3-Day Technical Canyoneering/Canyon Leadership Course
Want to explore some of North America’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring technical canyons with names such as Leprechaun, Larry, Bluejohn, Chambers, and Mindbender? Looking to have fun in the canyons, learn essential safety skills, and experience the unique camaraderie and power of the “team”? This course will provide you with a well-rounded base of technical canyoneering and canyon leadership skills that are essential for achieving these goals.
The Three-Day Technical Canyoneering Course is the premier introductory course designed to give you the confidence you need to pursue the exciting sport of technical canyoneering. The course includes beginning and intermediate-level techniques, trip planning, problem-solving, hazard recognition and avoidance, and team building. Completion of this course will provide you with the skills you need to pursue canyons up to a Class 3B Rating and how to travel safely in a variety of wilderness environments.
Unlike many courses that are taught at climbing walls, this course is taught in actual technical slot canyons. As a matter of fact, the areas we teach in have some of the best technical slot canyons on the planet. We believe there is no substitute for learning canyoneering in actual canyons. We're confident that once you see our incredible outdoor, wilderness classroom, you too will agree.
Mornings are spent in an outdoor classroom setting learning the skill set for that day. Each afternoon is spent applying your newly learned skills out on the rocks and in the canyons.
Specific skills you will learn include:
- Canyoneering Gear. (Selection, use, and care)
- Trip Planning Techniques
- Navigation and Route Finding
- Canyon Rating System
- Knots and Hitches
- Hazard Recognition and Avoidance
- Crisis Management
- Climbing Techniques
- Partner Assist Techniques
- Using and Setting Natural and Fixed Anchors
- Natural Anchor Construction Techniques
- Rappelling and Belaying Techniques
- Ascending Fixed Lines
- Handlines and Tethers
- Group Problem Solving
- Self-Rescue Techniques
Duration
3 days
Location / Where to Meet
Hanksville, UT
We meet at the Intersection of HWY-24 and HWY-95 in Hanksville
(175 UT-24, Hanksville, UT 84734)
This classroom portion of the course will be taught from a central canyoneering basecamp that is accessible by vehicle. The field portion course will take place in the Dirty Devil Wilderness/Robbers Roost area.
Ages & Requirements
This class is designed for beginners, or those with some in-canyon experience. No previous experience is required. You should be able to carry a pack weighing 10-20 pounds. While we welcome children ages 7+, this instructional course is geared towards adults. Children should be comfortable in a structured classroom environment and it is recommended that children have some canyoneering experience.
What's Included
Cost includes instruction, course handouts, and all team canyoneering equipment, i.e. ropes, webbing, and rigging:
- Experienced and professional guides
- Team canyoneering equipment
- Canyoneering and rappelling instruction
- Federal land permit fees
- Safety equipment, including a team first-aid kit and satellite messenger
- A commitment to make the course as exciting, challenging, and informative as you’d like
Not Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation to trailhead
- Personal canyoneering equipment
- Gratuity for your guide
What to Bring / Wear
Recommended gear that you should bring includes a harness, helmet, rappel device, several locking carabineers, and appropriate footwear and clothing. If you do not have your own gear let us know and we can provide helmets, harnesses, and hardware for you to use.
Wear clothes you can move in and don’t mind if they get “worn in” by the canyons. We recommend wearing clothing that covers your knees and elbows. Layers are also key! For your feet, comfortable medium-weight hiking shoes or boots work best. You need closed-toed shoes (no Chacos!) that you’ve worn before and broken in well. We recommend bringing:
- Harness, helmet, & rappel device
- Layered clothing
- Comfortable, high-friction footwear
- Sun protection
- Medium backpack
- Water bottles or bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
A full packing list will be sent upon booking. After booking, please let us know if you do not have your own canyoneering gear.
FAQ
Do I need previous experience to participate?
This course is suitable for beginners of all ages who enjoy an active, adventurous and educational outdoor experience. Adult participants should be able to carry a pack weighing 10-20 pounds.
Will there be cell service available?
There is usually little to no signal where we tour. It’s the perfect time to unplug and truly enjoy nature!
How strenuous is this trip?
This trip has a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5.
Activity:
- Hiking: Moderate, off-trail hiking on rugged trails
- Canyoneering: Moderate, sustained, climbing, and scrambling using hands and feet. A rope is required for handlines, belays, rappels, and lowering packs
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles
Surfaces: Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation Change: Up to 1200 ft/day
How much solitude will we experience?
Expect to see no more than one or two groups on your trip.
How big are the groups?
On our group tours, we have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 guests. If you'd prefer a private course, you're welcome to book a private tour for 1-5 guests. Both group and private tours are available to book online at checkout.
What will the weather be like?
The area where we guide experiences four distinct seasons: moderate springs and falls, cool winters, and hot summers. Many consider the ideal weather in Canyon country to occur during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The sun shines throughout the year and the wind comes and goes throughout the seasons.