Shake Tree Canyon

Shake Tree is a beautiful ravine/gully-style canyon with flowing water. Being spring fed, it has small flow most of the year even without recent rains. Descend the canyon in class C conditions for an optimal experience.

Approach 1 Starting at Barnhardt TH, hike along Y-Bar Trail which is an occasionally brushy but well-defined trail, and then scramble down to the streambed. Park at Barnhardt Trailhead: 34.092577, -111.422283, a large parking area that can accommodate more than a dozen vehicles. From the parking spot, look south for the trail sign. Soon after starting up the trail, be sure to take the branch left/straight to get on Trail 44. If you go up Trail 43 you will be heading up to Barnhardt Canyon, a much longer day. Stay on Trail 44 for about 2.4 miles, crossing 4 gullies (or dry streambeds) and then you will see a narrow scree field that the trail runs into. The drop in is just past this rockfall. Bushwack down about 200 or 300 feet in elevation (ref. KML track). Care should be taken to avoid the sharp cacti and yucca spikes. It will take about 1.5h to 2.5h to get to the streambed, the start of the technical canyoneering section. Approach 2 4x4 approach. This route requires a high clearance. The trail is a fairly standard, moderate 4x4 trail with some ruts, gullies and rocky sections. Near the end there is a semi steep hill climb up loose rocks that could be a challenge without 4-low or aggressive tires. This route may marginally reduce hiking time and effort, but will NOT save much time overall, due to navigation of the 4x4 road. However, if you enjoy offroading and want a little extra adventure then air down your tires and enjoy the ride! The social trail from 4x4 parking starts out good, then becomes faint as it weaves further up the ridgeline through juniper, manzanita, and a variety of cacti. Trace the ridge to Y-Bar trail. 1-2h and about 1.5mi from 4x4 parking to the first rappel. Note: The south fork of the road which would be more direct is a private gated ranch that should not be used as a short cut. Reference the KML 4x4 track.

The technical section is short but packed with 9 rappels. Some deep wades may be encountered but swimming should not be necessary. Be warned that many of the rocks in this canyon, even when dry, are smooth and slippery. Grippy shoes should be worn and knee and elbow pads should be considered. Several sharp edges also exist along some of the rappels. Be mindful of rope placement. R1: 45’ rock pinch R2: 40’ rock pinch R3: 165’ tree Canyon Right R4: 70’ tree R5: 35’ tree high Canyon Left R6: 75’ rock pinch R7: 40’ tree Canyon Right R8: 50’ rock pinch Canyon Right to first stage, then optional 15’ downclimb R9: 35’ rock pinch