Canyoneering Beta

Class:
4A/B III

Gear:
Ropes: 2 @ 250′, 1 @ 120’ ropes, 30’ of webbing, steel rappel rings, bolts at each drop but be prepared to build natural anchors. Self rescue and group rescue gear with head lamps

Expected Time Commitment:
Solid team of four from car to car, 4-5 hours.

Technical Obstacles:
Long multi-pitch waterfall rappel with class III canyon travel. Be experienced with multi-pitch rappels before attempting. Do not attempt alone – always bring a partner.

Non Technical Obstacles:
Some route finding on the egress. Loose earth slop egress.

Recommended Time of Year:
Later Fall, Winter, Early Spring good right after a nice rain.

Finding the Trail Head:
Find the town of Romona located in north east San Diego County
1. Head northeast on Main St toward 8th St. – 1.0 mi
2. Continue on CA-78/Julian Rd. – 20.0 mi
3. Turn right at Pine Hills Rd. – 1.6 mi
4. Turn right at Eagle Peak Rd. NF-13S06 – 1.1 mi
5. Turn left to stay on Eagle Peak Rd. – 7.6 mi
Eagle Peak Rd @33.011620, -116.712859

As you drive along Eagle Creek road you will see an obvious drainage form on your right. at about 33.013889,-116.712999 you will see a large cliff band of rock that makes up the head wall for the canyon. you can park your car anywhere along the dirt road that you see fit. The further you drive down the worse the road becomes and the better view you will get of Mildred Falls and the canyon below. You may take tome to size up your egress at this time as well looking for the informal path of least resistance that you can climb from the canyon bottom back to the road.

The Approach:
From your car park hike back up the road until you cannot see the main part of the canyon.The creek will come very close to the road making a good place to jump in. Follow the creek down canyon until you get to the top of the first rappel.

The Canyon Descent:
A single bolt anchor will give you an 100′ rappel point down to an exposed ledge where you should find another bolted anchor point. The second rappel will be roughly 250′ and mostly free hanging. From there continue down canyon along Class III & IV terrain until the canyon begins to turn to the right. At that point you can begin looking for a way to to climb out canyon left back to the road.

This canyon was consumed by fire in 2002 and possibly again more recently. The class III section of this route may be filled in with debris. Bolts may be affected.