My husband and I took the technical canyoneering course from Christopher to learn more about anchoring, knot tying, varying canyoneering techniques, and have fun. The course is 3 days long and each day was 10-13 hours long. Christopher was great to really listen to what our goals/expectations were and customise the teaching to our skills and abilities. We’d come home really tired every day but excited with what we’d seen and learned. It was a fantastic course and I’d like to return next year for more!
Professional and knowledgeable guidance
Canyoneering equipment provided
Explore the sport of canyoneering
Are you curious about canyoneering and want to learn more about the sport? Our 1-Day Introduction to Canyoneering Course is the perfect entrance into the growing sport of canyoneering. Spend a day descending a canyon with a professional canyoneering guide who will share an overview of the sport and teach you basic foundational skills.
$299 per person | 8 hours
Course Details
Price
Tuition for the course is $299 per person
Departure time
8 AM
Meeting point
Hanksville, Utah
Availability
March through November
Duration
Full day (8 hours)
Group size
2-8 people
If you have more than 8 people in your group, contact us about doing a private course.
Experience level
No previous experience required
This course is suitable for adults who are interested in taking a class in an active, adventurous, and educational setting. Students should be able to carry a pack weighing 10-20 pounds. Students aged 12-17 will be considered on a case by case basis.
Difficulty rating
2
Level 1
- Activity:
- Hiking: Easy hiking on well maintained trails
- Canyoneering: Easy hiking and scrambling using hands and feet for balance and support A rope may be used for handlines, belays, rappels and lowering packs
- Distances: Hike up to 2 miles
- Surfaces: Easy terrain
- Elevation Change: Little to none. Short sections of uphill travel.
Level 2
- Activity:
- Hiking: Easy to moderate hiking
- Canyoneering: Easy to moderate hiking and scrambling using hands and feet for balance and support. A rope may be used for handlines, belays, rappels and lowering packs.
- Distances: Hike up to 3 miles
- Surfaces: Flat or rolling terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
- Elevation Change: Up to 600 ft/day
Level 3
- 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
Level 4
- Activity:
- Hiking: Difficult, off-trail hiking on rugged, technical terrain
- Canyoneering: Difficult, sustained, climbing and scrambling using hands and feet. A rope is required for handlines, belays, rappels and lowering packs.
- Distances: Hike up to 10 miles
- Surfaces: Rugged, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
- Elevation Change: Up to 3000 ft/day
Level 5
- Activity:
- Hiking: Very difficult, off-trail hiking on rugged, technical terrain
- Canyoneering: Very difficult, sustained, climbing and scrambling using hands and feet. A rope may be used for handlines, belays, rappels and lowering packs. May require advanced canyoneering techniques including guided rappels, multi-pitch rappels, complex ropework difficult pothole escapes, and advanced problem-solving and anchor building.
- Distances: Hike up to 14 miles
- Surfaces: Extremely rugged, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
- Elevation Change: Up to 4000 ft/day
Solitude rating
5
- Expect to be around other hikers and travelers most of the time.
- Expect to have some solitude, as much as an hour at a time without seeing other groups.
- Expect several hours of solitude at a time.
- Expect to see no more than one or two groups on your trip.
- Expect to see no other hikers or travelers on your trip.
Included
- Experienced and knowledgeable instructors
- Wilderness-based classroom
- All team canyoneering equipment (i.e., ropes, webbing, and rigging)
- Course-specific handouts
- 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
- Meals
- Transportation
- Personal equipment
- Gratuities or tips for instructors and guides
What to bring
- Harness, helmet & rappel device
- Layered clothing
- Comfortable, high-friction footwear
- Medium backpack
- Sun Protection
- Water bottles or bladder
- Headlamp or flashlight
A full packing list will be sent upon booking.
What Lies Ahead of You
An introduction to the sport of canyoneering
Develop basic foundation of skills to participate as a canyoneering team member
Unique experience set in one of the world’s most unique landscapes
What You'll Learn
In this course, you will spend the day learning basic canyoneering skills and techniques while descending a canyon. Skills covered include:
- Understanding of the canyon rating system
- Gear selection and maintenance
- Rappelling techniques
- Belaying techniques
- Anchor inspection
- Basic rope management
- Use of hand lines
- Safety
- Hazard recognition
Other Important Information
We offer multiple tours in the Utah wilderness. See where we guide!
If you’ve decided to stay a little longer, take a look at our list of Utah recommendations(opens in a new tab), including the nearest towns with the best accommodation and restaurants. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us!(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
This class is designed for beginners and no previous experience is required.
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 definitely need closed-toed shoes (no Chacos!) that you’ve worn before and broken in well.
Entrance fees are included in the price. Students are responsible for their own meals during the course. Remember to consult the packing list sent to you upon booking, so you don’t forget anything important. Students will be sent a course gear list after registering.
Have more questions? Head to our FAQ page to read more!
Photo Gallery
We were a group of 4 women in our 50’s and 60’s with hiking experience. Our guide Mike was very skilled and a pleasure to spend the day with. I would highly recommend doing a tour of the wonderful dessert and see places that would be far to difficult to experience without ropes and knowledged guides!
My husband were able to spend a couple days with Chris gaining and practicing new skills that are necessary to safely navigate some of Utah’s canyons. Chris is knowledgable, methodical and sequential with his teaching. We are excited to come back next year to practice!! I love canyoneering!!
