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 the sunlight. I look further back and see an opening with a series of green drops pointing toward the milky blue Little Colorado River. The canyon was filled with life and color in a place so barren and potentially fatal to most forms of life. Spring water flows year round from the lower portion of Big Canyon — shedding water for over 200 miles within the northeast region of Arizona.

Before hitting the redwall we hiked over 4 miles of dry wash — the canyon gets interesting 3 hours from the car. Green algae slopping raps to 90-100ft, a small cave under flowstone, Emerald Pools platform, and four total raps. The exit brought ninja obstacles: chutes, thick vegetation, snake avoidance, and quicksand near the LCR — sinking almost thigh high before crawling over the mud flat. Rewarded with electrifying blue water, warm swimming, and a perfect beach camp. 5am exit beat the heat — 4 hours back to the trailhead. A truly unique canyon.

🎒 Gear for this: Sterling Canyoneering Rope · Petzl Grigri+ · Petzl Vertex Helmet · Petzl Canyon Harness