Sundance Canyon, Arizona

Typically I find short canyons to be a tease or not worth the effort — but Sundance Canyon was quite nice. There are not too many raps but as you work lower you get some fascinating views and a jungle-esque canyon in otherwise arid Arizona. The water gets cold quick — even with a wetsuit you can get chilled as it drops into the low 50s/upper 40s.

As you start to shiver, warm air blows up the keyhole as you bend around the corner — a luminarium of color and depth takes over. You're rappelling 180 ft of mostly free air to a beautiful ending into West Clear Creek. We were greeted with hikers clapping and Stephen bringing cloth flowers from above — apparently there was a lingerie party in this canyon and we were not invited. He is now known as 'Steve, who came down from the sky to give flowers.' Well played!