The Hype
A perfect little jewel of a canyon, Chambers offers a delightful, intense half-day squeeze-and-climb experience well worth the drive out to the remote starting point. No rope required, but be sure to bring plenty of pads. Large people will have a harder time, but can get past everything by trying harder and climbing higher.
Makes a great getaway or arrival canyon. Though it is short, it packs a punch.
Getting There
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. HC 2WD will do fine to this point.
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
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.
The Exit
Saunter 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.
Red Tape
BLM Land, no red tape.
