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Technical Canyoneering Course in Hanksville, Utah - Hanksville

Technical Canyoneering Course in Hanksville, Utah

Hanksvilleexpert

Difficulty

expert

Duration

3 days

Fitness Level

Participants should be in excellent physical condition with strong endurance and flexibility to handle challenging climbs and long days.

Overview

Master the ropes of technical canyoneering on a three-day adventure in Utah’s spectacular Hanksville canyons. Learn essential skills and conquer challenging routes with expert guides.

Ropes Course
Hanksville, Utah

Technical Canyoneering Course - UT

3-Day Course • 2025 Dates: 4/11-13, 4/25-27, 5/16-18, 9/26-28 & 10/24-26

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Adventure Photos

Technical Canyoneering Course - UT photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable three-day adventure in Utah's breathtaking technical canyons, including Leprechaun and Mindbender. This premier course combines essential canyoneering skills with hands-on experience in stunning wilderness settings, fostering teamwork and confidence. Learn from expert instructors and gain the expertise to tackle canyons up to a Class 3B Rating.

Description

Want to explore some of North America’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring technical canyons with names such as Leprechaun, Larry, Bluejohn, Chambers and Mindbender? Looking to have fun in the canyons, learn essential safety skills, and experience the unique camaraderie and power of the “team”? This course will provide you a well-rounded base of technical canyoneering and canyon leadership skills that are essential for achieving these goals.

The Three-Day Technical Canyoneering Course is the premier introductory course designed to give you the confidence you need to pursue the exciting sport of technical canyoneering. The course includes beginning and intermediate level techniques, trip planning, problem solving, hazard recognition and avoidance and team building. Completion of this course will provide you the skills you need to pursue canyons up to a Class 3B Rating and how to travel safely in a variety of wilderness environments.

Unlike many courses which are taught at climbing walls, this course is taught in actual technical slot canyons. Matter of fact, the areas we teach in have some of the best technical slot canyons on the planet. We believe there is no substitute for learning canyoneering in actual canyons. We're confident that once you see our incredible outdoor, wilderness classroom, you too will agree.

Mornings are spent in an outdoor classroom setting learning the skill set for that day. Each afternoon is spent applying your newly learned skills out on the rocks and in the canyons.

Prerequisites:

This class is designed for beginners, or those with some in-canyon experience. No previous experience is required.

Specific skills you will learn include:

  • Canyoneering Gear. (Selection, use and care)
  • Trip Planning Techniques
  • Navigation and Route Finding
  • Canyon Rating System
  • Knots and Hitches
  • Hazard Recognition and Avoidance
  • Crisis Management
  • Climbing Techniques
  • Partner Assist Techniques
  • Using and Setting Natural and Fixed Anchors
  • Natural Anchor Construction Techniques
  • Rappelling and Belaying Techniques
  • Ascending Fixed Lines
  • Handlines and Tethers
  • Group Problem Solving
  • Self-Rescue Techniques

Tuition for the course

$549 per person.

Duration

3-Day Course

Location

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 carabineers, and appropriate footwear and clothing. If you do not have your own gear let us know and we can provide helmets, harnesses and hardware for you to use. Cost for the course does not include lodging, meals, transportation, personal equipment, and gratuities (tips) for instructors and guides.

Adventure Tips

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Carry at least 3 liters of water and drink regularly, as desert canyon environments can quickly dehydrate you.

Wear sturdy climbing shoes

Use footwear with good grip and support to navigate slippery rocks and narrow canyon floors safely.

Listen carefully to safety briefings

Pay close attention to instructors for proper rope rigging and rappelling techniques to avoid accidents.

Protect yourself from the sun

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat and UV-protective clothing to avoid sunburn during exposed sections.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Collared lizards

History

The Hanksville area has roots in pioneer settlements and was historically a route for explorers traveling through the Colorado Plateau.

Conservation

The course emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact and protect this fragile desert environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Hanksville

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Technical climbing shoes

Essential

Grippy shoes are essential for navigating slick canyon rock surfaces safely.

Helmet

Essential

Protects your head from falling debris and bumps during rappels.

Hydration system (e.g. CamelBak)

Essential

Allows easy access to water and helps prevent dehydration in hot conditions.

summer specific

UV-protective clothing

Helps shield skin from intense desert sun during exposed canyon sections.

summer specific