Sayarim Canyon Extended (South Fork)

This is the original route I wanted to do for Sayarim Canyon in 2019 and I can’t be happier I now did! The upper section has so much more to offer. Keep on reading and check out the pictures… First Known Descent: 1, 6, 2021 First Known Descent Members: Eshed Bootel, Nicole Bootel, Matan Bootel, Nadav Bootel, Gil Chotam, Ty Chotam, Jodi T.

Getting There: From the 190 and Badwater Rd. junction in Death Valley (36.4484, -116.8528), drive South for about 3.9 miles. Park on the East side of the road (36.4122, -116.8456). Approach: Walk East on the North side of Gower Gulch into the canyon bypassing the lower waterfall on the left (North). After 2 miles (36.4144, -116.8209) turn right at a fork, leaving Gower Gulch. Stick to the right on the immediate second fork(36.4136, -116.8205). A 3rd fork and Right here: 36.4110, -116.8207 and shortly after the 4th and 5th forks and Rights at 36.4102, -116.8218 and 36.4098, -116.8233. At this point you will be climbing to “Saddle 1” in a pink gully. For a bonus amazing vista point walk a few feet north from the saddle before descending to here: 36.4102, -116.8240. At Saddle 1 I sat down on a rock as a Meat-anchor and the group rappelled about 160’ on a slippery slope in another pink gully. I then walked down - WATCH YOUR STEP! Once at the bottom and looking down-canyon, you will see a small brown waterfall to your left. This is where you want to go up again (36.41013, -116.82482). DO NOT continue to the next pink gully - this will take you to the original, shorter Sayarim canyon, missing on the good stuff. Climb up 3 small (5’) falls and then up to Saddle 2 (36.40971,-116.82669).

Going down a white gully from Saddle 2, you will quickly enter a narrow slot (reminded me of some Anza Borrego slots). A short walk in the slot and you are standing above a 10’ drop. It is an awkward and sandy down-climb (You might want to consider rappelling). You will then crawl under “Leaning rock” to arrive at “Hanging rock 1”. Here again you have a choice between a somewhat scary down-climb to the left under the rock, or rappel above it RDC. A few more feet and you’re crawling under “Hanging rock 2”. About 1400 feet later you will encounter the beautiful “Eagle rock” and behind it the 70’ waterfall of the Extended Sayarim canyon. After this rappel you are joining the original Sayarim Canyon. Go to that page for the remainder beta. Waterfalls: Waterfall notes: 1. It’s a great high anchor point, but beware: The exit is in a wired angle and straight into an overhang. > After this, you still have the rest of the Sayarim Canyon waterfalls.