Alcatraz Canyon |

Robbers Roost

Canyoneering Alcatraz Canyon - Robbers Roost Canyoneering Alcatraz Canyon

Robbers Roost

Overview

RATING: 3B

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 62. South southwest wind around 7 mph.

62 | 37

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 66.

66 | 39

Fri

Sunny, with a high near 64.

64 | 42

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

64 | 43

Sun

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

54 | 39

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: 1-60 m ( 197 ft. ) rope, and 1-30 m ( 99 ft. ) rope (or 15 m ( 50 ft. ) and a pullcord). Wetsuit in most conditions, or long sleeves and pants in hot conditions. A headlamp can be helpful in the dark sections, but is not required.
RAPPELS: 3-4 to 60 m ( 197 ft. )
WATER: Generally a few small pools. Wetsuit in cool conditions. The canyon floor does not see much sun.
FLASHFLOOD: High. The canyon has a small drainge, but is very narrow. It would not take much rain directly over the canyon to flood.

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 62. South southwest wind around 7 mph.

62 | 37

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 66.

66 | 39

Fri

Sunny, with a high near 64.

64 | 42

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

64 | 43

Sun

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

54 | 39

View Full Weather Details
Looking into Alcatraz

Looking into Alcatraz

Alcatraz starts like a Mountain Dew commercial, with a 50 m ( 165 ft. ) rappel off your car bumper. With such a dramatic start, it is hard to imagine the canyon getting any better or more adventurous, but it does! Aside from the go-big-or-go-home entrance rappel, the rest of the canyon is a deep, dark, sinuous slot.

The canyons name comes from a group (Scott Patterson and Michael Kelsey) that were descending the slot. As the narrows began growing tighter and tighter, they were unsure they could finish the canyon. Mike led a particularly bold route out the canyon by climbing the right side wall about half way through using hooks. Thus, the canyon had gained its name and a bit of a reputation. These days, knowing that the canyon is passable, it is popular outing for intermediate or better canyoneers.

The narrows are challenging, and tiring, so small packs are in order. Given the physical nature of the canyon and a fair bit of climbing and squeezing, it is not a good choice for beginners.

Bart staying dry crossing the pothole in Alcatraz

Bart staying dry crossing the pothole in Alcatraz

Looking up the first rappel in Alcatraz Canyon

Looking up the first rappel in Alcatraz Canyon

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Alcatraz - April 2019 sloganho

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