Upper Chute doesn't suck too bad, with miles and miles of interesting narrows through Coconino sandstone. A few short rappels add a little spice, but basically this is a very long and fabulous hike. This would be difficult to do as an overnight, as there is no water, few places to camp, and getting even modest size packs through the long section of tight narrows would be challenging. Because of the long, unrelenting, seldom visited and remote nature of this canyon, it is recommended only for fit, experienced canyoneers.
Car Spot: Spot a car at the end of the Behind the Reef road, where Chute canyon enters the reef. There is good camping in the area. (UTM 12S 0520394E 4276096N)
Approach: head back to the Temple Mountain road and head NW past Flat Top. Find Little Ocean Draw and the parking spot indicated (UTM 12S 0517709E 4289567N), or park at several of the other draws that eventually coalesce into Upper Chute.
Getting Started: walk down the wash. This area is cowed up pretty bad. Follow the wash until the narrows start. (UTM 12S 0519038E 4287139N)
Fabulous narrows for many, many miles. Wide, narrow, deep, short, straight, twisty. Lots. Some sections are pretty narrow and require a little scrambling. There are also several short rappels over obstacles, which may require tying off rocks or logs for anchors. Only as a last resort should anchors be drilled.
After many hours, the canyon opens out where canyons come in on both sides. This is Chute Junction. Then the narrows resume.
After another hour, a section of many obstacles commences. Some creative downclimbing and a few rappels brings one to a section of slickrock drops and pools. If the pools are at all full, you be wet. We exited up a steep, loose gulley to the right (5.4) to avoid drilling, rapping and swimming the last pool-drop; then dropped back into the canyon 100 yards further downstream.
Finally, the canyon opens out for good and it is just a slog across the stinking desert to get to the Behind the Reef road.
This is a seldom visited, gorgeous canyon. Please do a good job of leaving it pristine behind you.
