Introduction to Canyoneering and Rappelling– 1 Day

Level I: Introduction to Canyoneering Course – Moab, Utah

Beginner Canyoneering Course in Moab, Utah

Build the essential skills to safely descend canyons on this fully private, one-day introductory canyoneering course with Moab Cliffs & Canyons — Moab’s oldest and most experienced climbing and canyoneering guide service, with more than 50,000 thrilled clients since 1999.

Designed for curious first-timers and newcomers to the vertical world, this course is ideal for:

• Complete beginners with little or no rope experience
  
• Rappellers with a limited background looking to build proper technique
  
• Gym climbers with some rope experience but no canyon-specific training
  

Every course is completely private and custom-built around you. Your guide will tailor instruction to your current skill level and goals, covering both ground school and hands-on fieldwork in real canyon terrain — because canyoneering skills are best learned where they’re practiced.

Over approximately 8 hours, you’ll work through rappels up to 120 feet, hiking and scrambling up to Class 5.5 terrain, and a comprehensive set of foundational concepts:

• Canyon Rating System, ethics, style, and communication
  
• Gear selection, requirements, proper use, and care
  
• Essential knots, bends, and hitches
  
• Reading weather forecasts and evaluating environmental hazards
  
• Belaying, lowering, and handlines
  
• Natural, artificial, transient, and human anchors
  
• Static and contingency rigging systems
  
• Rope deployment, coiling, bagging, and etiquette
  
• Rappelling techniques and on-rope skills — adding friction pre- and mid-rappel, locking off, hard starts, soft starts, free-hanging, and overhanging rappels
  
• Basic climbing and down-climbing skills — bridging, stemming, partner assists, and partner captures
  
• Safety-checking and basic self-rescue
  
• Introduction to rope ascension (mechanical and improvised)
  

Routes are located up to 20 minutes from Moab, and transportation from the Moab Cliffs & Canyons office to the route and back is included. The course runs year-round.

By the end of your first day, most students are prepared to begin descending entry-level canyons and rappels. This course also serves as the foundation for the Level II Intermediate and Level III Advanced Canyoneering Courses — available for those who want to keep developing their skills.

Moab Cliffs & Canyons guides only rock climbing and canyoneering — no other activity types — so your guide brings deep, focused expertise and extensive personal experience in the vertical world to every session.

Duration of Adventure

Approximately 8 hours total, including ground school, gear orientation, and fieldwork in real canyon terrain.

Location / Where to Meet

Meet at the Moab Cliffs & Canyons office in Moab, Utah. Transportation to the canyon route and back to the office is included. Canyon locations are up to 20 minutes from Moab.

Ages

Minimum age: 10 years. This course is kid-friendly for children aged 10 and older who meet the fitness requirements below.

Skill & Fitness Level

• Beginner athletic skill level — no prior canyoneering experience required
  
• Previous climbing or rappelling experience is recommended but not required
  
• Must be able to hike up to 3 miles over easy to moderate natural terrain
  
• Technical challenges include rappels up to 120 feet and scrambling up to Class 5.5
  

What’s Included

• Private, customized instruction from a professional Moab Cliffs & Canyons guide
  
• Transportation from the Moab Cliffs & Canyons office to the canyon route and back
  
• All technical canyoneering gear required for the course (harness, rappel device, helmet, and more)
  
• Sandwich (if selected at time of booking)
  

Not Included

• Gratuity for your guide
  
• Personal snacks or additional food beyond the included sandwich option
  
• Personal canyoneering gear (students may bring their own for instructor review)
  

What to Bring / Wear

Footwear & Clothing:

• Running shoes or lightweight hiking shoes — closed-toe only; shoes may get wet or dirty
  
• No open-toed sandals
  
• Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the season that allows full freedom of movement
  

Bring:

• 3–4 liters of water per person
  
• Extra snacks or lunch food
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Lip balm
  
• Brimmed hat
  
• Light long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection or insulation depending on conditions)
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Light rain gear
  
• Camera
  
• Any personal canyoneering gear you own — your instructor will review it with you