Canyoneering the Seven Teacups

Overview

For entry-level, class C canyoneering, it doesn’t get any better than the Seven Teacups. This is a top-notch route found along Dry Meadow Creek, a tributary of the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest. A short hike leads to a series of pothole waterfalls cascading down polished granite slabs into the Kern. Then, it finishes up with a lovely river walk back to the trailhead. Note: If you only have one car, park at the bridge and hike up to the jeep track. This adds about 1.5 miles and 300 feet of elevation gain to the route. Don’t Get in Over Your Head It’s important to first make a clear distinction that this is NOT a hike. It’s a technical canyon involving multiple rappels and intermediate swiftwater canyoneering technique. While this is a beginner friendly route under the right conditions, don’t attempt this descent without a solid canyoneering foundation. There are many places to receive professional training, including Uber Adventures, Alpine Training Services, and Canyons & Crags (Thanks to Randy Worth for this list). CANYONEERING RATING SYSTEMS Just like in rock climbing, canyoneering has a specific rating system used to quickly evaluate the difficulty, danger, and duration of any descent. The most conventional rating is made up of five parts: the difficulty, the water level, the length, the risk factor, and the quality. Here is the rating for the Seven Teacups:   While it’s a little messy to look at, canyon ratings are a great way to quickly evaluate if that particular route is what you’re looking for. Let’s break down the pieces a little further. Difficulty 1 – An easy canyon hike, no scrambling or ropework required. 2 – A basic canyon where you can expect easy scrambling and climbing. A rope isn’t necessary, but one may be useful as an occasional handline or to lower packs. 3 – An intermediate canyon where ropework is required. Expect numerous rappels and more complicated down climbs. 4 – An advanced canyon where complex ropework is required. Often, there are multi-stage rappels, challenging anchors,

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