Waterworks/Fresno

[Verduretiger]

Until the term waterworks was used here I just simply called them plunge pools. 

[steelfrog]

I like that.  The Plunge Pools.

[TheWildWestGuy]

Don't even think about climbing/swimming through the pools this time of year,  they are slickrock plunge pools - easy to get into but very hard to get out of and probably too cold for comfort.   Climb around on the West Side (slightly easier than the East in my opinion).   Once at the base of the waterworks you can easily go upstream and enjoy the refreshing waters if you so dare.   This is a great spot and I am not trying to turn anyone away from it but it's also very dangerous and the water is cold and deep and the slickrock sides of the rock basins are not climbable and form several small pour-offs that are dangerous to decend.  Enjoy the hike and the exploration of this area but my advice is to stick to the cairned trails as much as possible and count on 2 MPH on trail and 1 MPH off-trail.   TWWG

[Verduretiger]

I will not go back through there again but I am now 64.  Yes the walls  through the plunge pools are steep and quite slick.  The next to last pool was very deep and the water very cold.  We were able to take our boots off and put on running shoes to navigate the sides of the canyon wall.  We lowered packs by ropes and still one of our group wound up jumping into the deepest pool.  A foolish endeavor on our part.

[steelfrog]

So, it sounds like to truly go all the way down the Plunge Pools one would need either a short rope or the fortitude to make a short jump?

[Verduretiger]

There are a series of plunge pools that have to be navigated.  If memory serves me correct the longest jump would have been about 12 to 15 feet.  There was a lot of water in each pool.  The weather was in the low 40's to high 30's and the water was very cold.  In theory you are correct.  However, hyperthermia would become a real issue after getting wet.  If you were by yourself it could be fatal.  If the amount of water in the pool was not very deep then a broken bone could definitely be a possibility.  If one was going to try and do this then never be alone. 

[Casa Grande]

If one was going to try and do this then never be alone.

This is sound advice.

[Drat]

I'll try to get some pictures later, but I hiked in with the group (late start at 6:30p) past Thursday and winded up not stopping until came across water which wasn't until Fresno Springs.  Hiking in dark was new, but lots of fun.  Did hike up to the 5100 ft. peak to the N/NE of Fresno Springs next day.  Great views all around.  Next day packed out and spent time relaxing at Waterworks.  Saw some water along the way to Waterworks.  We didn't go up it, but there was water in first 3 pools.  Headed up west "Wall of Death" as some in my group called it and skipped over to ET trail.  No water from there to the vehicle.

Group had good time even though I know it was a bit of a challenge.  They all have been in desert and are in good shape which helped.  Looking forward to next adventure 

[Homer67]

Sweet, there is water in Fresno!

[mule ears]

Awesome and great news on the water.  Two questions, with I am sure more to follow after you get some pictures up but:
1.  Water flowing through the waterworks or just sitting in the pools?

2.  You will need to describe exactly what and where you are calling the "Wall of Death" and exactly where you came out onto the ET trail.

Thanks, looking forward to more! 

[badknees]

......until came across water which wasn't until Fresno Springs.  Hiking in dark was new, but lots of fun.  Did hike up to the 5100 ft. peak to the N/NE of Fresno Springs next day.

2 questions...

1. Do you have coordinates for the 5100' peak?
2. Coordinates for what you are calling Fresno Spring?