Alcatraz Canyon - Robbers Roost
(5 Ratings)
RATING: 3B
LENGTH: II (3-5 hours)
GEAR: Wetsuit. 1-60 m ( 197 ft. ) rope, and 1-30 m ( 99 ft. ) rope. Wetsuit in most conditions, or long sleeves and pants in hot conditions. A headlamp can be helpful in the dark sections, but is not required.
RAPPELS: 3-4 to 60 m ( 197 ft. )
WATER: Generally a few small pools. Wetsuit in cool conditions. The canyon floor does not see much sun.
FLASHFLOOD: High. The canyon has a small drainge, but is very narrow. It would not take much rain diretly over the canyon to flood.
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
NOTES: The canyon is very narrow in spots, with the crux narrow spot being difficult for those over about 180 lbs.. Larger canyoneers can generally climb their way up and over the very tight spots, but it requires a lot of effort, and advanced skills.
The trailhead is reachable by a high clearance vehicle in most conditions. All vehicles can generally make it to within 2.5 miles of the trailhead, and the rest walked if needed.
The trailhead is reachable by a high clearance vehicle in most conditions. All vehicles can generally make it to within 2.5 miles of the trailhead, and the rest walked if needed.
Hype
Alcatraz starts like a Mountain Dew commercial, with a 50 m ( 165 ft. ) rappel off your car bumper. With such a dramatic start, it is hard to imagine the canyon getting any better or more adventurous, but it does! Aside from the go-big-or-go-home entrance rappel, the rest of the canyon is a deep, dark, sinous slot.The canyons name comes from a group (Scott Patterson and Michael Kelsey) that were descending the slot. As the narrows began growing tighter and tighter, they were unsure they could finish the canyon, so Mike led a particularly bold route out the canyon by climbing the right side wall about half way through using hooks. Thus, the canyon had gained its name and a bit of a reputation. These days, knowing that the canyon is passable, it is popular outing for intermediate or better canyoneers.
The narrows are challenging, and tiring, so small packs are in order. Given the physical nature of the canyon, and fair bit of climbing and squeezing, it is not a good choice for beginners.
Photos (click on photo for more detail)
by: badluck [Sep 22, 2010]