Canyoneering

   Utah is home to some of the best slot canyons in the nation. Zion, Escalante, and the San Rafael Swell are full of beginner to intermediate canyon hikes. Professionals from around the world come to be challenged by the slots, but first time hikers are able to have an experience of a lifetime as well. For a beginner though, canyoneering can seem incredibly intimidating. Here is a guide to the basics of canyoneering. 

    

    First of all it is very important to understand how the canyons are rated, and using that rating to prepare effectively. Canyons are rated using the American Canyoneering Academy (ACA) rating system. A standard rating looks like this--2BIIIR. The first number can be 1-4, which rates the technical difficulty. 1 would be non-technical, 2 could include scrambling and or bouldering, 3 contains single pitch rappelling and requires rope, and a 4 is very technical, only for advanced hikers. Next comes A,B, or C which rates the water. A contains minimal water, B contains pools and expects swimming, and C contains strong currents and waterfalls. Next comes I - VI, which rates the time required. I is a few hours, II is a half day, III is a full day, IV is an extremely long day, V is an overnight trip, and VI is more than two days. Finally, a R or a X may be present at the end of the rating, which gives warning on the risk of the hike. R stands for risky, and includes advanced climbing technique and possible unforeseen circumstances. X stands for extreme, and includes possible injury or death with bad judgement. Now that you understand the rating of canyoneering, you are ready to learn the basics. 

    Most importantly to canyoneering, is to find someone who can teach you. Slot canyons are very dangerous and it is important to go with an expert--not alone or with beginners. At major canyoneering destinations, there are guides available at outfitter locations. Next, make sure you are prepared for what you will encounter down below. The basic outfit for canyoneering is a helmet, a wetsuit (if needed), repelling equipment (rope, anchors, harness, etc), a dry bag, and specialized climbing shoes. Preparation is key to both finishing and having fun. Also before you go, check the weather and make sure there is no storms happening anywhere close to your area. Safety is always a first, make sure you have a guide and you are prepared. 

    While it may seem like you are the only one to ever go down a slot canyon, many of them receive heavy traffic--be polite to those who travel on the same path. Some basic etiquette is to pack out everything packed in--even bodily waste. Leave as little trace as possible, leave nature just as you found it. Be polite to everyone that you come across, the canyon has to be shared by everyone. 

   In Utah, there are 6 canyoneering destinations: Zion, Robbers' Roost, Cedar Mesa, Escalante, North Wash, and the San Rafael Swell. Zion National Park is a great place to get acquainted with the slots. Zion Narrows is an incredible non-technical hike that is great for beginners. Escalante is another great destination with some of the most scenic slots. Nothing can be said bad about the other destinations though, you can't go wrong. 

  First starting out, invest in repelling equipment, a dry bag, shoes, and at least a partial wetsuit. Go from there and invest as you feel. 

   Canyoneering could easily be one of the most down to earth, outside, adventures. It is a sport that one could never tire of, and holds hours of paradise. However it is not something to take lightly, as with all outside activities, take care or yourself and of this great state.

Jones, Tom. "Understanding Canyon Ratings." Canyoneering Ratings. Canyoneering USA, 2015. Web. 10 Oct. 2015.