Silversmith Canyon

Similar to but slightly west of Blacksmith Canyon (San Gabriel Mountains), Silversmith Canyon is located on the southern face of Smith Mountain along Route 39. High bushwhacking commitment. There appear to be other canyons of similar technical character (that is to say, not very high) to the east and west of Silversmith.

Park near Bichota Mesa and hike up the southeast ridge of Smith Mountain to the drop-in. The upper reaches of this approach get fun and scrambly.

The drop-in consists of scree sliding followed by many short downclimbs. Lower down the bushwhacking begins which is heinous. R1: 30' - bush high DCL 90' - rappel from tree or downclimb R2: 40' - bush DCL Near the end of the canyon there were stretches of walking on clean rock which was a nice change from the bushwhacking. The drop that looked on Google Earth like it would be a big rappel unfortunately turned out to be an easy downclimb followed by a gulley slide. R3: 50' - tree (banner photo)

The canyon ends at the road.