Lost Spring Canyon | Robbers Roost

Canyoneering Lost Spring Canyon - Robbers Roost Canyoneering Lost Spring Canyon

Robbers Roost

Overview

Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. North wind around 8 mph.
68° | 43°
Thu A slight chance of rain showers between noon and 3pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
67° | 47°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 68.
68° | 45°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 43°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 48°
RATING: 3A
SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter if no snow
RAPPELS: 3+ to 10 m ( 33 ft. )
WATER: Generally avoidable.
FLASHFLOOD: Moderate
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. North wind around 8 mph.
68° | 43°
Thu A slight chance of rain showers between noon and 3pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
67° | 47°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 68.
68° | 45°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 43°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 48°
The head of the North Fork.
The head of the North Fork.
Starting to get narrow!
Starting to get narrow!

In 2003, Mike Kelsey, Scott Patterson, and I visited the Lost Spring forks. We went down the South Fork past its confluence with Middle and North Forks to its final drop into the South Fork of Robbers Roost. On the way back, we rim walked the North Fork. At the time none of us seemed very motivated to descend the canyon, so we looked at it from the rim and called it a day.

Since then I've had a few people tell me North Fork of Lost Spring was pretty good, so in 2017 I finally got back to revisit the Lost Spring Forks. It turns out South Fork, our entry choice in 2003, is the least interesting of the three. Middle Fork is not technical but does have some downclimbing. Probably not one I would recommend. North Fork is good, with several short drops to downclimb or rappel, in a surprisingly deep and narrow slot.

This is one to do after doing something else in the area like No Mans Canyon or Larry Canyon. It is not one to come all the way out into the Roost to do on its own. It also makes a great way to round out a Bull Pasture Canyon day.

Difficulty Note: I would rate this an intermediate canyon. Beginners will struggle with some of the exposed (but secure) downclimbs. The second drop, in particular, is difficult to build a natural anchor for if rappelling is needed.

The narrows didn't feel particularly difficult to me (6'2", 185 lbs), but larger canyoneers may work harder and have to stem up more in the narrowest sections.
Note: A 4x4 will save about 3 miles of Jeep road walking and is recommended. The Jeep road is generally quite good, with only 1 or 2 rough spots. An aggressively driven high clearance vehicle will also likely make it.
Camping Note: Near the North Fork are several decent primitive camping spots. There are a little more off the beaten path than many Robbers Roost campsites.
First rappel/down climb.
First rappel/down climb.
Second drop, down climb or difficult anchor.
Second drop, down climb or difficult anchor.

Full Details

To help keep the riff-raff out, and encourage participation, you must login to see the details.

Login For Full Details

Registration is free and easy.

Photos

Comments