Wasp Canyon

A short, rugged Superstitions canyon with one or two rappels. From Phoenix, drive east on the US 60, then east on state route 88. From Tortilla Flat, continue for 9.5 miles as you descend down towards Fish Creek. Soon after passing the Fish Creek Bridge there will be a parking lot on your left with a large pile of dirt. Park here for it is approximately where you will emerge.

From the parking area, hike along the road continuing east for about .7 mile. When you can see a break in the cliffs above to the south and feel like you've got a good line on it, go for it. There is a very faint use trail immediately following the bridge that traverses over to the saddle. It is steep, brushy and loose. There is an interesting cave on the right in the cliff with some likely very old metates in it - if you're doing Wasp Canyon, you've got time to check it out. Either way, continue up and past the cave, through the break and over the saddle, then down the other side to access the canyon.

Go right (west) down canyon. One or two short rappels of around 35-45 feet max and a couple technical downclimbs await.

Once the canyon opens you can follow the drainage north east all the way back to the road and the parking area, or hike along side the drainage on the slopes to avoid the brush. Either way you will run into catclaw acacia. There is an incredible amount of catclaw in the exit of this canyon. Bring long sleeves and pants.