Journey Down James Canyon, Flagstaff, AZ

James Canyon is located 10 miles south of Flagstaff, AZ and feeds into Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon is beautifully forested with some desert like slot sections and about half a dozen swims through cold pools of water. The canyon floors lush deciduous fauna is quite different than the open pine forest that surrounds it and with the change of the season it’s a perfect time to see the foliage.

Technical Information:

There are two rappels in the canyon. One about 12 ft. into a pool of water. The second is a dry 40 ft. rappel from a tree.   Plan on swimming up to 150 ft. on numerous occasions in very cold water.   This canyon is best done in hot weather.   This is a good first technical canyon due to the fact that you can escape the canyon in many places.

Gear Needed:

100 ft of rope (a Canyon Tech rope would be ideal, but we just cut an old 60 meter Velocity in half), harness, belay device, a sturdy pair of shoes, a drybag, a little snack, and a wetsuit recommended.

Aprx. Time:

5 hrs. if you exit out of the bottom of the canyon and locate the forest road between James and Kelly Canyons. Returning via Kelly Canyon would be more scenic, but a longer day.

Getting There:

Exit Kelly Canyon Road on I-17 about 9 miles south of Flagstaff.   Park on the west side of the highway and walk south along the dirt road until it fades and drops into a canyon.

More Beta:

The Canyoneering Arizona book has additional information on this canyon and others.

*Note: links on this page are to companies that have given us support on these and various other adventures.

Pictures from James Canyon

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