Overview

Hype:

Seldom visited, Sams Mesa Box Canyon makes a great outing for beginners or those looking for a less technical outing in Robbers Roost. The canyon is not very technical with one rappel/downclimb for the short route described here. The two slot sections are both short. That said, the canyon is beautiful and well worth visiting.

Canyon Rating: 3A

Time: 3-5 hours

Length: 1.0 mile approach, 1.0 mile in canyon, 1.9 mile exit

Longest Rappel: 0-1 rappels to 50 ft

Gear: Standard canyoneering gear. Wetsuit generally not required.

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • Downclimbs
  • Wetsuit Generally Not Required
  • Wayfinding
  • No Drinking Water
  • Slot Canyon
  • No Restrooms
  • Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Wildlife and Birding
  • Rappels
  • Fixed Anchors

Links: https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/robbers-roost/sams-mesa-box-canyon

Getting There

Navigate to 38.210633, -110.274989.

Park on the road.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Robbers Roost, Utah

Coordinates: 38.212924, -110.291499

Interactive Guide Map

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October 21, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Anthony Dye, Miller Dye, Calliope Wagner, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, ,

Story

On Saturday morning, we got all of our canyoneering gear and lunch packed, and while we were waiting for everyone else to finish getting packed, we did a little bit of camping gear packing as well. Once everyone was ready, we went and did Sam's Mesa Box Canyon as a large group. Matt stayed behind with the two youngest and did some packing around camp. Sam's Mesa Box Canyon was short and sweet. The hardest part was the overland approach and exit hikes because there were a ton of prickly pear cactuses, and the kids kept getting spines through their shoes. Instead of rappelling all the drops, this time we did some teamwork with down climbs and lowering. There was just one puddle that we had to shuttle people across, but everyone stayed dry, and we had a great time. For the very bottom section, Anthony and I took a handful of kids down the last couple of obstacles to the top of the big rappel and then we all retreated back up canyon and exited for the hike back.

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Pictures

More Trip Reports from October 2023 Robbers Roost Canyoneering