Hang ‘Em High
Region: Loy Canyon
Total Distance: 2.5 miles+
Total Elevation Gain: 900’
Difficulty: Moderate/ Hard
ACA: 3All
Duration: 4-5+ hours
Longest Rappel: 180’
Rope: 1 x 200’ + 1 x 200” Pull Cord
Anchor Materials: 60’ of webbing + 6 rapides
Parking: Park at Loy Canyon TH. This road can get bumpy towards the end and may be impassible during heavy precipitation.
Overview: Hang ‘Em High is a true Sedona classic in a less traveled area with a few overhung starts that most will either love or hate. This route is rated moderate/ hard because although this it is short there are some challenging starts and one 180’ rappel. Escape from the technical section could be difficult to impossible under certain conditions. Stuck ropes and dangling adventurers make up common tales of this Sedona adventure route. If timed right the slick rock watercourse transforms into a cascading waterfall with ancient ruins high on ledges in the back ground. I have taken note that this is probably not the best introductory option for those new to the sport or the Sedona “style” of canyoneering. Experienced Canyoneers looking to dive into aggressive overhung rappels and funky dismounts in a more remote wilderness setting will truly enjoy this wild Sedona option.
Sporty Approach
Over hung rappels
Iconic Alcoves
Archaeological Sites
Approach(1+ hours): Starting at the Loy canyon trailhead hike a third of a mile up and over a small mound to the first open drainage on the right side. Follow this farily clean dranaige another .3 miles to a small fork, take the fork right. Continue a short distance to the drainage exit on the left. If you have gone too far up the drainage it will get more choked out with bushes and eventually end. After you leave the drainage you will follow a social trail up to the red rock bench. The trail meanders through Manzanita up to short sections of 4th class scrambling. Staying left of the approach drainage watercourse, views open up as you will soon arrive at the top of the red rock bench and the head of the approach drainage. The first pesky rappel can be bypassed by trending right past a large overhang and towards R2 (Blue line on map). Depending on weather conditions and experience of the group I may bypass the first rappel. To continue to R1 follow the track a couple hundred feet up to R1.
Descent(2+ hours): 5-6 rappels down a beautiful alcove system.
R1(optional): 90’ off a small pine tree set back from the edge RDC. This rappel can be especially challenging for those new to overhung “Sedona Style” canyons. Experienced canyoneers should have no problem clearing their device over the edge, but beginners will likely scrape the rock and get hung up on the first rappel. For safety and preservation purposes I tend to bypass this rappel. If I do choose to do this rappel we use a retrievable anchor to prevent further damage to the edge.
R2: 100’ off a tree and into a slot section with bushes LDC. Set the pull RDC on this rappel and try to keep it out of the bushes on the left side.
R3: 100’ off boulder in watercourse to the bottom. There is a ledge halfway down this rappel where you could get of rope and downclimb RDC. Pull cords will get sucked into the crack at the top if not placed RDC and away from the crack. Pulling from the first ledge RDC has helped me prevent this issue and made retrieval easier.
R4: 50’ from a tree with a funky start.
R5: 180’ from a large boulder. If this rappel has flow or runoff, trail the rope to the bottom. Water will suck the rope bag into a channel RDC making the rappel difficult and less enjoyable.
R6: 80’ from bolted anchor LDC.
Exit (Less than 1 hour): The exit is fairly short and straightforward through the main drainage and back to the road and trailhead. The drainage can be taken all the way to the road if needed or there is an alternate with a social trail that returns closer to the trailhead. The exit coordinates will be provided as well. If exiting the drainage it is important to watch for sensitive soils and unforgiving cat claw.
Coordinates:
Approach Drainage: 34.93465, -111.92415
R1 (optional): 34.93540, -111.91390
Exit: 34.93160, -111.92067
Preservation: Please respect sensitive terrain and archaeological sites along your journey.
Route Established By: Jay Wisocki & Josh Marks
