Cavern Slot

Original Scott Swaney intro: (3-3-18) - A very short walk through slot canyon. Just as a quick entry into a very pretty slot made in Conglomerate rock. Class 2 non-technical. NOTE: UPDATED 3-17-18 - came back for a second trip, and did it as a technical canyon. With a hike-up and around, and dropped into the canyon from above and completed two rappels - up to 80'. A very cool and narrow slot as it drops down over two cool slot dry-falls Addition: Short 2 Rappel adventure. Should be combined with it’s neighbor DECAF BAG for a fuller experience. Same parking, trailhead and approach for both canyons. Go up and do one, then go up again and do the other. All together should take you 1-3 hours depends on group size & speed.

Driving: From Ridgecrest, CA take the 178 East driving to Searles Valley and through the little town of Trona about 45 miles (45-60 min) from the center of Ridgecrest (178/ S Lake China Blvd). Leave the paved road at 36.03366, -117.28157 From here you will drive 9.75 miles on dirt roads. In May 2023 was done by a minivan and several sedans. No 4x4 or AWD needed. Drive 3.7 miles to the Ballarat Ghost Town. At 36.04636, -117.22284 turn Right (south) onto Wingate Road. Drive for 5.9 miles until the turn-off and turn Left (no signs or other land marks). Drive another 0.15 miles to the parking & trailhead. Hiking: From the parking area walk South. You will pass the canyon’s exit and imminently turn Left following a trail up a little ridge line. The trail drops into and crosses DECAF BAG canyon, climb a small ridge line on the other side and head to the next drainage which is Cavern Slot. Turn Left and walk downstream to R1.

Descent: 2 Waterfalls and a couple of down-climbs. Waterfalls: