Canyoneer Deimos Canyon, Death Valley National Park, California

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Canyoneers agree this is one of the best canyons in Death Valley. The steep approach affords beautiful views of the salt encrusted Badwater Basin below. The approach to the canyon has exposed third class scrambling over talus, scree, and crumbling rocks. In the first 1000 feet of climbing, there are few unexposed places to rest, and the slope is around 100% grade. If you are not confident with exposure, or are uncomfortable with heights and the potential for rock to crumble under you on a steep, loose slope, this may not be the canyon for you. Good route finding is necessary on the first part of the approach to avoid ending up in an adjacent ridge or canyon with a difficult traverse to get back on track. Teams should be spaced so that no one is left behind. A handline might be necessary to help anyone who gets stuck. The canyon itself is narrow, with rock smoother than in the other ranges. The rappels listed below is not neccesarily the number all teams will encounter depending on climbing skills. There are many fun downclimbs that can be done with a strong climber and partner assist, but less skilled climbers may require a meat anchor. Long sleeves or elbow padding are very helpful in the skinnier downclimbs. Waypoints in the KML map contain detailed descriptions of all the rappels (courtesy of BluuGnome.com). The rappels numbered here match with the .kml. The average group is likely to have approximately 7 more rappels interspersed and labeled as "down-climbs". Rap 1: 65' (Anchored from a boulder about 30' back. Rappel is about 30') Rap 2: 25' Rap 3: 95' from a under a large boulder anchored off a chock stone. Rappel is a partial free-hang. Rappel length may be longer if a different anchor is use. (Scenic rappel) Rap 4: 25' Rap 5: 90' There is a ledge about 5 feet down before the rappel goes into a free-hang. After this rappel there is a section of down-climbing that some may want to rappel Rap 6: 35' Rap 7: 50' Through a "rabbit hole". Rappel is a partial free-hang. Rap 8: 35' Two-stage rappel. Rap 9: 8' Free-hang and therefore not a down-climb. Rap 10: 50' Rap 11: 25' After this there is a lot of wash walking and scrambling. Rap 12: 125' Partial free-hang. Rap 13: 50' Rap 14: 50' (35' rappel anchored 15' back) Rap 15: 30' Rap 16: 25' Rap 17: 35' A lot of pinch points for rope to get stuck. Be careful. Source: RopeWiki

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