I managed to get away to meet an old college friend in Fresno keen to try a couple new adventures. First up would be a canyon adventure down the Upper North Fork of the Kings River, better known in the canyoning community as Upper Jump Canyon. Lower Jump Canyon is perhaps the most famous canyon in the Sierras, while Upper Jump is the upstream extension. I wasn't expecting the same excitement and commitment as the lower canyon, but the upper canyon actually had quite a lot to offer, perfectly suited for a reasonably long day of exploring with some first time canyoners. The canyon was a little over a two hour drive from Fresno so we arrived around 10am. Rather than drive two cars that distance to perform a 2.5 mile car shuttle, Jameson offered to setup the shuttle and run back to the start. This worked perfectly and a short 20 minutes later we suited up (warm!) and then started splashing our way down the canyon (cold!). Jameson and Kellee quickly seemed to appreciate the beauty and fun of the canyon. Everyone wished the water was a little warmer though.
At the first big pool there was an optional 25ft drop Jameson and I each took a lap on. A short distance further was a spectacular bedrock hallway with a waterfall rappel or a solid 35ft jump. Kellee and Sara rappelled, Jameson and I jumped. Hidden behind the base of the waterfall was an awesome breached pothole we swam into- quite a unique feature. The water was flowing at 9 cfs, great conditions for beginners.
Next up was a long stream walk and boulder scrambling section, thankfully the only one. Once we got to the end of this section the canyon turned a ninety degree turn and dove into the good stuff!
At a pool was an enormous house-sized boulder I was curious to check out the waterfall cave beneath it and was glad I did. This ended up being one of the best features of the canyon and I made everyone detour to check it out.
Below the canyon cut an narrow bedrock lined gorge, presenting several short jumps, interesting crawls under boulders, and a boulder cave marked with an arrow that ended up having a rappel in it. In fact there were very few mandatory rappels in the canyon thanks to the deep pools and clean jumping options.
We worked our way down the canyon, eventually stopping for lunch. For several rappels I provided a meat anchor and then Jameson and I jumped.
The further down the canyon the better the features got. The canyon got deeper, the swimming pools longer, the rappels wetter, the jumps taller. Everybody was still having a good time but I began to gain consciousness that the day was starting to get on. As we looked downcanyon we could see the point it opened up and get a sense of how much further we had left to go. A few more features and we reached the gauging station, then the old road that would take us up the hill back to the car.
Last view of the canyon
Everyone was stoked at a good day out, especially after some pizza and beer. It was certainly a canyon worth checking out so I am glad I got the chance to check it out. Thanks to Jameson for hosting.
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