Stretched-Pebble Canyon is a very interesting canyon of shallow narrows from beginning to end. From the mouth of the canyon all the way up to the 15 foot dry fall which is topped by a chockstone 1.1 miles in, the walls are unique and spectacular. In addition, during this mile there are at least two locations where you can find large examples of Stretched-pebble conglomerate to admire and touch. However, it is important to know that the canyon is basically for rock climbers. Between the canyon entrance and the 15 foot dry fall 1.1 miles in, there are around 6 major dry falls which have to either be climbed or bypassed using exposed ledges. Thus, I can only suggest proceeding as far as the first photogenic large stretched-pebble. That means you will probably only be able to hike up the canyon for about 10 minutes once you arrive in it. But the canyon walls make it worth seeing. We really loved this place, but I don't think we will be going back any time soon, because it's just not that easy to get very far safely.
SAFETY ALERT-- This hike contains sections of climbing, exposed bypasses and/or high dry falls and requires safety ropes & equipment in order to complete the entire hike. Those without the proper training, experience, and safety gear should stop at the bottom of the 1st dry fall and bypass about 10 minutes into the canyon.
The starting point for the hike leading into Stretched-Pebble Canyon is a little over three miles west of Stovepipe Wells on Hwy. 190:
It's about 1.2 miles from the road to the mouth of the canyon. Just over halfway up, you drop into the wash of Stretched-Pebble Canyon:
This is the entrance to the canyon:
Right from the start, the walls are closed in and you realize this is a special place:
This picture was taken around the first bend in the canyon:
What an amazing character this canyon has to it:
Continuing up canyon, the walls are towering and narrow at the same time:
One of the many basic dry falls which must be climbed from early on in the canyon:
It's not long before you arrive at the first large stretched-pebble. Keep your eyes open or you might miss it. Look down to your right just before you go around a bend a short distance into the canyon:
Stretched-pebbles are everywhere in the canyon, but this is a close-up of the first large stretched-pebble:
Steve getting a picture next to the first large and well defined stretched-pebble:
Daria posing next to the first major dry fall which requires an exposed bypass. This is a good place to stop a hike:
Checking out one of the pretty walls on the hike back out:
Walking back down the wash of Stretched-Pebble Canyon after a very successful visit:
John Leidel getting a photo in the early narrows of Stretched-Pebble Canyon during a return hike in November of 2009:
John at the base of one of the major dry falls which must be bypassed. Daria was standing at the base of this dry fall in one of the earlier pictures (from our 2008 trip):
