What is Canyoneering? Canyoneering is defined as traveling through canyons using a variety of techniques that include walking/hiking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and swimming. Although hiking down a canyon that is non-technical can be considered canyoneering, the term is more often associated with technical canyon routes – those that require rappelling, down climbing, and/or rope-work. Technical canyoneering routes are typically one way descent routes and should involve some level of commitment.
Technical canyoneering routes have specific qualities, mandatory rappels, slot sections, and no retreat characteristics. Ropes, harnesses, and helmets are standard. Each route has it’s own set of logistics, entry points and exit points commonly separated by vertical rock. These qualities make canyoneering a unique and interactive experience that is surprisingly accessible to a wide range of participants.
All canyoneering routes follow drainages which makes them prone to flash flooding. The drainage area for a specific canyon affects the level of flood risk, the type of soil also contributes to the equation. Slick-rock drainages can flood more often and at higher volume than a vegetated drainages because the soil and plants absorb more of the rainwater. Flash floods should be taken very seriously, the weather forecast/radar should be checked before every trip.
Zion Area Forecast
Zion Area Radar