Lopez Canyon Trip Report: Canyoneering Bariloche, Patagonia Argentina

Lopez Canyon--- Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina
Grade 3C III

Approach: The canyon approach is via the trail to Refugio Lopez. Ascend the trail toward Lopez for about 1-1.5 miles. After leaving the trail, head east into the canyon entering a scree slope which quickly becomes a faint bush whack trail. This turn off of the trail occurs just before you reach the old mountain hut and 4 wheel drive road.

Final Rappel in Lopez Canyon

Special Consideration: The water levels in this canyon can vary greatly based upon the amount of snow melt. Consider exiting the canyon via a fallen log and cable if when approaching the second to last rappel the water volume seems to great. The last two rappels consist of the narrowest and steepest part of the canyon.

Upper Rappels of Lopez Canyon



Description: Lopez Canyons lower section consists of rappels ranging from 20 ft – 125 ft in length. The canyon starts with 3-4 rappels ranging in length between 10 and 40ft. After these short rappels you come upon a rappel that seems to measure between 60- 70 ft. There is a second stage of about 8 ft. to this rappel that is not a suggested down climb due to the water flow volume. Set this rappel to length so that you are able to rappel beyond this obstacle 85- 90 ft total rappel. Once you drop into this short section of canyon you are in the canyons narrowest steepest part and at higher water flows it can be extremely challenging. The final rappel the longest and most awe inspiring is about 125ft. It can be difficult to visually set the rope length on this rappel without lowering someone. After completing this rappel the canyon widens as you boulder hop and make your way for about 1-1.5 miles back to Hwy 237.


Top of 2nd to last rappel and narrowest steepest section of Lopez Canyon

Other notes: Special thanks to Frederico of Canopy Patagonia for providing beta and showing me this great canyon. Suggested map is the infotrekking San Carlos Bariloche 1:50,000 topographic map. Additional beta available in Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Patagonian Andes. Further exploration of the upper section of Lopez canyon looked promising to extend into a longer trip. Unfortunately, my exploration was limited due to the fact that I was alone.

Bottom of Last Rappel Lopez Canyon

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Canyoneering Western North Carolina's Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorge

The Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorges which flow into the East Fork of the Tuckaseege River are two of the steepest narrowest Gorges in the Western North Carolina area. The large boulders and narrow gorges make for some of the best canyoneering in the Western North Carolina mountains as well as the southeastern region.

The highlight of the wolf creek gorge is the 150 ft Wolf Creek Falls which creates the deepest part of the Wolf Creek gorge.

The most magnificent feature in the Bonas Defeat Gorge is also located in the deepest part of its Gorge where a rock face of 400ft protrudes out of the Creek bed. This rock face is what created the name for this gorge.

Legend has it that an old hunting dog, named Bonas, had been trained by its master to run game of the rock face causing the game to fall of the cliff deep into the gorge creating easy meat for the master. However, one day a smart buck caused the dog Bonas's death or defeat when he stepped away as the dog chased him causing Bonas to take the plunge that he had caused so many of his hunting prey to take prior to his own demise.

The Bonas Defeat and Wolf Creek Gorges are beautiful remote areas that consist of large boulders and narrow slots. This landscape creates an arena for grand adventure, but not without some risk.

Both Gorges lie down stream of a lake and spillway gates can open up and increase the water levels in either or both gorges at a quick rate. In addition the travel would becomes considerably more difficult in wet or rainy conditions when rock becomes wet and slick.

The final considerations for travel in this area is the difficulty of any type of rescue if evacution was required. During our travel through the gorge we tried to stick to the most straight forward and risk reducing form of travel however even with this philosophy our travel was not without risk. We decided to wear climbing helmets while in the canyon to minimize the risk of head injury in case of an unexpected slip or short fall.

Both the Bonas Defeat and Wolk Creek gorges are remote remarkable gems that offer incredible hiking and adventure opportunity but this adventure should not be taken lightly and should include well calculated planning.