Death Valley Natl. Pk. A Black Mtns and Canyons Traverse Nov 30, 2021

John Morrow · Dec 20, 2021

Here's the map.

Black Mtns Blue Trav by John Morrow, on Flickr

Up canyon not difficult. Traverse Class 2. Downcanyon narrowed into dryfalls, one of which was close to technical requiring a Class 5 downclimb. I believe relatively easy bypasses are present if one starts from bottom or has more time to search when descending. It was getting late.

Upcanyon:

P1010711 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010744 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010753 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010769 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010770 by John Morrow, on Flickr

Across Top:

P1010782 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010783 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010799 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010811 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010816 by John Morrow, on Flickr

P1010829 by John Morrow, on Flickr

Far above Artist Drive by John Morrow, on Flickr

heart of Sabriski area by John Morrow, on Flickr

Downcanyon:

descending SE Ridge by John Morrow, on Flickr

visiting a quick narrow by John Morrow, on Flickr

back on track out by John Morrow, on Flickr

uh oh, will it fall off? by John Morrow, on Flickr

yes, but downclimbable by John Morrow, on Flickr

awesome rock diversity by John Morrow, on Flickr

yikes, now what by John Morrow, on Flickr

Both canyons have branch options that could prove to be easier. Regardless of the whole loop, any time spent exploring here seems colorful and worthwhile.

Full album: