Salome Jug- Canyoneering

Warning: Technical Canyon

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Estimated hiking distance: 5.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 650 feet
• USGS Topo Maps: Armer Mountain, Greenback Creek
• Difficulties: Much swimming, some downclimbing, one large (30ft) rappel into a deep pool and one small rappel
• Special equipment: Harnesses and rappelling gear, 80ft rope, 20ft webbing, one rappel ring, drybags
• ACA Rating: 3B III

View of Salome Jug from the hiking trail

Second to last Swim.  The water was cold here

Located on the far Northeastern side of Roosevelt Lake is a slot canyon known as Salome Canyon or simply, "The Jug."  This canyon requires technical know how, including rappels.  Please do not attempt unless you are properly outfitted. Also check weather conditions- the last place you want to be when it is raining  is in a slot canyon. The Salome Creek has cut through the granite rock and formed a mile long slot canyon.  It starts out relatively easy, with boulder hopping and wading in the stream, but quickly cuts into the granite becoming narrower and deeper the further down the canyon you go. There are numerous sections that must be swam.  The two longest sections of swimming coming at the very end where the slot opens up into a ravine.  The longest swim is nearly 100 yards. Several natural water slides are found throughout the canyon which make for a good time sliding down and into the pools.

The best time to do this trip is May, June and September.  We did the trip in September.  The water level was fairly high due to rain the previous week.  There is one 30 foot rappel towards the end of the canyon.  This is the fun one.  You have several options.  - if the water level is high enough, you could jump- but I'm to much of a wimp for that.  2- rappel of the chains to the right of the waterfall or 3- have some fun and have someone belay you right down the waterfall.  I opted for this, it was loud and the water was strong, but you couldn't wipe the grin off my face.
We also used the rope to belay off a small 10 foot drop off.  During the last storm it appeared a flash flood had washed away a previous route.
This trip is exhausting.  It is also cold, as you are in the water while in the canyon nearly the entire time.  However; we did not use wet suits- it is not that cold, especially in September. Once you finish the slot canyon you have a hike up and out along an old jeep road back to your car.

Trailhead Directions

Me under an Awesome Rock

From the intersection of State Highways 87 and 188 about 60mi northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, drive southeast on SR 188 for 19.4mi through  Punkin Center to mile post 255. Turn left following the sign for the A+ Cross Road and note the odometer reading. The dirt road drops down into the wide river valley and, after about a mile, crosses the stream at a broad ford where the water is usually only about six inches deep. On the other side continue on the good dirt road following the posted sign for Salome Creek. At a fork where dirt roads go left continue straight as the road becomes asphalt. This asphalt road ends at a boatramp and campground but, about 1.8mi before that (and 2.3mi from SR188), you must turn left onto a dirt road signposted A+ Cross Road. This turn is easily missed but if you arrive at the boatramp just backtrack 1.8mi. The dirt road winds in and out of various drainages as it climbs. Soon the imposing mass of Dutchwoman Butte comes into view ahead to the east. As you come to the last ridge between you and the Butte, you will easily find the A+ Cross Trailhead, 10.1mi from SR188 at 33^o46.24'N 111^o8.17'W. The parking area is on the left side of the road. Except in winter, the ford and the dirt road are passable in a 2WD vehicle but a high ground clearance, 4WD vehicle is preferable.
  
Trail 

30 foot waterfall into "The Jug"

The trail leading to the slot canyon is an old jeep trail.  It heads down into the ravine on your right.  It is a 2.4 mile hike until you reach the slot canyon.  You will see a sign that says "Salome Wilderness Area."  Walk up the path a ways and follow one of the numerous spur trails to the creek.  You can find many easy access points into the slot canyon as it pretty much starts from nothing.  Head into the creek and start finding your way downstream.  The further you go, the more difficult, hence more fun, the hike becomes.  The slot canyon is only 1 mile.  But it is slow going. Once you reach the waterfall you are nearly out of the canyon.  Rappelling off this is the highlight of the trip.  The swim after the rappel is close to 100 yards.  You will reach a small landing and see the opening of the slot canyon, which pools into a ravine.  The last swim is long but head towards the tree on the far right of the pond.  Exit and you will see a trail heading into the brush.  Follow this trail, marked by cairns, up the hill.  This trail will meet up with the old Jeep trail you hiked down.  By the time you reach the top you are going to be dry as remember it is a 2 mile hike up and out.  

This trip will definitely be on the yearly to do list. However, I plan on camping someone in the area the next time around, as driving back to the valley after this trip makes for a very very long day.