Cheesebox Canyon

On August 21st, 2016, Tony ( @Absolute Gravity ), Levi ( @levifackrell ) and I swam and swam and swam and swam, through Cheesebox Canyon.

I have never seen so much water in a canyon. Not even close.

The water temperature was not too bad, maybe in the 50-60 degree range. However, I've lost 20 lbs since the last time my 3/2 wetsuit has seen a canyon, so my wetsuit held a LOT of unwelcome water. Also, Tony accidentally brought his 7mm wetsuit, so he soon discovered he only needed the bottom half of it to survive. Much suffering and laughter ensued due to our wardrobe malfunctions.

We spent at least 4 hours swimming. Two of the swims seemed endless; we estimated each to be about 200 yards long. There were also many narrow hallways that we had to swim through, they were spooky but awesome. Unfortunately, my camera would have done little justice in those hallways. Those parts would have been best captured on a GoPro (next time!).

No doubt, this is the best Cedar Mesa canyon that I've done. A top-shelf classic. If there is a better canyon in that area, I'd love to know about it.

Bob

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We saw some rope grooves at the first drop. If you go, please don't leave more. Here is a spot that everyone can easily downclimb, it just takes a moment to find it.
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A radioactive Cheesebox, just for fun.
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http://amazingslots.blogspot.com/201...ox-canyon.html

Been awhile since I did cheesebox but it held a lot of water.
A favorite, in the area for sure.

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If there is a better canyon in that area, I'd love to know about it.

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Cheesebox, Gravel, and Black Hole are the three best canyons in that area, so you have seen the top three in the area now. As for which one is #1 of the 3, that would be a matter of debate and personal preference.

Short Canyon is another very good short canyon.

I really like Cowboy, but some other people don't.

Fry is OK.

Horse Tanks, Little Horse Tanks, Hideout, K &L, Fortknocker, and Deer are just OK and not as good as the above.

What about the other fork of Cheesebox?

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Originally Posted by qedcook

What about the other fork of Cheesebox?

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The East Fork is pretty good, but the slot is shorter than the one in the west Fork, thus the West Fork is better. The East Fork does have a couple of neat ruins though.

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Originally Posted by Scott P

Cheesebox, Gravel, and Black Hole are the three best canyons in that area, so you have seen the top three in the area now. As for which one is #1 of the 3, that would be a matter of debate and personal preference.

Short Canyon is another very good short canyon.

I really like Cowboy, but some other people don't.

Fry is OK.

Horse Tanks, Little Horse Tanks, Hideout, K &L, Fortknocker, and Deer are just OK and not as good as the above.

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Good to know, thanks @Scott P . Cowboy is on the to-do-list. We were planning on Short Canyon last weekend, but the roads were waaay too slow to justify the round trip from camp (between Cheese and Gravel). I've done Fry and it is fun. Duckett is a fun little slot too.

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Originally Posted by qedcook

What about the other fork of Cheesebox?

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I like that idea. A good excuse to go back! :2thumbs:

Looks like a fun canyon. I'm jealous I've had 2 trips planned to do this canyon in the past, but the weather has never cooperated. Someday I will do this canyon. Thanks for the trip report.

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Originally Posted by Walden

Looks like a fun canyon. I'm jealous I've had 2 trips planned to do this canyon in the past, but the weather has never cooperated. Someday I will do this canyon. Thanks for the trip report.

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We were thwarted twice as well, but third time was the charm & it was worth it!

last photo looks great