challenging
2 days
Participants should be in good physical condition with experience in backcountry hiking and ropework.
Master technical anchor systems in Utah’s red rock canyons with this focused two-day rigging course near Hanksville. Elevate your canyoneering skills and safety for challenging descents.
2-Day Course • 2025 Dates: Mar. 22-23, Jun. 21-22 & Sep. 13-14
Elevate your canyoneering skills with our Advanced Anchor Course in Utah's stunning wilderness. Over two days, master complex anchor systems and essential physics, ensuring you're equipped to tackle any canyon challenge. Join fellow enthusiasts at a central basecamp for hands-on instruction and a comprehensive toolkit to enhance your adventures.
If you are a passionate canyoneer and are ready to take your anchor building skills to the next level, our Advanced Anchor Course is just for you. This course will provide you with the requisite skills to solve advanced anchor problems characteristic of many wild and remote canyons. Our goal is to provide you with a robust and comprehensive toolkit so you can handle virtually any anchor challenge you encounter.
Course instruction will focus on the proper setup, execution and sequencing of the following anchor systems:
The course will also provide a review of anchor construction fundamentals including:
Basic static anchors will be reviewed as necessary and appropriate during the course. These anchors include:
An overview of the different ethics and prevailing practices among different regions and land agencies will also be presented.
You must have previous technical canyoneering experience to participate in this course.
$479 per person.
2-Day Course
Dirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness, Utah
Note: This course will be taught from a central canyoneering basecamp that is accessible by vehicle. Cost includes instruction, course handouts, and all team canyoneering equipment, i.e. ropes, webbing, and rigging. Recommended gear that you should bring includes harness, helmet, rappel device, several locking carabiners, ascending gear, and appropriate footwear and clothing. Cost for the course does not include lodging, meals, transportation, personal equipment, and gratuities (tips) for instructors and guides.
Slot canyons in Utah can rapidly flood; always verify weather conditions before heading out.
Review key knots like figure-eight and clove hitch to maximize hands-on training benefits.
Days can get hot and nights cool; layering helps maintain comfort throughout the course.
Hydration is critical in desert environments, so bring ample water for all training sessions.
Hanksville is located near areas historically traversed by early explorers and desert dwellers dating back centuries.
The course promotes Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on fragile desert landscapes.
Essential for practicing anchor setups and rappelling safely.
Protects against rockfall and bumps during technical rigging.
Improves grip and protects hands while handling ropes.
Keeps you hydrated during strenuous desert training.
summer specific