Chrysalis Introduction
| Rating: 4-C3 R IV ***** Time: 10-14 hours Season: Low: July-Sept Norm: Aug-Sept High: Aug-Sept Number of Raps: 10 plus 1 jump Longest Rap: ~140ft Gear: 2x 200ft rope, 150ft webbing, 10 rapides, bolt kit, wetsuit, neoprene gloves, technical canyoneering gear Rubber: At least 4mm/3mm. 5mm or more recommended under most conditions. Hazards: Powerful flow, long raps in waterfalls, natural anchors, rock fall hazard. A very long one-day route. An excellent understanding of class C canyoneering technique and basic natural anchor skills are required. |
Vehicle: Passenger car Car Shuttle: About 11.4mi of slow going Approach: 1/2mi Exit: 3.6mi |
Introduction:
Imagine a canyon carved out of white marble with raging waterfalls that feed emerald green pools. That is Chrysalis canyon and it is an incredibly special place in the Sierra. A descent of Chrysalis is both intimidating and awe inspiringly beautiful. Arriving at the bottom end of the canyon is like a rebirth into the world. For the experienced and highly competent canyoneer, a descent of Chrysalis is pure joy and a day that won’t soon be forgotten.
All the water that flows through Chrysalis canyon comes naturally from snowmelt high in the Sierra. During the early summer and well into July in most years the flow in Chrysalis will be raging and far too high for a canyoneering descent. The canyoneer must time his/her descent for later in the season when the flow has subsided to a reasonable level. Fortunately the beginning of the route provides many opportunities to gauge the flow while the canyon is still relatively easily reversible. Even so, attempting a descent of Chrysalis under high flow conditions would be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
Full route descriptions with driving directions, canyon play-by-plays and more are available to Sierra Canyons members. Membership to the site is by invitation. Sierra Canyons members can invite new members or from time to time you may request an invitation from the site adminstrators. You may ask members for an invitation on the forums or check the sidebar for invitation requests.
