Bailey canyon is a short but steep canyon with a high level of commitment. After about the third rappel escape back up the canyon is not realistic. This canyon is also a high fire danger canyon route and should be avoided during high fire danger days.
Class: 3AIII
Gear: Two 120’ropes, One 60’ rope, outfits for a canyon with no swims (wetsuits are unnecessary), 30’ of webbing, steel rappel rings, bolts at each drop but be prepared to build natural anchors as bolts may be damaged by rockfall (inspect carefully). Self rescue and group rescue gear with head lamps.
Expected Time Commitment: Car to car for a small solid team – 7 hours (make sure if you may come out after dark that you park outside the gated parking area as it closes after dark).
Technical Obstacles: 15 waterfalls 20′ to 120′, several easy down climbs
Non Technical Obstacles: Loose rock above the big drop area with recent signs of rock fall. Canyon should be avoided after rains and during the height of fire season. Some poison oak which can be avoided if spotted.
Recommended Time of Year: Late fall, winter and spring. Low elevation south facing front country canyon route.
Trailhead: From Hwy 210 at the town of Sierra Madre go north on Baldwin ave until it ends. Turn left onto Carter St. take Carter to the dead end fence. Turn right into the parking lot of the Bailey canyon park.
Approach:
Exit the park to the west by following a trail that leads through a turnstile in the fence. Take the paved road up hill and continue north as the road becomes dirt the turns into a narrow but well traveled trail. (Do not go right over the bridge) continue up the trial as it works its way up the mountain. After about 1 hour of hiking the trail will begin a downward trend into the bailey canyon water shed. Take the first right turn fork down a short path to the foundation.
Descent:
#1 65′ bolts cyn right
#2 25′ tree cyn right Or easy wet down climb
#3 35′ tree cyn right
#4 65′ bolts cyn right
#5 40′ tree cyn left
#6 30′ bolts cyn right
#7 120′ bolts cyn left
#8 35′ exposed climb to tree cyn right
#9 80′ bolts cyn center
#10 20′ bolts cyn left
#11 70′ bolts cyn left
#12 25′ bolts cyn right
#13 25′ bolts cyn right near Poison oak
#14 25′ bolts canyon center
#15 45′ bolts canyon left
Egress:
Follow the water course until you intersect with the main trail used to hike in on. Follow the main trail back to the pavement and to the car park.
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