Canyoneer Cherry Canyon Virgin River Gorge BLM, AZ

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This is a technical canyon. If you are unfamiliar with how to build anchors or the gear required for canyoneering do not attempt this route.

Cherry Canyon uses a similar approach to its bigger neighbor Portal Canyon. Cherry is a short, pleasant canyon, great for late winter/early spring. Note that even though this is a dry canyon, you'll have to cross the Virgin River in order to start the approach. Check for river flow conditions before doing the canyon. Also, there is a divider within the Virgin River Gorge, making the northbound side of the Interstate the only place to park.

We crossed the Virgin River and headed up the major wash that curved east and then south. An easy-to-miss turn-off on the left up a minor drainage would serve as our ascent route. It's a little convoluted, but the drainage hits a dryfall and we began ascending up a Class 2+ crack to get to the ridge above. From here, we followed a ridge and a gully, picking the least brushy route we could find for about a thousand feet of vertical gain. We reached the end of a ridgeline where we could see the entrance to Cherry Canyon. We scrambled down into the drainage and followed the wash as Cherry Canyon became progressively more narrow. The rappels came on fairly quickly, all using solid anchors or bolts on our visit. The narrows were delighful and the rappels fun. The longest rappel was mellow and we didn't realize it was the big one until after finished the canyon. Cherry Canyon opens up for a while, and then narrows for a few more rappels, none particularly interesting.

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Starting down to the Virgin River, crossing it and heading to the opening visible on the right.

Heading up the major wash. Eventually a small drainage comes in on the left.

After heading up the small drainage, we hit the dryfall you can see on the left, and ascended the Class 2+ crack on the right.

Looking back as we ascend a gully/ridge combination.

Ascending the slope.

Looking back, much higher up the ridge.

Looking down into Cherry Canyon's head.

The wash leading to Cherry Canyon.

First Cherry Canyon rappel.

Pretty lighting.

Gorgeous narrows and fun, short rappels.

The big rappel.

Close-up of the big rappel.

Narrows following the big rappel.

Chockstone rappel obstacle.

Simul-rap because why not?

More gorgeous narrows.

Cherry Canyon opens up for a bit.

Looking back into the end of the Cherry Canyon main narrows.

Last few rappels are mostly open and are more just cliff bands to get down rather than fun, narrow slickrock.

Looking back up at one of the final few little rappels. After these, we were back in the main wash and followed it back to the Gorge.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!