Big Canyon/LCR Tributaries Conditions

Hi all,

I have a permit to descend Big Canyon this weekend. Given the huge amount of rain and even snow that northern AZ has gotten this winter, I'm a little worried about major changes to the canyon.

Has anyone been through Big Canyon or other LCR tributaries and can speak to the extent to which this very wet winter has affected conditions?

I hiked into the LCR area via the Walter Powell route last week. The roads to the rim were fine and the talus slopes and redwall break were fine and didn't seem to be affected by all the moisture this year. The Little Colorado itself was flowing extremely dirty. We hiked approximately a mile and a half to the confluence without any issues, though it was muddier and slicker in places than it probably normally is. Having done Big Canyon before, I don't think you would have any issues on the approach, going through Big, or exiting Salt Canyon. If there is a problem it would be the relatively short hike from the end of Big Canyon to Salt Canyon. The bank of the LCR is likely to be a muddy mess forcing you further back in the heavy vegetation to make your way to Salt, so it's probably more of a bushwhack than normal. The other issue is water. Filter enough to get out before you leave Big Canyon because you will not be filtering the muddy LCR and it's a long dry hike out of Salt Canyon.

That's excellent info. Thank you for the beta! Hope you had a great time out there!

Bruce - did you filter water near the end of Big Canyon?

We filtered at the top of the redwall and carried it through... well, Malia carried it through. Seemed like the water near the end of Big would be mineralized.

Tom

Tom, I think that is a better strategy. I don't remember where we filtered but I do remember the last part of Big was very mineralized.

Hi everyone, just wanted to mention that we ended up having a great weekend in Tatahoysa and the roads and access trails were in excellent shape. Thanks all for the beta!