Edwards River v3a4IV***

42m (rebelay allows 30m pitch)

Public access

8hr30min

Only 6 pitches (several of which are jumpable) but lots of interesting bouldering, downclimbs and mandatory swims. Mostly single bolt anchors.

There are a few hydraulic features that are easily avoided, but a slip while climbing or traversing could see you in a bit of trouble. Body-belays are recommended for the lead canyoner for these sections, and also for accessing some of the anchors.

Notwithstanding the above word of caution, the only sequency feature is the large siphon at R2. Climb up onto the TR of the flow, then across the chock-boulder to the TL, and up 5m to the anchor, then rap down into the pit with lots of rope out, swim with the flow around the corner whilst on the rope. There is a ledge just below water level on the right of the flow at the top of the last 6m drop. From this ledge, pendulum/step to the left side. Pull the rope from there, then downclimb/jump the last waterfall.

If it all gets too much at any point, there are multiple escapes on the true left back to the track.

First kayak descent October 2012.

Equipped by Tom Johns & John Harris February 2020.




First Kayak descent, a few years earlier….

One trip report Log your trip

  1. Natasha Mealing says:

    Everything in perfect condition. Jumps are all good. Getting to the bolts requires confident scrambling. This may be due to the thought out bolt placements to keep them away from the flow of water when the levels get high. The water was higher than when we descended last year. It looked more like John and Tom’s photo this time. Awesome canyon!

    • Date: 20/03/21
    • Water level: normal
    • Anchor conditions: All in good condition
    • Group size: 3
    • Time: approach/descent/return (eg: 1hr/4hrs/3mins): 2.5hr/5.5hr/1hr

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