High Spur Slot Canyon
Red Spur Robbers Roost Looking for a challenging slot canyon with stunning swirling narrows? If so, Red Spur might be for you. This canyon is spicy enough to challenge intermediate canyoneers and reward their effort with magnificence splendor. Red Spur is located in one of the most remote and impressive regions in the lower 48 states that was once ruled over by the notorious Wild Bunch. |
Circle of Friends:
Red Spur 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.
We dropped into the high spur pretty early and once past some of the first obstacles we split some mushrooms. We coutinued down the canyon in awe as we passed through slot after slot and they kept getting more aesthetic and longer and tighter. If I was the type to be claustrophobic, I might have struggled slightly – but the payoff is that you get to enjoy all the beauty of a slot canyon, without being surrounded by hordes of tourists. Sand dunes in Canyonlands National Park. After High Spur Canyon, it was a long drive back to Moab, where the first port of call was the showers. I've really wanted to do High Spur since reading that it was as pretty as Antelope Canyon but without the guide fees or the crowds. So the weekend of October 25, 2013, I decided we would head down to High Spur and do the non-technical parts since my wife isn't very keen on the tech stuff. Hidden in the desolate desert landscape on the outskirts of Canyonlands National Park, High Spur Canyon is a thrilling experience for any adventurer skilled in canyoneering. Toted as one of the most picturesque canyons in Robber’s Roost, High Spur boasts beautiful narrow slots, a lot of down climbing, stemming, and rappels up to 85 feet. Varied route that winds through little ravines and sandstone ridges then descends to the main valley floor, crossing Snow Canyon wash and continuing up a sandy tributary drainage to a very short slot canyon, containing seasonal pools. Above is a short stretch of more enclosed canyon ending at a high dryfall. Also known as the Red Sands Trail.
'Circle of Friends'
General Information:
Red Spur is rated 3A III R using the Canyon Rating System. This slot canyon is very photogenic and provides numerous opportunity for taking outstanding pictures. The route requires complete technical gear. A GPS is useful and good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate.
Red Spur is a challenging slot canyon suitable for intermediate or advanced canyoneers. A couple of obstacles along the route make this canyon a poor choice for novice without good climbing skills and competent leadership. There are no bolted anchors in this canyon, let's 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 charm. The problems in this slot canyon are easy to defeat using a little teamwork and ingenuity.
Trailhead Information:
The trailhead is located in the infamous Robbers Roost area and is accessible to high clearance vehicles. A vehicle shuttle is not required to complete this route.
High Spur Slot Canyon Utah Map Location
Canyon Name:
Why the name Red Spur? The canyon had no official name that I could find, its a tributary of Spur Canyon, and it drains an area known as the High Spur. In addition much of the sandstone has a really deep red color and because the 90 degree June heat beat us like a red-headed step child on the hike out.
Video:
A short video of a trip through Red Spur.
High Spur Slot Canyon Utah Map
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