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Bluejohn Canyon in Robber's Roost
Getting Started
USGS 7.5 MAPS: Robbers Roost Flats, Whitbeck Knoll
GROUP SIZE: When canyoneering, group sizes should always be kept small to keep from plugging up the canyon. Large groups are not recommended because there are places where space is limited between slots. Groups of four recommended.
I tackle the Bluejohn narrows like a child. I'm looking more than twice at the problems and listening for beta on the weight distribution needed between my butt and my feet to position myself up and over the choke stones and into the slot without falling between the two walls. This is the first time I've descended narrow, deep slots with only body friction. Thrilling, challenging - and it certainly would help if I'd brought along knee and elbow pads.
Back at camp, when I pull the makeshift pads (layers of duct tape), from my elbows, the skin stays with the tape and leaves fresh red welts encircling my brown arms. I realize this is nothing compared to Aron Ralston's tragic amputation experience in Bluejohn, but it's my first experience in the infamous canyon.
Bluejohn Canyon, in Robber's Roost, west of the Maze in Canyonlands National Park, provides fun slots, beautiful narrows (that's where the body friction comes in), desert hiking (best done when the desert sun won't fry your brain), down climbing, and, depending upon your route, knee- to waist-deep water and some rappelling. Out in a harsh land of scorching sun and a landscape barren with exception of the few scattered juniper - reminiscent of old twisted hands of age, and the few plants that can handle the arid heat - the hidden narrows, deep with shade and sometimes even water, offer not only fun and challenge, but also respite. It's a canyoneering jewel in the middle of a very desolate chunk of desert.
Four canyons - the Main Fork of Bluejohn, East, West and Little Bluejohn - provide a variety of route construction options. Little Bluejohn enters the Main Fork, from the west, where the narrows end. And the West Fork is found 1.25 miles past the Little Bluejohn junction with the Main Fork. Both East and the Main Fork are accessed via Granary Springs (See Getting Started, p. 23).
When we drove across the desert, parked at the rusty watering troughs and old grey-wood shacks in the midst of their decay, we intended to go down the East Fork and to exit up the Main Fork. At the trailhead others informed us that the East Fork was full of water because of rain and, being unprepared with wetsuits, we changed our route and went down the Main Fork of Bluejohn, where water is not the norm, and exited through the West Fork.
The Main Fork of Bluejohn Canyon is rated 3AIII using the Canyon Rating System. The East Fork is rated 3BIII. Canyoneering in the area is best done during spring and fall because the sun is brutal during summer months. Whether you go down East Fork or down the Main Fork, you can plan on a full day's adventure. And remember, safety first. Make sure you're savvy in backcountry emergency care because the area is remote and you will be on your own.
Main Fork of Bluejohn Canyon
In normal conditions, water is not an issue in this canyon. You'll need a helmet, and unless you want to try the duct tape approach, bring knee and elbow pads for a descent down this canyon. If you are uncomfortable with the unprotected down climbing and body friction involved, you may consider taking slings, ropes, harnesses and the appropriate hardware for setting up some natural anchors.
If your route takes you down the East Fork and up the Main Fork, a moderate amount of climbing skill will be required to get up the Main Fork, a climbing rating of about 5.8. The Main Fork comes complete with gorgeous, fun narrows and a bit of sand slogging.
East Fork of Bluejohn Canyon
Bring a dry bag. The East Fork usually holds wading pools, some waist-deep jaunts, and it's possible to run into a chest-deep pothole. If you are descending this canyon, a set of complete technical gear is needed for a 30- and 40-foot rappel. Don't forget your helmet. A trip down East Fork will also provide rappels, narrows, slot down-climbing - and a lot of fun. After the narrows, an hour or so hike in loose sand brings you to the junction with the Main Fork.
In addition to the red welts from my duct-tape elbow pads, I noticed that Bill, another member of the canyoneering party, should have shopped for shorts at the thrift store, because his fractioning had let to complete holes through the seat of his pant. We're covered in orange sand and rock dust, and, still like children, we are getting dirty and putting holes in our clothes. Perhaps "growing up" is overrated.
Lori Lee is the author of Wild Weekends in Utah.
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