In descending the peak we dropped into a chute leading directly from the north summit and were slowed by third and fourth class pitches which necessitated belaying several members of the party. This was the first time since the waterfall that we used a rope. Our descent definitely is not a recommended one and we were slowed up 30 minutes or more. We dropped into the north fork of the Slot Wash, which upon descending appeared to be the route described by Bud Bernhard. We thought it would be more difficult to ascend than our route on the ridge and therefore we would recommend the ridge. Three hours and 40 minutes from the north summit we were back in camp below Cedar Camp. Rather than descending over the Teapot and down to Cedar Camp, we went down a short rocky wash (see accompanying map) which the group on the Club trip of 1958 had used and called the "right route". The next morning, five hours and 50 minutes after shouldering our packs, we passed the falls at the mouth of Canyon del Diablo. Thirty minutes later we reached the road head and completed a successful weekend.
Providencia Canyon
LA ENCANTADA TRAVERSE   April, 1957      by Bud Bingham

(Ed. note: Seven years ago, Desert Peakers Bud Bingham, Vern Jones, and Barbara Lilley made the only known traverse with packs of La Encantada - Up Providencia Canyon, over the twin summits, and down Canyon del Diablo. As this was not written up at the time, and as the trip should be of interest to perspective explorers of La Encantada, we have asked Bud to describe the feat. Following is his account.)

We left L.A. the evening of April 12, 1957 and drove to the end of a rough dirt road about one mile short of the mouth of Providencia Canyon. As our pickup truck was equipped with extra large tires to negotiate sand, we drove about one mile cross country to the canyon mouth.
 
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