Buzzard Canyon aka Jackpot Canyon, Lake Mead NRA, Nevada

I am becoming more aware that there are secrets in the desert that are still being revealed. I think it is safe to say that I have integrated myself pretty well into the canyoneering community and would know about some of the 'less known canyons.' Even I have a few caves that I have found that I keep secret.

We gathered a crew of 5 and set out with 700 ft of rope, 100 ft of webbing, 12 rapides, and a whole lotta sarcasm. The canyon starts to narrow up and you will be walking through some scenic narrows. Easy downclimbs and scenic narrows break out into a big view and your first rap sequence.

The first rap was around 30 ft to a ledge. The next rap has a two bolt master point — throw down 200 ft of rope, there's around 10-20 ft left at the bottom. This rap was sheer with some free air to it. There is also a small cave at the bottom around 50-60 ft in length.

The final sequence takes you directly into the Colorado River — a big rap, scenic narrows, and a nice multi-rap segment. I rate this canyon among the best in the Lake Mead NRA Black Canyon range. We named it Jackpot because its probably the best canyon in the range, it was a secret being held, and we are in Vegas — once we got out of the canyon, we realized we hit the jackpot.