The Calico Tanks trail leads through sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and to a natural water tank or "tinaja" nestled among the red and white sandstone cliffs This is a popular trail in Red Rocks for good reason It is colorful, a little challenging, and has spectacular views This is one of my top recommendations for visiting Red Rocks There are a few minor scrambling spots, but I would rate this suitable for most, though kids and dogs may need help in a few spots Sandstone Formations: The vibrant red and wh...

Smiling Cricket Canyon, also known as Poe Canyon and even L Canyon, was first descended by Mike Bogart and Jenny Hall in 1981 and called Poe Their bold descent went unrepeated and more or less unknown for almost 30 years In 2007, Jason Pease wandered the area looking for canyons and re-found Poe, naming it Smiling Cricket He descended it in the summer of 2008 with Mark Fleck Of the three canyons in the area Happy Dog, Laughing Baboon, and Smiling Cricket, Jason and Mark ended up in the biggest of the three He and M...

World renowned, Fossil Mountain is one of the West Desert gems that many Utah locals don't even know exists In the far western edge of Millard County, Fossil Mountain is home to a variety of fossilized shells and other invertebrates This particular layer of fossils and sediment from ancient times also contains cephalopods, though it will take a fairly well-trained eye to find them This is a must do place to visit for rock hounds and those interested in fossils To be fair, and set expectations, on our visit we wande...

Climbing Cleopatra's Chair is something I had wanted to do for a long time The 56 C0 rating made it sound fun, the "shoulder stand" made it sound adventurous True to my impression, it didn't disappoint The route is not for 56 leaders! We avoided the shoulder stand at about 58, but above that move there is a good section of runout climbing A slip would be disastrous, and help a long way off Cleopatra's Chair is a true adventurous desert summit best left to those with a bit of experience The summit is amazing, howeve...

High spur is in many people's opinion the most beautiful canyon in the Robber's Roost area I would agree it is certainly high up on the list It is a photographers dream! Although technical, much of it can be enjoyed by hikers hiking down and returning the same way The technical difficulties are straightforward, making this a good canyon for canyoneers of all abilities It also, generally, doesn't hold much water, making it a good early or late season outing

If this were closer to pavement, Tidwell Canyon would unequivocally be one of the classic canyons It has great, deep, dark narrows and easy passage Although a bit short in length, it is a must do if you are in the area The loop described here sees a variety of different narrows and scenery Ascending is required, but the two drops that require ascending are short The trailhead has a great, remote feel and offers decent primitive camping with unparalleled views Although a bit of an excursion to get all the way out to...

Warning! This fork of Water Canyon is VERY NARROW Larger canyoneers may not fit At 6'2" and 185lbs, I fit with a little room to spare, but people that are much bigger may struggle Water Canyon offers the intrepid canyoneer a good day out The crux of the canyon is a very tight narrow section right as you get going Beside the crux, the canyon offers great views, and a very nice deep, dark slot section Water Canyon is a good one, beginner friendly with competent leadership and makes a nice casual day out

A short approach, short exit, and amazing slot section, what more could a canyoneer ask for This short outing is technically very straightforward and suited for all canyoneers It provides a good introduction before the more challenging West Fork of Big Spring, just down the road The short and casual nature make this a good choice for an evening route after doing something else during the day As of 2022, the canyon now contains a keeper pothole Be prepared for keeper pothole escape!

Low Spur is not a 4 star canyon, but is a great, short adventure It works well as a canyon to do after doing one of the other canyons in the area when you still have some time left over I can't recommend it as a destination, but do think it is an interesting canyon if you are in the area It's signature feature is a cave-like overhang that is rather uniqueIt also has a short, moderately tricky up climb that is easiest with a partner, so not a good canyon to solo The canyon is suitable for all canyoneers It does invo...

Looking for a casual family float trip Ruby / Horsethief provides a very mellow 25-mile float with one rapid, generally considered class II This is a good trip for beginners or families Aside from the one rapid, and short section of turbulent water, the other 24 miles is very easy and relaxing The scenery is second to none, with ample opportunity for side hikes The flow should be BELOW 30,000 CFS for rafts For those in a canoe, less than 20,000 CFS if experienced, less than 10,000 CFS if inexperienced For family tr...