Dwayne27
11-14-2008, 01:00 PM
Moderate technical difficulties, amazing scenery, ancient puebloan archeological sites and remote location make this canyon an outstanding visit.
Rating: 3B IV
Time Required: ~ 6 to 8 hours
Longest Rappel: ~35 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
There is great camping in the pinon/juniper along the Cheesebox road east of Found Mesa. Lots of good camping up and down Highway 95 too. There is a nice campground with toilets and water at Natural Bridges National Monument. The Fry Canyon Inn offers fuel, lodging and a restaraunt in season. Additional fuel, groceries, restaraunts and motels can be found in Blanding Utah.
Preferred Season
Spring and Fall. Summers can be hot and buggy.
Water Concerns
Swimming and wading. Two rappels into water that require a wet disconnect.
Special Challenges
Although physically close to Highway 95 Gravel Canyon is very remote and difficult to get to. Be prepared to be self-sufficient as there is no quick way to get to help if you encounter trouble.
Equipment Suggestions
200' rope, rappel gear, slings for building natural anchors, dry bag and wet suit. The White Canyon Complex is a natural anchors area. Be prepared to evaluate and construct anchors from natural features found in the canyon. No bolts please.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' The Cheesebox
Directions to Trailhead
From Blanding head toward Lake Powel on Highway 95 to mile marker 66.8 about five miles west of the Fry Canyon Inn to reach Cheesebox Road. If driving from Hanksville this point is about three miles east of the sign pointing out Jacob's Chair.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
UTM 12S 0582862mE 4175370m N N37° 42' 58", W110° 03' 36"
Approach
Take the Cheesebox road (San Juan County Road 227A) north about 12 miles to a spot between Ram Mesa and Found Mesa. This road can be a bit rough but is usually ok for 2WD vehicles, particularly if you have high clearance. The sandy hill after crossing White Canyon can sometimes be a problem.
From the Cheesebox road strike west through the pinon/juniper toward a small side canyon just south of pt. 6580T. This side canyon will drop you into the east fork of Gravel Canyon. A short distance down the east fork and you join the main fork of Gravel.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
UTM 12S 0582862mE 4175370mN
Description: Standard Route
Numerous technical problems including downclimbs and rappels of moderate difficulty keep things continually interesting. There are some fantastic ancient Puebloan archeological sites high on the cliffs above so keep your eyes open. Federal Law protects these archeological sites so enjoy your visit, take lots of photo's and leave the ruins as you found them.
Exit
Soon after the ruins you will come to a short side canyon which exits left (east) found just north of pt. 6003T. Scramble up to the rim and hike northeast through the pinon/juniper around the north flank of Found Mesa (pt. 6546AT) to join the Cheesebox road.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
N37° 42' 26", W110° 06' 16"
Rating: 3B IV
Time Required: ~ 6 to 8 hours
Longest Rappel: ~35 feet
Permit Information
No permit required
Camping/Lodging
There is great camping in the pinon/juniper along the Cheesebox road east of Found Mesa. Lots of good camping up and down Highway 95 too. There is a nice campground with toilets and water at Natural Bridges National Monument. The Fry Canyon Inn offers fuel, lodging and a restaraunt in season. Additional fuel, groceries, restaraunts and motels can be found in Blanding Utah.
Preferred Season
Spring and Fall. Summers can be hot and buggy.
Water Concerns
Swimming and wading. Two rappels into water that require a wet disconnect.
Special Challenges
Although physically close to Highway 95 Gravel Canyon is very remote and difficult to get to. Be prepared to be self-sufficient as there is no quick way to get to help if you encounter trouble.
Equipment Suggestions
200' rope, rappel gear, slings for building natural anchors, dry bag and wet suit. The White Canyon Complex is a natural anchors area. Be prepared to evaluate and construct anchors from natural features found in the canyon. No bolts please.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' The Cheesebox
Directions to Trailhead
From Blanding head toward Lake Powel on Highway 95 to mile marker 66.8 about five miles west of the Fry Canyon Inn to reach Cheesebox Road. If driving from Hanksville this point is about three miles east of the sign pointing out Jacob's Chair.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
UTM 12S 0582862mE 4175370m N N37° 42' 58", W110° 03' 36"
Approach
Take the Cheesebox road (San Juan County Road 227A) north about 12 miles to a spot between Ram Mesa and Found Mesa. This road can be a bit rough but is usually ok for 2WD vehicles, particularly if you have high clearance. The sandy hill after crossing White Canyon can sometimes be a problem.
From the Cheesebox road strike west through the pinon/juniper toward a small side canyon just south of pt. 6580T. This side canyon will drop you into the east fork of Gravel Canyon. A short distance down the east fork and you join the main fork of Gravel.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
UTM 12S 0582862mE 4175370mN
Description: Standard Route
Numerous technical problems including downclimbs and rappels of moderate difficulty keep things continually interesting. There are some fantastic ancient Puebloan archeological sites high on the cliffs above so keep your eyes open. Federal Law protects these archeological sites so enjoy your visit, take lots of photo's and leave the ruins as you found them.
Exit
Soon after the ruins you will come to a short side canyon which exits left (east) found just north of pt. 6003T. Scramble up to the rim and hike northeast through the pinon/juniper around the north flank of Found Mesa (pt. 6546AT) to join the Cheesebox road.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
N37° 42' 26", W110° 06' 16"