Canyoneering
Canyoneering is any adrenaline junkie's dream because of the adventurous nature of the activity. Canyoneering is anything that gets thrill seekers across a canyon either by swimming, climbing, rappelling, cliff jumping, or hiking.
What you will need
There are several items you need before you head on your first Canyoneering adventure. You will need a backpack, a drybag (for items you don’t want wet), rope, a harness, carabiners, a helmet, and good shoes with good grip. For many canyons, being a proficient rock climber is a must. You should at least be very confident with rappelling.
If you are canyoneering for your first time, bring a guide that has experience canyoneering where you want to go.
Canyoneering often involves water so be adequately prepared with water shoes, quick drying clothes, plenty of food and water, and a hiking pole. Always be aware of the weather patterns near your canyon and upstream from you. Even a little ran upstream could create a massive flash flood scenario if you're trying to navigate a narrow slot canyon.
Etiquette
- Pack out what you bring in. Be sure not to leave trash or any waste along trails to make sure that the canyoneering experience is as great for any other adventurers that come after you.
- When faster climbers are in the same area as you, let them pass you in order to prevent crowding along the narrow canyon areas.
- Remember to take your ropes and use specialized raps to prevent grooves being made in the rock to preserve the natural structures you are climbing
Where to Go
There are some great places to go canyoneering all around the United States. From Zion National Park in Utah to Watkins Glen State Park in New York. Pick a place that you are comfortable with and know the surroundings so you can be prepared in case of emergency. Be aware of your skill level so you do not get into any situation you aren’t ready for. It’s ok to work your way up to your dream destinations!
Other Good Resources
Here's some of our favorite canyons
Christopher Creek Gorge
Payson, Arizona
16.4 miles E of Payson, ArizonaCold, clear swimming holes and rappellable waterfalls in a canyon just outside Payson — cold year-round, with a wetsuit recommended in cooler months.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim Add Location
Seven Cataracts
Tucson, Arizona
15.2 miles NE of Tucson, ArizonaA set of waterfalls deep in Willow Canyon near Tucson, reached by off-trail canyoneering scrambles — visible from the Catalina Highway pulloff after rainfall.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim 7.5 mi
The Subway
Apple Valley, Utah
14.7 miles N of Apple Valley, UtahA slot canyon in Zion where you hike, swim, and rappel through majestic tunnels and lava tubes — one of the most magical canyon walks in all of Utah.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim 20.4 mi
Coyote Gulch
Escalante, Utah
39.9 miles SE of Escalante, UtahA remote 26-mile backpacker's slot canyon near Escalante with a flowing river, natural arches including Coyote Natural Arch and Jacob Hamblin Arch, and nights under the stars.
Backpack, Canyoneer, Hike 1.1 mi
Christopher Creek Campground
Payson, Arizona
17.3 miles E of Payson, ArizonaA creekside campground east of Payson with swimming holes, small waterfalls, spring trout stocking, and cross-country skiing in winter — open for day-use and overnight camping spring through fall.
Camp, Canyoneer, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Swim 0.2 mi
Rocky Mouth Trail/Waterfalls
Sandy, Utah
2.1 miles SE of Sandy, UtahAn easy 0.2-mile stroll from suburbia reaches a scenic waterfall at the canyon mouth, while climbers can push deeper for 60-ft and 70-ft rappels through a slot canyon.
Canyoneer, Hike, Rock Climb 1.2 mi
Battle Creek Falls
Pleasant Grove, Utah
2.0 miles E of Pleasant Grove, UtahA short 1.2-mile family-friendly hike in Pleasant Grove to a scenic waterfall with views from below and above, plus a nearby rappelling and rock climbing area just beyond the falls.
Canyoneer, Hike
East Clear Creek
Happy Jack, Arizona
19.2 miles SE of Happy Jack, ArizonaA Wild and Scenic river winding through the Mogollon Rim with canyon views, cliff-scaling canyoneers, trout fishing, and deep swimming holes for a full adventure day.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim
McHood Park Clear Creek Reservoir
Winslow, Arizona
4.8 miles SE of Winslow, ArizonaA canyon reservoir near Winslow for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and canyon rock climbing — paddle nearly 3 miles upstream.
Camp, Canoe, Canyoneer, Kayak, Rock Climb, Swim
Keyhole Canyon
Springdale, Utah
6.0 miles NE of Springdale, UtahOne of Zion's most accessible slot canyons, Keyhole Canyon begins just 300 feet from the highway and features three sections of narrows with sheer drops requiring ropes.
Canyoneer
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
