Welcome to canyoneering.
"Canyoneering" is a term used to describe an adventure sport that combines hiking, wading, swimming, boulder hopping, rock climbing and rappelling.
Canyoneering can be as mellow as strolling down a streambed in sandals or as extreme as a multi-day epic involving rappels, climbs, swimming, and boulder-hopping. If you decide to explore the more technical side, consider hiring a guide for your first few descents. Along with flash floods, rappelling is the most dangerous aspect of canyoneering. Sometime, novice canyoneers often dismiss rappelling. After all, it seems easy to slide down a rope. But many people have been injured or killed on "very simple" rappels. If you don't have experience rappelling, seek qualified instruction. The American Canyoneering Association (www.canyoneering.net) has classes ranging from novice to advanced and is a great resource for canyoneering enthusiasts. Finally, as more and more people venture into these canyons, it is imperative to practice Leave-No-Trace ethics. Stay safe and have fun!
Preparing For Your Adventure:
Know your abilities and the abilities of your group members. You should master skills like rappelling prior to entering canyons.
Verify canyon route information before entering. Canyon conditions can change from year to year so check with rangers or other local sources for current information.
Know the weather forecast and local weather patterns. Because of the threat of flash floods, all slots should be considered off-limits if the sky is threatening rain. Even if there is not a cloud in the sky, if it is raining anywhere in the watershed, you are in danger. In August 1997, a flash flood ripped through Antelope Canyon in Northern Arizona and killed 11 people. Please do not assume that you can just climb out. Buckskin Gulch, perhaps one of the world's premiere slot canyon, has only one escape route along its 11-mile length.
Check with rangers and local authorities regarding permit requirements, and recommended equipment use.
Carry a detailed topographic map of the canyon you are exploring. Study your map and plan ahead for escape routes.
Know the equipment requirements for your canyon. Canyons can be extremely hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. You may be warm on your approach and then find yourself swimming in 40-degree water so you need to be prepared for the extremes. Wetsuits and drysuits are standard equipment for many slots. You will also need: a good helmet, footwear that have climbing soles, extra dry clothing, some climbing hardware, enough rope length for your longest rappel, a good flashlight, enough extra water and food, a first aid kit and rescue gear. If you don't have the equipment you need, don't even think of entering the canyon. If you don't know how to use the equipment properly, get professional instruction.
Give yourself plenty of time and daylight.
Make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Canyoneering Safety Tips:
Know the Weather Before You Go:
Flash floods are the single greatest threat to canyoneers. Canyon water levels can be fast, furious and violent. Flash floods can raise water levels ten feet or more in a matter of seconds.
Flash Flood Warning Signs: Sudden rise in water level or an increase in speed, an increase in floating debris, sudden or unexpected changes in water color, and loud roaring sounds like thunder.
Flash Flood Survival: You must take action quickly! Drop your pack and seek high ground immediately - preferably on the inside bend in the stream. Never try to outrun floodwaters or travel through a flooded canyon.
If you are swept into the floodwaters: roll over on your back, feet downstream.
Where to Play:
Although extensive canyon systems can be found throughout many parts of the world (Peru, Mexico, China, and Bolivia to name a few), the Colorado Plateau of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona is the Mecca of canyoneering.
The tributaries of the Grand Canyon also offer abundant slot canyons for the novice or the seasoned expert.
Online, you can visit Zion National Park (www.nps.gov/zion), Grand Staricase - Escalante National Monument (www.ut.blm.gov/monument) and Lake Powell National Recreation Area (www.nationalspark.com/lakepowell).
Also check out www.climb-utah.com for more great options.
Resources: 1) Canyoneering Arizona by Tyler Williams and Canyoneering 1, 2, and 3 by Steve Allen. 2) The American Canyoneering Association |
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