Illiam Canyon

A rugged West Fork of Oak Creek canyon. Known to be one of the easier to access of the West Fork canyons, this one should not be underestimated. Leave the pothole escape gear and the wetsuits, and supplement them for bushwhacking layers and trekking poles. You will make your way up 31 switchbacks with scenic views of Oak Creek Canyon, then trudge your way through dense brush to the top of the canyon where things start to get good… Notorious for being the Bermuda triangle of ropes in Oak Creek Canyon, this route requires careful rigging and a skilled last man down to avoid potential rope pull issues. The minimum requirement for this canyon is an arduous approach up AB Young, and a team with a strong leader and knowledgeable last man. Read beta carefully, pay attention to detail, and bring extra rope to successfully unlock one of oak creek canyons best kept secrets. Your reward will be rapping down to and out of a 45' hidden arch. Followed by a few more unique rappels through some wild West Fork back-country.

Starting at Bootlegger Picnic area, cross Oak Creek and take the AB Young trail up 31 switchbacks to the top. Leave trail shortly after top down into a small valley. Go up and over hill to other side. Then down into main canyon drainage. After some brush, come to first small optional rappel.

R1: 30' off of tree back RDC or go high LDC to avoid. R2: 10' off of boulder or go high RDC to avoid. R3: 150' off of boulder LDC. R4: 120' off of boulder LDC. The La Bella De Hew arch rappel. R5: 60' off of boulder pinch. R6: 180' off of boulder pinch. The Chute rappel. set pull side LDC. R7: 200' off of tree LDC. The Patio rappel. set pull LDC. R8: 80' off of tree root. tread lightly to not damage moss covered wall. R9: 20' off tree or go high LDC and down steep slope.

Follow West Fork Oak Creek trail east to trailhead and exit vehicle.