Vishnu Canyon — The geology is spectacular and the lower bed, in schist, is a difficult passage except to climbers. Water is reliable most seasons but may have to be sought for in a dry year.

Routes — Tonto platform, from Clear Creek through Disappointment Canyon entering a ravine with a spring on the west side and crossing to go up on the east to Newberry saddle (exposed slope connecting to the saddle). Approaching from Asbestos Canyon on the east, one route enters Vishnu below the granite cliff. But an easier route follows the ridge from the north shoulder of Newberry saddle directly into the bed of Vishnu where a crevice cuts through both sides of the quartzite forming the inner rim, and connects to the ravine and spring on the west. Going directly up the bed, it should be possible to go over the Redwall saddle into upper Unkar. The route connecting Clear Creek with Vishnu is the crux of passing along the north side. See also notes on the North Rim Passage trip.

1998 May - Passing through: day 4. Critical water source; good supply.