October: Canyoneering in the San Gabriels

I got an invite from the canyoneering group at one of our LA sites, and jumped at the chance to join them for a day in Big Tujunga Canyon.

Our off-trail route is highlighted

The day offered three quick drops (25', 50', and 130') before bottoming out into Big Tujunga Cyn, then a short bushwack to where the trail crosses the canyon bed and returns to the highway above. Upper Big Tujunga Cyn is riddled with short, quick descents that can be done in a day.

First rappel

Sandra on 2nd rap, with a pool at the base

2nd rap

Andy on the 3rd rap - 130'

At 130' the third descent was probably the longest rappel I've done to date. As Andy went over the brink he disappeared from sight. Once he was off the rope he blew his whistle to signal.

My turn

 

Everyone at the base of the 3rd rap

Ready to hike out

Hiking back to the road, looking back down into rugged Big Tujunga gorge