The Hype
High Spur has the reputation of being one of the most photogenic slots in all of Robber’s Roost. It’s right up there with Happy Canyon, and sometimes jokingly referred to as “not-antelope.” Catch the timing of the light right, and it can be truly spectacular.
Getting There
Sometimes, just piecing together all the roads in Roost is the hardest challenge of the day. High Spur is pretty close to as far from pavement as you can get in the Roost, but is fairly straightforward to access.
To Hans Flat Ranger Station
From roughly mile marker 135.4 on Hwy 24, head east on the unpaved, but fairly well maintained Maze Road for 24.4 miles to what is known as the “Big Tee.” There is an information kiosk at this intersection, and it is a significant landmark in the Roost. From this intersection, travel south on the Maze road towards the Hans Flat ranger station, arriving at another signed intersection in 7.1 miles. This is the “Little Y.” Veer left at the sign, and travel an additional 14.2 miles to the Hans Flat Ranger Station.
To the Trailhead
Head north from Hans Flat on the The Spur road. Travel 12.7 miles on this road to a signed intersection with the Deadman Trail.
From the Trailhead
Begin hiking cross country almost directly due south from the trailhead. You will cross multiple drainages that all eventually lead into the main canyon. Cross each of these minor drainages, and find the head of the main High Spur drainage, and make your way to the start of the technical narrows.
The Canyon
From a technical standpoint, High Spur is not particularly difficult, and is a great canyon for beginners with confidence to build natural anchors, should the need arise. There are a few short drops that might need to be rappelled, and one big final rap that drops you into the open drainage below. There are multiple entry and exit points in the canyon, and a variety of options exist. It’s worth planning your day to maximize a high angle sun, which can light up the narrows with amazing color.
Skills required: Partner Sequencing, Squeezing, Downclimbing
Rappels: 3, up to 85′
2 of the drops are fairly short, but might still require rappelling. The final rappel is 85′, and almost entirely freehanging.
Water
High Spur will occasionally hold some water, but it’s also been known to be completely dry. However, conditions vary wildly, and it is not uncommon for there to be a lot organic debris, and water up to waist deep. You should never have to swim, but the sand levels are highly variable, so be prepared. Wetsuits are likely not necessary, except in very cold seasons.
Natural Anchors
Robber’s Roost is considered a “natural anchor” area. Please be competent with natural anchor evaluation and building skills, and plan accordingly.
Gear Recommendations
Technical Canyoneering Kit – including helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear
Webbing – 40′
Rapides – 3
Camera – seriously, when the conditions are right, it’s an extremely photogenic slot.
Flash Flood Danger: Low, watch the sky for activity directly overhead.
The Exit
After the big rappel, head downcanyon 1/2 mile to a weakness on canyon right. This 4th class exit will require some moderate route finding skill, and eventually winds its way up and through various layers of sandstone, before topping out near the Deadman Trail. Hike northeast towards Deadman Trail, find the road, and enjoy the hour or so walk back to your car.
Exit Options
It is possible to shuttle a car if you have 4wd high clearance vehicles. It is also possible to exit the technical narrows by a break on the north side before the long 80′ rappel.
Red Tape
BLM Land: High Spur is located on BLM land, and currently there are no regulations or access issues. You can camp at large anywhere in the general vicinity, no permit required.
Most slot canyons are found on public lands managed by the US Government, although a few can be found on private lands. The US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service manage these lands. Each area tends to have unique management issues. As a result, there is not a uniform set of rules governing our use of these lands. For current issues related to canyoneering access, please visit www.americancanyoneers.org.
