Slippery When Wet – A Guide to Canyoneering the Sierra Nevada

Introduction

This comprehensive guidebook covers 67 technical canyon routes from the Kern to the Feather River in California’s Sierra Nevada region. It offers detailed descriptions, maps, and an extensive collection of vibrant color photographs. The routes cater to a wide range of experiences, from quick day trips to extended canyoning adventures. Additionally, the book provides in-depth discussions and guidance on predicting and estimating waterflow within the canyons of the region.

The Sierra Nevada in California is renowned for offering some of North America’s finest swift water canyoning experiences. Its creeks and rivers have sculpted gorges characterized by crystal-clear water, concealed waterfalls, opportunities for cliff jumps, and natural waterslides. During the spring, the snowmelt transforms these creeks into powerful and occasionally treacherous torrents, with water levels decreasing to gentle trickling streams as the snow recedes in the fall.

This guidebook encompasses descriptions of over 60 routes, ranging from shorter excursions to multi-day journeys. It includes an abundance of color photographs, topographical maps, and comprehensive route explanations.

The primary aim of this book is to assist experienced canyoneers in the selection, planning, and access for these routes. The route descriptions encompass essential details, including notable obstacles, the longest rappel, an approximate count of rappels, access difficulty, estimated timeframes, and instructions for accessing the canyons by driving and hiking. Given the significant impact of water flow on the difficulty of these canyons, the book places particular emphasis on helping readers access canyons at their preferred flow levels. It provides detailed instructions for planning trip dates based on snowpack and estimating flow levels using online gauges and in-person observations.