Telephone
Last Candition: August 23, 2011
Did this canyon again and had a great trip. Low rating because the approach to and the hike out from the canyon are long.
They've rerouted the first drop off the dead tree to a huge ponderosa covered in ants - have fun with that - that drops you right into the canyon and eliminated the second rap off the small shelf.
Be sure to watch the second anchor, other that that mostly bolt and very secure natural anchors.
Best way to hike out is to follow the canyon after it opens and then stay on the right (southwest) of the canyon and hike back towards the West Rim trail.
Couple of potholes that were more full this time but mostly avoidable. Also worth mentioning is that the rock is extremely slick in this canyon.
There was some mud and ice one the first rappel and a few small and mostly avoidable pools of water. The write ups for the canyon online are not accurate, use good judgment when throwing your ropes if you can't see the bottom of the rappel.
Watch the chokestone anchor on the 3rd or 4th rappel.
The canyon is awesome but takes an entire day. Be prepared for some technical problems. Most of the webbing needs to be replaced soon, we replaced many very rusty links. Bolt anchors are in good shape.
Anchors in good shape. First rappel anchor is off of a fairly solid tree
Anchors in good condition, a fair bit of shallow water in places throughout the canyon thanks to the recent rains, some avoidable, some not, nothing deeper than knee deep. Cabin Spring is flowing.
The anchors and webbing were okay, some should be replaced soon. The canyon was much more slanted than I anticipated which provided for some very tricky down climbs. I would make sure to have hand lines available for anyone who is not experienced with down climbing. The couple of spots with water were 100% avoidable. Make sure to have plenty of water, it is a long dry hike. If you need water make sure to filter it at Cabin Springs before you start Telephone Canyon.
Cabin spring still flowing at a trickle. Water in potholes near top of canyon avoidable. Most anchors in good shape, a couple should be fixed soon.
Take plenty of water, and start before dawn. The return is HOT.
The first pothole section in this canyon is pretty, but otherwise, I don't see the attraction. The approach hike is long, and the remainder of the canyon is dirty, awkward, and not that attractive. I wouldn't bother to do this again.
Long approach but worth it, very scenic. Got rained on the hike and inside canyon. Upper grounds absorb water well with lots of vegetation. Had some standing water but with a few skillful boulder moves can be avoided. Replaced one prickly webbing around jock stone. B & H look solid. Fun steep canyon with lots of rappels about 10.
Fun canyon, some interesting downclimbs and a few long rappels. All the anchors were in great condition no webbing needed to be replaced. Only reason for the 4 was the long approach and exit. We got started a little late (9) and it was HOT!!
The first drop in telephone is full of loose dirt and rocks to the perched tree above rap 2. The diaganol nature of this rappel is awkward as the terrain wants to swing over the 100+' drop of rap 2. A simple guide line would be beneficial for all but the first person.
It was a fun straight forward canyon. Not a drop of water. In the full sun most of the time between 9:30 - 1:30.
All anchors and webbing in fairly good shape. One set of bolts looked old and rusty, but seemed solid. Down climbed several rappels. Last rappel has bolts that are high and out of reach- not sure how to replace the webbing once it has gone bad... it's a great spot for some good natural anchoring, just bring some extra webbing.
Water was available near camp site two before taking the Telephone Canyon Trail off of the West Rim Trail.