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Bluejohn Canyon Bluejohn Canyon (often misspelled as Blue John Canyon) is a fun technical slot canyon in the Robbers Roost area. There are several popular routes through the canyon with each offering it's own charm. All routes contain several miles of premium narrows and enjoyable desert hiking. This canyon contains some of the best slots in the area. They are very scenic and refreshing. In April 2003, Bluejohn Canyon acquired a mystical reputation by way of of the Aron Ralston epic, when a canyoneer was forced to amputate his own arm in order to survive the canyon. Interested in viewing a short video clip which was shot in the East and Main Forks of Bluejohn Canyon? This video was taken the first week of March and the water temperature was still very cold. |
The canyon complex itself is many people's first canyon experience, and for good reason. The different forks of Blue John offer different challenges and scenery, but are very accessible to beginning canyoneers. Several options are available for combining the forks, depending on time available and motivation. Bluejohn Canyon in located in Southeast Utah in a region known as Robbers Roost. The canyon is named for a semi-notorious old west outlaw that used to hide from the law in this and nearby canyons. John Griffith had one brown eye and one blue eye that earned him his nickname Blue John. Saturday, a trip through Lower Squeeze was delightful and uneventful. Sunday was a day for Blue John Canyon. Ram gave us the beta and we headed over, starting at an incredibly crapped-out cowboy camp just off the Hans Flat road.
Circle of Friends:
Bluejohn Canyon 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.
'Circle of Friends'
History:
Bluejohn Canyon appears to have been named after a minor Robbers Roost outlaw by the name of John Griffith. Griffith had one blue eye and one brown eye and thus was saddled with the nickname 'Blue John'. It is recognized that he kept stolen horses in the area, perhaps watering them at nearby springs. In the fall of 1899 Griffith is reported to have put in at Hite with a small boat with the intention of reaching Lee's Ferry. He was never heard from again.
Blue Canyon Utah
General Information:
Bluejohn Canyon is a spectacular canyoneering adventure offering numerous routes for all abilities. The canyon contains technical canyoneering routes along with routes that allow hikers to enjoy the slots. The routes listed for this canyon range in length from half a day to a very long day depending on skill level and route selection. This canyon contains no swimming in normal conditions but knee to waist deep wading are common. A GPS is extremely useful for navigating in this area. Navigation for the routes listed is moderate.
Trailhead Information:
The trailhead is located in the infamous Robbers Roost area and is usually accessible to carefully driven passenger vehicles. A vehicle shuttle is not required to complete this route.
Main Fork Route Information:
The Main Fork of Bluejohn Canyon is rated 3A III using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 8 to 9 hours from trailhead to trailhead.
East Fork Route Information:
The East Fork of Bluejohn Canyon is rated 3B III using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 8 to 10 hours from trailhead to trailhead.
East Fork Squeeze Variation:
The East Fork Squeeze Variation of Bluejohn Canyon is rated 3B III X using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 8 to 10 hours from trailhead to trailhead. This route is for expert canyoneers only.
West Fork Route Information:
The West Fork of Bluejohn Canyon is rated 2A II using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 3 to 4 hours from trailhead to trailhead.
Little Bluejohn:
Little Bluejohn Canyon is rated 3A II using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 3 to 4 hours from trailhead to trailhead.
Bluejohn to Horseshoe Canyon:
Bluejohn Canyon to Horseshoe Canyon is rated 3A III using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for this adventure is 8 to 10 hours from trailhead to trailhead. Some refer to this as the 'Ralston Route' as this is the route that resulted in Aron Ralston's now famous epic.
Hiking Information:
It is possible for enterprising hikers to visit nearly all of the narrows in Bluejohn Canyon. The hiking options carry a rating of 2A III using the Canyon Rating System. Total time required for the hiking option is 4 to 10 hours depending on how much and which areas you wish to visit.
Related Links:
Bluejohn Canyon Video
Cheating Death in Bluejohn Canyon
Circle of Friends - Route Information (Members Only)
Horseshoe Canyon - Route Information
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