Phog Canyon

Another short, less commonly done but just as scenic red quartzite canyon in the Sierra Anchas with two big-ish, fun rappels.

From Phoenix, drive east on US60 through Superior and Miami, turning left onto SR188, then right onto SR288. Park at a small pullout on the left after 16.8 miles, just after mile marker 275. From the car park, hike cross country northwest until you reach the drainage which comes in from the north. The exact point at which you enter the canyon is somewhat arbitrary since it is fairly open before the first drop, though it may dictate how many downclimbs you encounter prior to the first rappel.

R1: 130 feet from a large tree LDC and is mostly vertical with a partial overhang for the last 60 feet or so - very nice. After some easy hiking and downclimbing you will reach a section of tiered pools that can be climbed around on either side. R2: 70 feet from another good tree LDC. Use good rope management techniques on this drop as the rappel has a large crack at the top that could pinch the rope/carabiner block. After this rappel the technical challenges are over, so you can drop gear and continue down canyon.

A steep drainage coming in from the left just as the canyon begins to open will be your way out. Exit the drainage up the rocky slope where you find a break in the brush and begin heading up where possible. Hug the cliffs and follow the faint trail as it ascends up multiple class 3 scrambles. Use caution getting up all parts of this exit hike as the slope is very steep and the rock here can be crumbly and fall away at the slightest touch. Continue up to the rim, hike north to the wire fence, then northeast and around the dense, brushy grove near the road to get back to your vehicle.