Chambers Canyon, White Roost Area

Upclimbing in Chambers Canyon

Short. Intense. Cool

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.

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.

Profile
Approach
The Business
Exit
Maps & Info
Trip Reports

LOGISTICS
Rating	3A/B II Slot R-
Season	Winter, Spring or Fall
Time Commitment	3 to 4 hours
Longest Rappel	No rappels
Access	Loop route. High clearance vehicle required, 4WD for section of road below the White Roost Campsite.
Permit Required?	None required.
AKA	South Fork of Bull Canyon (Kelsey)

EQUIPMENT
Essentials	As little as possible. Full body armor, bunny strap, gloves for hands.
Cold Water Protection	Can hold some pools after storms.
Drinking Water	None available. Bring your own water.

DIFFICULTIES
Flash Flood Risk	Low
Skills Required	Narrow sections to 9" wide. Folks over 180 lbs will need to climb strenuously up and over. Sections of hard, narrow chimneying for all. A hard up-climb or two. A short, intense day in a very remote location.
Anchors	Natural

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 Approach

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.

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.

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.

PDF Canyon Guide

A printable canyon description
and map you can take with you.

Driving Map to Chambers Canyon, Robbers Roost

Detailed Route Maps

Click on any map to browse a larger view,
then right-click to save and print.

Map of Chambers Canyon, Robbers Roost

Author's Experience

Our team first descended Chambers in November 2006, Aaron Ramras and Dave Pimental doing the whole thing, while the rest of us rapped in at the mid-way point, concerned about the narrowness of the upper section. This turned out to be a week after Ryan Cornia and Michael Kelsey descended the slot.

Most of our team came back for the full meal on December 26, 2006. I got to it the first time on March 17, 2007; and have done it a few times since. Always a joy.