I would rate this a 5 star canyon due to its cultural resources, 4 star for just the canyon. 3 star if not flowing. It is higher in the geology than any other Sierra anchas canyon, making it geologically unique.
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As with all beta, use the information on this page with caution. Obstacles may change or may be dependent on conditions, as well as group skills and comfort levels. Rap counts may increase if downclimbs get rigged as rappels, anchors may get altered or re-rigged, and conditions will vary. Always be prepared for the unexpected (mental, or physical challenges, or gear needs that you did not anticipate), consider your options, and look for the safest alternative for your group to descend the canyon.
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The Hype
Getting There
Take 288 from Roosevelt lake until you reach the McFadden peak turnoff. Go past this tun. There will be a parking area just over a cattle guard on the east side of the road. From this parking area, you will head east for about a mile, traversing two drainages about 50' deep. Gaining a little elevation to the south will help you stay out of these. There will be a LARGE north facing prominence above the correct canyon. Head downstream until the bedrock starts!
The Canyon - Rating: 3B/C iii, Longest Rap: Potential for 90', anchor dependent. # of Raps: 5-7
THIS CANYON USES KNOT CHOCKS AND GHOSTING TECHNIQUES!!! IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS THESE SKILLS DO NOT ENTER!
Canyon is a 3B/C iii or iv, depending on loop or shuttle route. potential for R rating with anchor options. Potential for 80' of webbing and 200' of rope
R1: ghost from a small juniper on canyon right. 20' into a pool
R2: slung boulder in stream or ghost from tree on canyon left. 30-40'. Ice and snow dependent. Can be slid at high water after checking depth
R3: knot chock or sling on left face, keep anchor high for rope pull. 35-45'. Ice and snow dependent.
R4: low angle slide from sling or knot chocks on canyon right. Quite slick, with a jumble of rock at the bottom. Higher water may warrant a slide.
R5: small 15' rappel from a tree on canyon right into pool.
R6: ***limited anchor options and 2 stage rappel. Can present pull challenges.*** 70' from knot chock on canyon left in obvious crack, directional. Back it up with meat if you don't like it. Potential for a Deadman anchor 20' further back and LOW, pull issue potential.
this is the last rap in the canyon. The mine camp is somewhere in all this beta, but I'll leave it up to you to find it. Keep in mind that any of the objects in the mine camp have been documented. Vandalism or theft will result in the closure of this canyon, which is why I haven't published it for four years. Please be respectful!The Exit
Immediately (~150 feet past) following the last rappel, you will see a vertical face on canyon left with a break in it about two thirds of the way downstream. If you hit another section of narrows, you've gone too far. This is a 4th class scramble to the rim with loose rock and many cacti. Get a bearing on McFadden peak and head towards it, eventually working to the saddle between it and it's southern neighbor. This is where your car is.
If you choose the longer shuttle day, you'll encounter one more lackluster rappel, lots of downclimbs, and a LOT of beautiful geology. Not much in terms of technical stuff though. 4wd required for shuttle.Red Tape
No permits, just a sensitive environment. PLEASE RESPECT THIS CANYON.
Take 288 from Roosevelt lake until you reach the McFadden peak turnoff. Go past this tun. There will be a parking area just over a cattle guard on the east side of the road. From this parking area, you will head east for about a mile, traversing two drainages about 50' deep. Gaining a little elevation to the south will help you stay out of these. There will be a LARGE north facing prominence above the correct canyon. Head downstream until the bedrock starts!
THIS CANYON USES KNOT CHOCKS AND GHOSTING TECHNIQUES!!! IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS THESE SKILLS DO NOT ENTER!
Canyon is a 3B/C iii or iv, depending on loop or shuttle route. potential for R rating with anchor options. Potential for 80' of webbing and 200' of rope
R1: ghost from a small juniper on canyon right. 20' into a pool
R2: slung boulder in stream or ghost from tree on canyon left. 30-40'. Ice and snow dependent. Can be slid at high water after checking depth
R3: knot chock or sling on left face, keep anchor high for rope pull. 35-45'. Ice and snow dependent.
R4: low angle slide from sling or knot chocks on canyon right. Quite slick, with a jumble of rock at the bottom. Higher water may warrant a slide.
R5: small 15' rappel from a tree on canyon right into pool.
R6: ***limited anchor options and 2 stage rappel. Can present pull challenges.*** 70' from knot chock on canyon left in obvious crack, directional. Back it up with meat if you don't like it. Potential for a Deadman anchor 20' further back and LOW, pull issue potential.
this is the last rap in the canyon. The mine camp is somewhere in all this beta, but I'll leave it up to you to find it. Keep in mind that any of the objects in the mine camp have been documented. Vandalism or theft will result in the closure of this canyon, which is why I haven't published it for four years. Please be respectful!Immediately (~150 feet past) following the last rappel, you will see a vertical face on canyon left with a break in it about two thirds of the way downstream. If you hit another section of narrows, you've gone too far. This is a 4th class scramble to the rim with loose rock and many cacti. Get a bearing on McFadden peak and head towards it, eventually working to the saddle between it and it's southern neighbor. This is where your car is.
If you choose the longer shuttle day, you'll encounter one more lackluster rappel, lots of downclimbs, and a LOT of beautiful geology. Not much in terms of technical stuff though. 4wd required for shuttle.No permits, just a sensitive environment. PLEASE RESPECT THIS CANYON.
Condition Reports for Big Faddy
The information provided here is intended for entertainment purposes only. The creator of this information and/or Canyon Collective are not liable for any harm or damage caused by this information. Conditions in the backcountry are constantly changing, only you are responsible for your safety and well being.
