Robbers Roost canyons in January? Newbie's list:

[ridgerunner]

Howdy,

I'm relatively new to the world of canyoneering, and I'd like some input. I'm putting together a two week trip in January down to the Hanksville/US95 area. I bought Kelsey's Slot Canyon Guide to the Colorado Plateau and have picked out the following that I think I'd be very comfortable with:

Upper Chute Canyon, lower Baptist draw
Corral & Horse Heaven Canyons
Buck and Pasture Canyons
Little White Roost & White Roost Canyons
North Fork of Robbers Roost Canyon
Middle Forks of Robbers Roost Canyon (one of the)
South Fork of Robbers Roost
Blue John Canyon (Main and West forks)
No Man's Canyon
Larry and Bull Pasture Canyons
Upper Maidenwater & Trail Canyons

If anyone has any information about these I'd appreciate it. I'm expecting a cold trip, and would prefer to stay out of B rated canyons. Any ideas on winter water levels?

Both my friend and I have a decent background in climbing, (he's got some caving under his belt too) and I don't feel that there's anything in a 3 rated canyon I cannot take on (last words?).

Thanks,
Brian

[ridgerunner]

January is iffy in many ways. The weather can be good, can be bad. Bad weather means getting to the canyons on the dirt roads will be difficult to impossible. The canyons themselves - probably less of a problem. A little light snow never hurt anyone... (uh, except when it does).

Doing canyons in winter, the choice of canyon for the day makes a huge difference. The days are short, spending the night out is not advised, and there might be snow up high but better weather lower. Kelsey's book may not help very much as this is a rather specific kind of local knowledge.

It has been rainy and snowy, so you should expect the canyons to be wet. We plan on wearing wetsuits in most of these canyons, maybe double wetsuits if we really expect it to be wet. I'd carry a big drybag even in canyons I expect to be dry.

Being a climber is a good start. But... Really, January is not the best time to learn the ropes, so to speak. Not a forgiving scenario.


I appreciate the input. We're leaving tomorrow; there will be four of us. We are expecting to get wet. Between us we have about 20 years of climbing, and a scattering of caving, mountaineering, and scores of winter camping throughout several different ranges in Wyoming. I've spent a few weeks for the past six years in Moab, so I'm familier the weather on that side of Canyonlands.

I don't mean to sound cocky, nor brazen, but I think we'll do okay. I just needed a little more specific information (which I've added to my guidebook.)

Thanks again. :)

[gavc0]

Hi there,
I am asking for some help, I am a lecturere and both Cave and Mountain Rescue worker in Wales (UK) and am hoping to venture out to the USA for a forray into a number of canyons and completeing a number of courses while I'm there.
I would like to do some homework, all the "P's"etc. this brings me on to cheap accom (Cedar City area), the best guide book of canyons for the area, any clubs or people who would like to venture out and complete as many trips as possible etc.
I am hoping to be out there from around the 14/15th of August this year for around 2-3 weeks.
any information/contacts etc would be great,
Cheers
Gav

[rcwild]

Hi Gav,

If you are coming here to Cedar City, I'll find a place for you. You're welcome to camp on my homestead -- the tipi is quite comfortable. If you prefer a real bed, we have arrangements with local hotels for our students. I can arrange a good rate for you. I promised my wife I'd build a home on our land this summer. Perhaps it will be finished by August. You'll be welcome as our guest.

There are a number of locals that know this part of Utah very well. I'll be happy to hook you up with a few partners, including myself.

Rich

[ridgerunner]

I thought I would give an update.

Out of the twelve canyons, the weather and some illness only allowed three. Most of the time was spent tooling around Canyonlands and Arches. We got in Blue John, middle fork of Robber's Roost, and Bull Pasture.

Not as good as I wanted, but still a nice trip.

[mtngoat59102]

Gav,

Seconding Rich's thoughts. I live in Las Vegas and know people who canyon in the area frequently. I'm sure we can find some partners for you. August is the summer rainy season in Zion National Park, frequent afternoon thundershowers is a concern that time of year and something to keep in mind.