String of Pearls Canyon 3BIV

String of Pearls Canyon is in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just outside Las Vegas — named for the series of potholes and plunge pools in rapid-fire sequence before the large drops appear. Located north of Mud Spring Canyon and south of Old Bill Canyon. Rated 3BIV (some give it 4BIV for the natural anchor challenges and extended drops). 10 hours car to car in 100-degree heat — hungover. Not quite as straightforward as advertised.

Upper series: drops under 100ft through pothole plunge pools. Once past the potholes the canyon face opens into a gorge with tiered raps up to 200ft. First big drop: ~150ft to a platform, then another 200ft, then a series of boulder-hop drops to the final tier: 100ft, 170ft, 70ft, and 50ft. Reminded me of Spry Canyon in Zion but with more pothole plunges and amazing views. More committing than expected but we had no problems.