Cheesebox Canyon
verified
ACA 3B
High flood risk
Blanding, UT
A 5 mile multi-pitch Cedar Mesa descent with zero to five rappels, swims, a hidden arch grotto, and a tight rabbit-hole section, all reached via a long 4WD approach.
Often called one of the top three technical descents on Cedar Mesa. Anchors range from R to X exposure on the downclimbs; bring webbing and rappel rings to replace any tat that looks old. Pair with Owl Canyon (already in atlas) for a Cedar Mesa weekend; the two descents share approach logistics but are different drainages.
Logistics
| Manager | BLM Monticello Field Office, Bears Ears National Monument |
|---|---|
| Permit | No permit required. Bears Ears NM dispersed land. Contact BLM Monticello (435-587-1500) for current conditions; some Cedar Mesa permit rules apply to adjacent drainages but Cheesebox itself is open. |
| Distance | 5 |
| Elevation | ~400 ft exit |
| Time | 6-10 hr |
| Technical | Rated 3B III (v3a2 III). Zero to five rappels, maximum about 45 ft. Multi-pitch character: downclimbs, stemming, swims through narrow passages, a sublime grotto under a hidden arch, and a section ropewiki calls the rabbit hole. |
| Season | Spring through fall |
| Flood risk | High. Cedar Mesa drainages flash quickly; the multiple narrow passages with pools mean no fast exit. |
| Vehicle access | 4WD high clearance required on the approach road. |
| Crowd | Low. The Cedar Mesa drive and full-day length thin the crowd compared to Capitol Reef or the Swell. |
| Coordinates | 37.7067, -110.0679 |