Cheesebox Canyon - Cedar Mesa

Cheesebox Canyon
Cedar Mesa
Technical Canyoneering

Cheesebox is a appetizing canyon with beautifully sculpted narrows. The charm of this route is that much of it can be downclimbed or rappelled, depending on your skill and risk tolerance. The slot is dramatic; the narrows are deep, attractive and fun. Cheesebox is consider to be one of the must do classics.

Circle of Friends:
Cheesebox Canyon is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Cheesebox is an exceptional canyon that requires complete technical gear. Cheesebox is rated 3B III using the Canyon Rating System. In normal conditions this canyon contains wading and swimming.

A GPS is extremely useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. This canyon has a large drainage and has a high flashflood danger, check the local weather report before entering this canyon.

The Cedar Mesa area is considered a bolt free environment. Please do your best to preserve this feature. Many canyoneers before you have descended this canyon without placing bolts, so please play fair. You might need to locate and construct natural anchors, which should be considered part of the game. The problem solving involved with using natural anchors and teamwork is considered to be a major part of the adventure with this route.

The Soldier's Grave:
In 1884 several cowboys got into a dispute with some Paiute Indians concerning the ownership of a horse. The cowboys called in the U.S. Cavalry to help them with the dispute. A chase ensued during which the Paiutes ambushed the soldiers and killed two of them. The Soldiers are buried at the marked grave just off highway 95. The Paiutes were never captured.

Trailhead Information:
A high clearance vehicle is required for accessing this trailhead. The road is suitable for two wheel drives during normal conditions. A vehicle shuttle is not required for this route.

Cryptobiotic Soil:
This route crosses areas of cryptobiotic soil. Please avoid disturbing all cryptobiotic crust. Stay on existing trails, walk in wash bottoms or on slickrock. Go out of your way, literally, to avoid cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic crust requires five to ten years of undisturbed growth before it even becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy decades of growth.