Helios Canyon

A worthwile Death Valley canyon for those that don't want to do a long day. Have an early start because the approach in hot weather is miserable.

Typical Death Valley slog up steep scree slope. Stick to the approach shown on the map starting at approximately 36.206041, -116.767867. Do not attempt to approach via any nearer gulley further south than this. Party on 10/7/18 did a more southern approach closer to the canyon up what seemed a straight forward gulley. Quickly ran into VERY CRUMBLY 3/4th class scrambling on cliff bands with lots of rock fall. Not recommended. Reach the obvious saddle and continue on the narrow ridge line to preferred drop in location. Alternate Drop In 1 (36.20536, -116.76113): (Labeling Alternate 1 as it is the first drop in option available) Carefully make your way down the steep slope, heading right (towards down canyon, everything toward up canyon will be cliffed out). The only way to the bottom of the drop in ends at the top edge of a rappel (this may be slightly intimidating for those new to DV). Be mindful and easy downclimb the last 6' to stay clear of the cliff edge.

Alternate Drop In 1 (36.20536, -116.76113) (9 rappels total from this location): Immediately at the bottom of the drop in you will be at the top of first rappel. R1: 70' down boulders, Center canyon cairn anchor Some walking and downclimbing R2: 50' slope R3: 55' vertical, cairn anchor RDC More walking and downclimbing RDC You will come across a Big Friendly Rock RDC with old webbing. Rappelling here is optional and can be bypassed downclimbing RDC. Past this optional rappel is significant more easy downclimbing large drops for hundreds of feet. R4: 60' LDC of the fork in the canyon, cairn anchor Multiple small downclimbs After this the canyon drops quickly. The last 5 rappels occur in a quick series of succession. R5: 45' LDC chockstone R6: 55' cairn anchor R7: 160' cairn anchor R8: 25' cairn anchor Some short downclimbs R9: 60' cairn anchor in 2 stages of 30' each. Be mindful when reweighting the anchor.