Canyoneering Camp (3-Day)

This three-day technical canyoneering course teaches the foundational skills required to access slot canyons in the American Southwest that require technical rope work, rappelling, teamwork and problem-solving. This course is ideal for beginner to intermediate canyoneers looking to develop mastery of fundamental canyoneering skills.

UMA’s 3-Day Canyoneering Course Itinerary

Day One – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Morning: UMA Office

• Course, instructor, and student introductions
• Discussion of the differences and similarities between canyoneering and canyoning
• Overview of canyon rating systems, including the American Canyoneering Association (ACA) and the French Rating System
• Introduction to digital mapping systems, including showing route planning and selection, watershed size, shape and type
• Discussion of flash-flood hazards and risk-management considerations
• Review of common causes of accidents in canyoneering and strategies to avoid them
• Discussion of Leave No Trace principles specific to canyoneering and canyon environments

Afternoon: Outdoor Venue

• Gear considerations specific to canyoneering
• How to perform a partner check to ensure all gear is worn and configured correctly
• Learn canyoneering-specific knots and hitches using rope
• Learn canyoneering-specific knots and hitches using webbing, and construct basic webbing anchors

Day Two – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

We will discuss and practice:

• How to evaluate the integrity of existing canyoneering anchors
• How to build new natural anchors
• How to rig a releasable single-strand rappel, and why it is the default rigging method in canyoneering
• The advantages and disadvantages of alternative rigging methods, including double-strand systems and carabiner blocks
• How to safely rappel using canyoneering-specific descent devices, including how to add friction on the go and lock off these devices
• How to protect the first rappeller using a hands-free backup on rappel
• How to protect the rest of the group using a fireman’s belay
• How to sequence a team through a rappel station safely and efficiently

Day Three – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

We will discuss and practice:

• How to release a contingency block to solve simple technical problems
• How to use a foot loop to free stuck gear on rappel
• Advanced rappelling techniques, including multi-pitch rappel management, high-friction or “soft starts,” and the theory behind managing long rappels (250+ feet)
• Advanced natural anchor construction, including deadman, cairn, and multipoint (EARNEST) anchors
• Sequencing, testing, and team management for marginal anchors
• Effective rope ascension techniques specific to canyoneering, including when and why these skills are required

Max Student : Instructor Ratio

3 : 1

Course dates don’t fit your schedule?

Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.

Course Prerequisites

• This is a beginner-friendly course.
• No canyoneering experience is required.

Required Fitness Level

• You must be able to easily hike 1 mile on variable, uneven terrain (at 7,000′-10,000′ elevation) from the trailhead to access rock climbing crags.

This 3-day course takes place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (expect to be in the field for 8 hours). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

The usual meeting time and place are generally 8 am at UMA’s office and/or the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the course date.

GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you directly by email to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most trailheads now require a parking fee.

How To Register

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550-3986
• Email us at [email protected]

UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the clinic if fewer than 2 participants register.

CANYONEERING COURSE EQUIPMENT LIST

• Comfortable and flexible pants and top
• Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
• Climbing/rappelling gloves (leather type)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• 2 liters of water
• Lunch and quick energy snacks
• Day pack (25-45 liters)
• Approach shoes or hiking boots
• Belay/rappel device (ATC Guide/Reverso), Figure 8 or Critr3 (preferred)
• Harness
• Helmet
• Double-length runner (120cm) or other PAS (personal anchoring system) – not a daisy chain
• 3 locking carabiners
• 2 Prusik loops OR 15 feet of 6mm Nylon Accessory Static Cord to make Prusik loops

Please see our Canyoneering Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below. 

Where do I meet my guide?

Before the start of the course, your guide/instructor will confirm by email the meeting time and location.

Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot or at a trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Please see our Lodging & Trailheads page for recommended accommodations in the canyons. 

HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO Join a Canyoneering Course?

Students must be at least 14 years of age to join a group course. For private guiding and instruction, there is no age restriction.