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| A few other pages of similar interests See our Canyoneering Tips , and Checklist Canyoneering Canyoneering encompassing everything about canyons from touring some of the greatest to to rappelling down into slot canyons barely wide enough to get your shoulders through. While similar to rockclimbing, mountaineering and caving; Canyoneering is it's own realm. Aren't canyons just some boring cut in the earth? Heck no. They present unique physical and mental challenges, they are breathtakingly beautiful and involve a number of skills including swimming in fast moving water ( most whitewater rafting is performed in canyons). Being below the surface allows you to see the layers that signify millions of years of build up and then erosion. Colors in the layers paint mosaics that only the best artist can come close to duplicating. Experience the temperature swings and the sounds or the lack of sound.
Part of the Grand
Canyon.
Yellowstone
National Park Canyon Huge open canyons like the ones above are most often just photographed from a vantage point, but we encourage you to prepare and make arraignments to climb or hike down into the canyons and spend a third of your day there. See our Canyoneering Tips and printable Canyoneering checklist for your safety and preparations.
Entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon interior Other canyons more closely resemble caves and are known as slot canyons. a few of the most widely known are the Antelope Canyons in Arizona , and the Blue John Canyon in Cayonlands National Park in Utah Where Aron Ralston had to cut off his own arm to free himself from a boulder that was pinning his arm against the wall. We don't mean to scare you but now that you know that this sort of thing can happen you are better prepared. Be sure to follow the links above to explore the pages devoted to each of these locations. What risks are involved in Canyoneering? Considering that you will be remote, in nature and working in the between walls of rock you must realize that any of the following can and may occur. Falling while climbing either up or down wall or even just over boulders, which brings us to rock fall. Exposure poses problems such as hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration. Canyons for the most part are created by water erosion which introduces the possibility of drowning, and flash floods. If you are experienced you know that danger still lurks in the form of equipment failure, and many other hazards. Canyoneering is dangerous, and you should only descend canyons that are within your ability, after carefully judging the safety of the route, your personal preparedness and the abilities of those going with you. You are taking someone with you right? (see Aron Ralston's ordeal) To be prepared to do canyoneering you need to be physically and mentally fit. That is not to say you can't have a few extra pounds, but a whole lot extra will add to your difficulty level. (Might be a great way to shed some unwanted weight and have fun doing it.) Even if you are slim there is some preparation necessary. You need to build up your endurance level,; meaning that if you exercise 40 minutes push it to 120 minute on a weekend day. Of course if you exercise routine is something other than stationary, you will enjoy it more and the body will respond. Consider Hiking, Cycling , Mountain Biking, Swimming, Rock Climbing (even if it is at the mall) Kayaking, Running, Rowing, Surfing and developing Wilderness skills as alternate forms of exercise. Getting fit by participation and not by drudgery. Camping in canyons require some thought. Not only are most canyons rocky and short on vegetation but they may be subject to flash floods that originate many miles upstream. Choose a spot higher than the the high water marks on the canyon walls or banks. Look up before settling on a spot to determine if rockfall may be a problem. To determine this you will need to consider the slope proximity and angle, the type of rock, and the time of the year. Most rockfall occurs in the spring after a winter that had repeated freezes and thaws. And as always you must be critter alert. The more you get to do a sport the more you will enjoy it. We have found that being prepared to leave at a moment notice will increase the number of time that you will actually get out and do it. Ultimately the best way to be prepared is to have all the necessary gear already stored in a "gear trailer". This is a trailer dedicated to this purpose. READ ON. We have an intense tutorial in our Survival trips section on "How to Make A Fire". It is worthwhile reading as it may save your life and if nothing else it is fun trying to emulate what is taught in this section. If you are serious and you should be, about canyoneering then you may want to take part in or at least review some of the forums in Wildernessmail where you will find a variety of outdoor subject to discuss. *********There are several organizations dedicated to this and related sports. We have compiled a large list of clubs, information, commercial and online communities sites to help you get the most out of this remarkable sport. ********* Be cautious when in the wilds as Ticks and Chiggers can pose a serious problem. Go to our activities page for additional areas of interest. Being physically fit will make your experiences safer and more enjoyable. We are developing a page devoted to encouraging people to do just this. See the Physical fitness page. |
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