Chambers is a really nice, intense, half-day canyon in a remote corner of the Roost. The section of technical canyon is only a quarter-mile long, takes an hour and a half or so, and has several distinct sections. The first section features narrow corridors between lovely chambers, thus the name Chambers.

PDF file of canyon description, including maps (761 kb)

The canyon presents several technical obstacles. As mentioned, the first section has narrow corridors that are 9-10" wide. Those larger than 180 lbs will need to climb over a few spots, but holds and widenings are available. Further down, the canyon tosses a couple hard up-climbs at ya, and some strenuous side-ways chimneying in sections that are about 24" wide. So, while the canyon is short, that quarter-mile will put a hurt on all but the fittest canyoneers.

Working down the slickrock. Photo: Dave Pimental Click for Larger Version

Getting There

Chambers is part of an unnamed canyon system close to the Dirty Devil River, between Robbers Roost Canyon and Pasture Canyon. To reach the area, from UT-24, follow the Roost access road 15.7 miles to the top of Texas Hill. Turn Right (South) on the White Roost road, drive slowly through the ranch, then follow the road south (turning Left at the split) 10.6 miles to an open area at the top of a hill. This is the White Roost camping spot - not much of a camping spot, really, but the best in the area.

For Chambers, continue south on this road, at first rutted and stony (requiring High Clearance 4WD) and then easier down on the flat. Follow the most-heavily used road past several splits (first left, then right) 5.7 miles to the end of the road on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Dirty Devil river and an expanse of slickrock.

The bottom of Chambers, from the exit trail. Photo: Dave Pimental Click for Larger Version

From the carpark, head due west, off the caprock scree and into the top of a drainage. Follow the drainage a half-mile to where it drops into a canyon. The canyon is Chambers, but we cannot get in here. Follow the rim up-canyon for 10 minutes until the wash can be entered easily. Pad-up for the tussle ahead.

Enter The Canyon

The canyon starts as a slit in the floor. Shimmy out until you fit, then slide down in. Shimmy forward. This first section features interesting tight squeezes between nice chambers. Eventually, the canyon relents and provides a lovely, Subway-like section before opening out more where the entry drainage comes in on the side. This is a good place to take a rest and catch some sunbeams if available.

The third section involves some downclimbs including a nice elevator; which briskly evolves into some strenuous narrow chimneying with a few spicy upclimbs to keep you on your toes. All too soon, the especially convoluted final section pops your team out into a wide canyon with soaring walls.

Getting Out

Swagger downcanyon, enjoying the beautiful walls. Just before the canyon enters a larger canyon, a sandpile offers an enticing way up on the Left (south). Continue closer to the confluence where a series of ledges allows easier (and less damaging) access to the bench. Find a reasonable climb up to the next level of bench, then head back upcanyon along the rim, generally following the ridge, then up to the drainage, to the rimrock and back to the carpark.
 

Click for larger, printable driving map (282 kb).	Click for larger, printable canyon map (503 kb).

 

Notes on Printing Maps Chambers Trip Report - December, 2006 Chambers Trip Report - March, 2007 Chambers Canyon at Average Joe Road Trips

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Bonus Canyon - BBB or Big Bad Ben

Rating:   3B III SLOT-PG-minus R Season:   Winter, Spring or Fall. Length:   5-6 hours. Longest Rap:   One rappel to 60 feet Equipment:   As little as possible. Full body armor, bunny strap, gloves for the hands. Webbing for building an anchor. Cold Water Exposure:   Commonly has pools to waist deep. Can hold deeper pools after storms. Drinking Water:   Bring a bit. USGS 7.5' Maps:   Angel Cove Difficulties:   A few narrow sections. Anchor for the rappel may be difficult to get and use (R). Logistics:   Access requires a HC 4WD vehicle for the short section of road below the White Roost campsite. Park a car at the end of the road, then walk or drive 2.0 miles back along the road. Flash Flood Danger:   Minimal.

Our Bonus Canyon -BBB or Big Bad Ben- has one very good section of canyon, and then a few cute narrows, and... and... it makes for a pleasant day out. The technical part is short. Some stemming and climbing, some nice bits, a pretty good rappel (careful with that anchor, please - no boltage)... But the good part is so short, it does not give much bang for the buck. Could tag Chambers on the way out.

Getting There

Park a car at the end of the road, as for Chambers. Walk or drive back 2.0 miles, then head northwest to the edge of the canyon. Find a place to slip over the edge and into the bottom of the drainage. Follow it down for 1-1/2 miles to where it drops into a canyon coming in from the right. Follow the rim of the new canyon up-canyon until you can drop into the wash easily. Pad up and enter the canyon.

The good bit is quite short.

Continue downcanyon about 2 miles to where a major canyon comes in from the left, almost within sight of the Dirty Devil River. This is Chambers. Climb up on the bench (left), then follow the Chambers directions to get back to the top.