Hog Canyon

A nice, easy, red quartzite box canyon in the Sierra Anchas - a great beginner trip.

From Phoenix, drive east on US60 through Superior and Miami, turning left onto SR188, then right onto SR288. After driving on SR288 for 15.8 miles turn left onto an unsigned dirt road or park on the side of the road here if driving a passenger car. Drive a short ways down the dirt road, then turn right and drive to the end. This is close to where you will exit the canyon. From the parking area walk along SR288 to drop into Hog Canyon shortly after passing a faint dirt road, entering around 33.74956, -110.96510.

R1: 30' drop off a juniper tree LDC. R2: 100' from a tree LDC. Continue through a scenic section of canyon completing a few easy downclimbs and passing some avoidable pools. R3: 20' from bolted anchor LDC. It’s possible to come off rappel at the pool and traverse around on the the left. R4: 25' off tree high LDC. R5: 40' from bolted anchor RDC will bring you to a T-junction with the southern arm of Hog Canyon. Turn left and head up this drainage for the exit.

Immediately after the last rap, make your way up the side drainage climbing as you go. Some may wish for the assistance of a rope on one of the more vertical climbing sections (class IV/easy class V). This exit may be the one non-beginner-friendly aspect of the canyon (unless those beginners are also climbers). Watch for loose rock during this ascent. When the drainage begins to end after the final vertical wall, look to your right to locate a faint trail that climbs up and out of the drainage. Follow this route back to the rim and to your vehicle.