Chavez Canyon

Chavez Canyon has been done for many years and contains several nice narrows sections and several short rappels in the two forks of this sandstone layer. This was previously listed as Scrambling rather than Technical Rope Work because most drops can be scrambled around. However, there are several good rappels in these slots.

Preferred Bottom‑Up Approach: The bottom‑up approach is the recommended method. Park at coordinates 36.36813, -106.67772, below the slot south of the Christ of the Desert Monastery. Hike up to the confluence of the North and Main Chavez Forks at 36.37500, -106.67020. From just downstream of the confluence, gain the top of the sandstone layer by hiking off‑trail up the slope on the left side (rappeller’s left, or left when moving up‑canyon). From there, traverse above each rappel and repeat either fork as desired. Not Recommended — Car Shuttle Option: It is possible to leave a vehicle on top of Mesa de Los Viejos, but the shuttle requires about 1 hour and 15 minutes of driving one way, which is excessive for such small slot sections. From the parking area at Chavez Tank, a large water hole on top of the mesa, hike west‑southwest down an old road. You can access the Main Fork through a tributary or reach the North Fork by scrambling down the point of a ridge. The alternate North Fork approach via car shuttle is feasible but involves a very long route for only two rappels and required a 60‑foot rappel using a retrievable anchor from a juniper to manage one of the ledge systems. A higher‑clearance or 4WD vehicle is preferable for the mesa‑top shuttle.

North Fork Chavez Canyon: NF R0: 60' from juniper with retrievable anchor to manage the ridge descent (skip this route, it's unnecessary) NF R1: 70' from a tree Canyon Left, followed by 15' drop NF R2: R2: 55ft from a rock pinch Canyon Left Main Fork Chavez Canyon: R1: 50' (approx, based on other beta) R2: 25' (approx, based on other beta) DC: 12' (approx, based on other beta)

From the confluence, hike the trail back to the roadside parking (0.85 miles -250' elevation).