Big Canyon 3BIV, Little Colorado River, Arizona

Getting over the edge I started to smell the fresh scent of aquatic life — the mineralized water and the sound of falling water sparkling into sunlight. The canyon was filled with life and color in a place so barren. Spring water flows year-round from lower Big Canyon — a 200-mile watershed in northeast Arizona.

Four major rappels — green algae slopping waterfalls, Emerald Pools, small flowstone cave. Exit required crawling over quicksand near the LCR. Rewarded with electrifying blue warm water and a perfect beach camp. 5am exit back to trailhead in 4 hours. A truly unique canyon.