CHEESBOX CANYON

Cheesebox Canyon is a tributary of the White River near Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah.  The bottom part is accessed from a small parking area along Utah 95 near milepost 75.  The upper narrows are off the reasonably 2WD-negotiable Cheesebox  Road.  Although the upper narrows are interesting and have some good technical sections, the best  photographic opportunity is  the very sweet, short, but nicely sculptured slot starting about a half mile up from the confluence with White Canyon.  This features some beautifully curved sandstone chutes, deep potholes, a couple swimming sections, and one rappel down into a spring fed pool.  Technically it's easy and photogenically it's great. 

To do the lower section, follow the cairned trail down to White River, and cross over into Cheesebox.  It's worth the little walk up the canyon to the un-climbable dryfall and pool.  Retrace back to White Canyon and climb right up and into Cheesebox to get around the dryfall.  Proceed another quarter mile to the top of the short slot.  You need a 30m rope, rappel gear, and some good chimneying fortitude to get through.  Although it's short, I spent several hours here taking pictures.  If you are into long technical stretches, this is probably not for you.  Try the upper narrows.

Refs:  A reasonable sketch map and description of the lower canyon is given by  Kelsey, " Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau", Kelsey Publishing, 1999.  A good discussion of the technical upper narrows section can by found in Tom's Guide to Utah Canyons:  http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/index.htm

Disclaimer:  The goal of these trip notes is to suggest good photographic locations and what I consider pretty neat hikes.  These paragraphs should not be used as a canyoneering guide.  Seek out good maps and detailed information, and get properly prepared before entering any slot canyon.