Illusions Canyon 3BIII, Arizona

When canyoneers look for the best canyons in Arizona outside the Grand Canyon, you might hear the 'I' canyons echoing. There are three — Immaculate, Insomnia, and Illusions. Illusions is, in my opinion, the most scenic of the three. Narrow corridors, deep pools of cold water, and a few questionable anchors encountered throughout. The approach from the car was straightforward with a bit of bushwhacking to the first rap.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: BRING THE PROPER THICKNESS OF WETSUIT. This canyon is quite cold and you will get hypothermia without proper exposure protection. The hue of a failed sunbeam illuminates the dynamic of these corridors. Log jams and organic debris tell a story of a violent past — this is not a place to be when water rages through. Animals caught in flash floods have been found in the inescapable potholes. We even sank a rope in a deep pothole and spent repeated attempts swimming in 40-degree water to recover it — unsuccessfully. The canyon claimed another victim. Completed the loop in 8 hours. No shuttle needed. June is the best time to visit. Visit Ropewiki for beta. Do not enter without experience and proper equipment.