INTRODUCTION

Wandering around in the desert is a fun game. The rewards when winning are ample, the cost of losing is steep. Like all games, it has rules, both those imposed by the environment and those imposed by us'all so we can just get along. Not like I'm Mr. Cop or anything, but here are a few suggestions for how to stay out of trouble.

WARNING
Some of the activities described in this guide are dangerous. The information provided in this guide is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and is based on my personal experience. It is no substitute for skill, common sense and good judgement acquired through your own experience. Conditions in the canyons change on a daily basis, and you may find any hike to be substantially more difficult than listed. You may get lost. You may fall off something or get flash-flooded. You may pull out anchors that look very solid. Please carefully prepare for all your outdoor adventures, and use caution and judgement at all times.

	Rappeling in Zion's Behunin Canyon

How to Use This Guide

Rather than give a blow by blow description of each route, my goal is to give you just enough information to get in serious trouble. Oops, I mean, just enough information to choose routes that will be good for you; allow you to find your way; and bring the right gear. A Map is required for most adventures. You can either Print My Maps or bring a USGS Topo Map. There are commercial maps available that work too. "Common Sense" should be listed in every equipment list, but is not included since it is implied. Be sure to bring it along.

Each route has a box at the top providing the following information:

Rating: the rating provides information about the length of time required, the commitment level, the technical rating, and my subjective rating of the quality. Understanding the ratings is important to using this guide - please Click Here for a discussion of Ratings.

Season: the recommended season, usually with an explanation as to why. You can do it in other seasons, but the description is for the season recommended.

Length: approximate time required for competent, fit adults, in small groups, keeping a good pace but with the usual poking around and picture taking. The usual group size is 2-4 persons, all competent for the adventure. Groups larger than 6 are not recommended for any canyon, especially for technical canyons.

Equipment: equipment required to complete this route safely. This assumes you'll have water, food, a pack, good shoes, map, etc. A harness and rappel device are required for all routes that require a rope. Whereas it may be possible to do the route without the specified equipment, but this is what I would bring, having been there. Click Here for a discussion of Gear. The ratings are important to understand the "standard gear" that is recommended for each canyon - be sure to read and understand that section. A bolt kit (and the knowledge and judgement to use it appropriately) is recommended for many technical routes. As you descend more difficult and committing canyons, your gear kit should include more equipment in case things go wrong.

Drinking Water: the availability of reliable drinking water. Common sense requires that almost all water be filtered to be used. In general, carry three quarts of water per person per day - hotter weather may require more.

USGS 7.5' Map: the USGS 7.5' Quadrangle(s) for this hike. A map is required for almost all hikes and routes. You may be able to substitute my maps if you have the correct equipment to print them well. Notes on the difficulty of navigation may be included.

Difficulties: a brief description of the difficulties found on this adventure, as I found it, so you will know what kind of obstacles you will encounter. I try to list all difficulties including: rappels, climbing problems, swimming / wading problems, exposed areas, and navigational difficulties. Conditions change from day to day and season to season. The level of pools and the wetness of canyons makes a very large difference to the difficulty you will find. Use common sense.

Logistics: notes regarding the logistics of getting to the start and away from the finish.

Permit: in Zion National Park and a few other places, a permit is required.

Flash Flood Danger: almost every adventure has some degree of flash flood danger. I give a rather general rating and a few points to think about. Flash Flood Awareness is an important skill to bring to the canyoneering environment.

	Climbing out of Pine Creek, toward the buttress of Deertrap Mountain.

EXTENDED INTRODUCTION

The Fragile Desert Environment requires proper respect. Hiking and adventuring in Utah is less civilized and more fun than hiking in most other places in the US. The extended introduction provides some of the tidbits of wisdom I have gleaned from mis-adventure in the last few years, and hopefully has something for everyone: novice, intermediate, canyon-stud or studette.

The Sport of Technical Canyoneering

is developing rapidly. What will happen to our beautiful wild canyons of the Colorado Plateau? Our impact on the wilderness canyons has become significant. There is a danger that our canyons will soon be littered with human artifacts, and the sport of canyoneering reduced to a clip and go experience.

Through conversation, we can develop a consensus about what is, and is not appropriate, for our canyons. My own contribution to the conversation is the Ethics & Style section. I hope you will read this section, and ponder how your actions effect the environment and the experience of other canyoneers.

Discussion of canyoneering issues is a large part of three other resources: the on-line discussion at the Canyons E-Group.; the activities of The American Canyoneering Association; and the new Canyoneering E-Magazine Canyoneering USA, with which this guide shares server space and editorial energy.

Here is some more specific information on travelling and dwelling in our beautiful canyons: