Manzanita 

Region: Boynton Canyon   

Total Distance: 6 miles +

Elevation: 900’  

Difficulty: Moderate  

ACA: 3AII     

Duration: 4-6 hours Fast times: Under 4 hours

Longest Rappel: 150’

Rope: 2 x 150’ 

Anchor Materials: 60’ of webbing + 5 rapides

Parking: Park at Boynton Canyon TH. Parking pass and restrooms are available at the kiosk.

Overview: Tucked between Slingshot and Chopper Drop this route matches up in rappel quality, but may require a little more effort. An optional steep downclimb entrance can be used to bypass the dense manzanita thickets at the head of the watercourse. Downclimbing the steep crack would probably put this route in the hard category. Entering the route can be challenging during precipitation or icy conditions, making Slingshot and Chopper Drop more worthwhile. Out of the 3 routes that start on this bench manzanita is the least traveled providing a feeling of solitude and charm.

• Engaging but optional down-climb entrance

• Finishes with a long free hanging rappel

• Hidden mini slot

• Challenging when wet or icy

Approach (2 hours): 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 right off the main trail at the large Juniper tree and onto the obvious social trail. 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 on your left. 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. Manazanita is the next alcove system west or just past the sling shot start. Hike up the sandstone nose and to the brush choked notch. Entering the route you will encounter bushy terrain at the notch which can be downclimbed in dry conditions.

Downclimb Crack: 34.93288, -111.86752

Descent (2 hours): After entering the main alcove keep left working your way to the next drop.

R1:  30’ off the base of a tree in the center of the shelf. Overhung and challenging dismount/ start. Slippery when wet.

R2:  75’ off tree overhung at the bottom.

Continue in drainage/ watercourse

R3: 25’ off tree

R4: 35’ off tree on edge LDC. A funky start lands you next to a hidden short slot on your left. This little gem is one of the highlights of the route and shouldn’t be missed. The slot is a great spot to practice stemming and to take a small reprieve from the sun.

R5: 150’ of a tree in the center of the canyon.  Trail the rope to avoid cacti on ledges and potential hikers below.

Exit (1 hour): Exit left down the main drainage until it links up with the main trail. Take a left onto Boynton Canyon Trail and continue back to the parking lot. If you’ve got extra time check out Ponderosa nearby.

Preservation: Please respect sensitive terrain and archaeological sites along your journey.

Route Established By: Eric Moorcroft, Nick Clegg, Kevin Iosue, and Brandon Levander