Precipice Canyon

A short-day canyon near Titus Canyon in the Grapevine Mountains, Death Valley National Park. The approach is about 1,700 feet of elevation gain in 2.3 miles. 4 rappels up to 250 feet in length. The long rappel is anchored from a double rock chock in an exposed location. The canyon is essentially four back-to-back rappels, with minimal water-polishing.

From CA-190, drive about 15 miles north on North Highway (also known as Scottys Castle Road), which is a paved road. Turn east toward Titus Canyon (unpaved road, passable to all cars). Drive 2.8 miles to the mouth of Titus Canyon. There is a parking area and vault toilet here. Park. Hike on the trail toward Fall Canyon (north) about 1/10 mile to a well-worn footpath up a ridge. Take that route until it disappears in a drainage. Boulder hop up the drainage until you come to a dry fall, then exit the drainage up to a saddle to your left. Continue up the ridge. You will top out at a plateau crossed by drainages. Keep hiking up and down until you pass the prominent orange wash wall. Precipice is the drainage just after that orange wall.

4 rappels, no downclimbs. Rap #1: About 20 feet, anchored from a pinch point. Rap #2: Just under 250 feet, anchored from two rock chocks on canyon right. It's a good idea to anchor the person that's checking/replacing that anchor, because the anchor is very exposed at the top of the drop. There is some rough rock at the top of the drop, which could be an issue if the rope bounces. Rap #3: About 25 feet, anchored from a rock chock. However, there are plenty of other anchor options for rock piles or pinch points. Rap #4: About 150 feet, anchored from a pinch point in small boulders right at the top of the drop. This rappel has a scary part in the middle because of lot of large loose rocks under an overhang that can't be seen until it is too late to avoid.