Barney Spring Canyon

Rugged, green, and full of interesting slotty features. Multiple deep pools requiring a swim (one of which smells of sulfur). There is an optional possible keeper pothole near the end of the canyon that may require escape if this rappel sequence is taken (can be bypassed using alternate rappel). This canyon has a lot of blackberry and locust thorns on approach and exit, as well as poison ivy. Long sleeves, long pants and gloves are highly recommended! Some 5th class moves with mild exposure required on Barney sneak exit.

East Buzzard Point: For the shortest (though perhaps most insufferable) approach/exit, drive out along Buzzard Ridge and park at East Buzzard Point. Head west then southwest picking up a drainage. This drainage gets steep and slick descending down hill bushwhacking through lots of blackberry and black locust thorns. Eventually the brush will spit you out on the bottom where the canyon walls quickly grow high and slick rock appears. This route leverages the infamous Barney sneak exit. Buckhead Ridge: Alternatively, you could park at Buckhead Ridge and make a loop using the Immaculate sneak exit. Follow the Immaculate exit path a short distance from the car park before branching off to the north to access a steep side drainage which leads to the southern fork of Barney. This route's exit is a bit less horrendous, though the route adds a considerable amount of time on approach and exit as well as 6 or 7 additional rappels. It is a much longer day.

Note: Approaching from Buckhead Ridge via the ropewiki kml track adds several rappels up to 100'. From Buzzard Point: R1: 60' tree RDC set up high Be mindful of rope-eater cracks on the next few rappels. R2: 45' rock pinch RDC R3: 40' rock pinch LDC R4: 50' rock pinch RDC into pool R5: 90' bolt RDC Continue down navigating through a couple deep pools. You will eventually come up to the infamous "keeper pothole" rappel sequence (20' rappel / downclimb then 50' from bolts RDC) that may require escape gear depending on conditions. This can be avoided by climbing up on the right to find R6. R6: 90' tree RDC. This bypasses the possible keeper pothole. You can see into it on your right as you descend the wall. R7: 80' tree LDC