Crystal Canyon 3CII, Arizona

Crystal Canyon is tucked away in the desolate desert of southeast Arizona — a short but nice canyon with two rappels and a couple of jumps. We picked up permits from the reservation and headed out. The polished rock bent into the canyon itself, we started into a couple slides and jumps, got to our first rappel, then our second — and soon after the canyon was over. It went way too fast.

At the top, Apache authorities were speaking to some of our team. We were informed that Crystal Canyon is closed to rappelling and were cited for the violation. We were all surprised — we had been issued permits for canyoneering, as had other groups in the past. Regardless, the canyon is closed. The canyoneering community is an honest group that ensures conservation and preservation for all landowners. We will continue to work with the Apache to spread the message: Crystal Canyon is CLOSED. Do not attempt to rappel in Crystal Canyon. There are many other great canyons in Arizona to visit.