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INTRODUCTION
Wandering around in the desert is a fun game. The rewards when winning are ample, the cost of losing is steep. Like all games, it has rules, both those imposed by the environment and those imposed by us'all so we can just get along. Here are suggestions on how to use this guide to help you stay out of trouble and enjoy the fine canyons of Utah.
WARNING
Some of the activities described in this guide are dangerous. The information provided in this guide is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and is based on my personal experience. It is no substitute for skill, common sense and good judgement acquired through your own experience. Conditions in the canyons change on a daily basis, and you may find any route to be substantially more difficult than stated. You may get lost. You may fall off something or get flash-flooded. You may pull out anchors that look very solid. Please prepare carefully for all your outdoor adventures, and use caution and judgement at all times.
How to Use This Guide
Rather than give a blow by blow description of each route, my goal is to give you just enough information to get in serious trouble. Oops, I mean, just enough information to choose routes that will be good for you; allow you to find your way; and bring the right gear.
A MAP is required for most adventures. You can either print or purchase my maps, or bring a USGS Topo Map. In some places, National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps are available that work quite well.
Each route description has a box at the top providing the following information:
Rating: the rating provides information about the technical rating, the water-rating, the length of time required and the commitment level, and my subjective rating of the quality. Understanding the ratings is important to using this guide - please Click Here for a Discussion of Ratings.
Season: the recommended season, usually with an explanation as to why. You can do it in other seasons, but the description is for the recommended season.
Length: approximate time required for competent, fit adults, in small groups, keeping a good pace, but with the usual poking around and picture taking. Groups larger than 6 are not recommended for technical canyons. People new to canyoneering, and not yet proficient at technical canyons, should allow 50% to 100% more time to do the routes.
Longest Rappel: length of the longest rap. Most parties will want to bring at least TWICE this length of rope.
Equipment: special equipment required to complete the route safely; in addition to the "standard kit" appropriate to the rating and difficulties expected.
You are expected to ALWAYS bring: water, food, a pack, decent shoes and a map.
For technical canyons, add: helmet, harness, rappel device, slings, and enough webbing and rapid links to establish or re-sling anchors in the canyon. More advanced canyons may require pack tossing, Happy Hooking or hooking out of potholes. A bolt kit is not required for routes listed in this guide.
The area introduction will indicate what equipment is generally carried in that area.
"Common Sense" should be listed in every equipment list, but is implied, rather than stated. Be sure to bring it along.
Drinking Water: the availability of reliable drinking water. Found water will require filtering to be used. Most canyoneers carry sufficient water for the day from the start.
USGS 7.5' Map: the USGS 7.5' Quadrangle(s) for this hike. A map is required for almost all hikes and routes. You may be able to substitute my maps if you have the correct equipment to print them well. Any special difficulties in navigation will be noted in this section - take them seriously.
Difficulties: a brief description of the difficulties found on this adventure, as I found it, including: rappels, climbing problems, swimming / wading problems, exposed climbs, difficult anchorsand navigational difficulties. Conditions change from day to day and season to season. The level of pools and the wetness of canyons makes a very large difference to the difficulty you will find.
Logistics: notes regarding getting to the start and back to civilization from the finish.
Permit: in Zion National Park, a permit is currently required.
Flash Flood Danger: almost every adventure has some degree of flash flood danger. I give a rather general rating and a few points to think about. Flash Flood Awareness is an important skill to bring to the canyoneering environment.
The Sport of Technical Canyoneering
is changing rapidly as it grows and develops. What will happen to our beautiful wild canyons of the Colorado Plateau? Our impact on the wilderness canyons has become significant. There is a danger our canyons will soon be littered with human artifacts, and the sport of canyoneering reduced to a "Clip and Go" experience.
Through conversation, we can develop a consensus about what is, and is not appropriate, for our canyons. My own contribution to the conversation is the Ethics & Style section. Please read this section and ponder how your actions impact the environment and the experience of other canyoneers.
Further discussion of canyoneering issues is a part of two other resources:
• The on-line discussion at the Canyons E-Group is a good place to socialize, be socialized and chat with others about all things canyons.
• The American Canyoneering Association website includes a variety of resources. The ACA focuses on training courses taught in Utah, Colorado, Washington State and Mexico. Check their website for the current schedule.
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