Ifni Canyon was my second technical canyon with Ahmed from Anti-Atlas Adventures after Ifelou Ihedan (V4 A3 II, 60m). It was a very natural canyon with a lot of deeper pools requiring swimming and it was close to a second aesthetic waterfall canyon we rappelled. I was again surprised by how much water can be hidden in these canyons when the rest of landscape looks so arid but I guess that is also kinda how Utah can look. Last canyoning of the trip!
Approach
From the parking area aim for a slotty gulley to take the “Berber path” to the next town.
A short ways up the gulley you will angle left and up an arete (no more than Class 3-) to get into the gulley proper. The path is typically pretty well defined with frequent steps and you can see the snaking Ifni canyon on your left.
After a little less than a mile and 900 ft you reach the top of the gulley and it’s an easy hike on a well defined path towards the next village.
A bit over a half mile further, close to the village, there is a stone wall. A little after this you will hop off the path when it turns near a boulder on the left. Hike down to the wash and you will be in Ifni Canyon.
Descent
The canyon could be a little trashy in flatter areas with vegetation capturing rubbish and I was hesitant at first rappel how nice the water would be. However, after a really nice jump/slide, the tone was set that the deep pools (of which are many) were typically clear, pretty and clean.
After the first rappel, jump/slide, second rappel there was a walk for a bit before getting into the next pool section. The canyon was better equipped than Ifelou Ihedan with shiny two bolts with hangers at each rappel.
The next section had a bunch of swimming, wading, short slides, etc.
The last double pool rappel was very aesthetic!
This canyon had a very natural, beautiful feel with a surprising amount of water. Although, my descent was in the first good rain year after a seven year drought.
Summary
- Approach: 50 min (1.4 miles, 900’)
- Descent: 1:45 hrs (2 miles, 5/6 rappels, 1/2 slides, many swims)
- Exit: 15 min
Bonus Canyon: Ifni Waterfall
Ahmed said we had extra time so we drove 20min around the corner to do a short bonus canyon. A 15 minute approach up 250ft in 0.3 miles gets us to the start of an incredible canyon with 3-4 rappels including an overhung spout, several small pools, and a 45m rappel sliding down an amazing waterfall. All in 45 minutes before we go for couscous and tea just up the road with his buddies!
- Approach: 15 min (0.3 miles, 250’)
- Descent: 30 min (0.3 miles, 3/4 rappels, several swims)
- Exit: 5 min up the road to parking
