Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Longest Rappel: 105’
Parking: Loy Canyon TH
Rope: 1 x 110’ rope + 1 x 110’ pull cord
Anchor Materials: 50’ of webbing + 5 rapides
Overview: An adventurous mini canyon perfect for those new to the area and Sedona style routes. The low commitment and close proximity make this a great link up with Hang Em High.
Great introduction to overhung rappels
Fun scrambling on good rock
Easy down climbs
A fun alternative, warm up, or link up for Hang Em Hiigh.
Approach: Starting at Loy Canyon TH walk .3 miles to the approach drainage on your right. This is the first drainage you will see and it comes quick. The drainage is brushy in spots and after .3 miles of boulder hoping the drainage forks, keep right here. Continue a short distance in the drainage until you see an obvious exit on the left. Follow the faint trail through Manzanita and scrub oak. Eventually you will encounter some easy 4th class scrambling up the red rock with positive holds on pretty solid rock. This section of the approach follows the left side of the approach drainage up to the of the red rock layer. Once you have topped out on the red rock bench you have arrived at the head of the approach drainage and the start of the route. Gear up in the watercourse before walking a short distance to R1.
Descent: Start down the water course and head left down canyon to the first drop. The Anchor for the first rappel is located on a big ledge in the center of the watercourse off a pine tree.
R1: 50’ off pine tree located in the center of the watercourse.
Avoid brush by continuing down on the Left side.
R2: 35’ off a tree LDC.
Down climb RDC to bypass next short drop. The short down climb is located next to a small pine sapling on the right.
R3: 20’ off a pine on the ledge LDC. A family of Agave guards this anchor, watch your step when rigging.
R4: 105’ off a large Juniper RDC.
R5: 75’ off a tree in the watercourse.
Exit: Gear down after the last rappel and fight the brush in the drainage for a few hundred feet until it gets cleans up. Follow the drainage back to the trail and your vehicle.
Coordinates:
Approach Drainage: 34.93466, -111.92415
Leave Exit Drainage: 34.93699, -111.91954
Route Established By: Eric Moorcroft, Josh Wilson, & Mandy Wilson
