Canyoneering:

Written By Ed McAlister

Recently an opportunity presented itself to go canyoneering in Zion National Park while out west on business. This was an activity that had always fascinated me but one that requires the services of experienced personnel to lead the trip, of course it also helps if the weather cooperates. This is an activity that once you enter a slot canyon you are committed with no way out but the other end. This is why having an eye on the weather is critical. A small shower upstream can result in water rising 10 to 20 feet in a matter of minutes and death is imminent. Canyoneering is an activity of extremes as the canyon may have temperatures of 100 degrees but turn a corner and rappel down a slot and you may end up in a pool of water that requires a wetsuit. Prior knowledge of lengths of drops and the water conditions are important as if the water is too low you may drop into a pool and not be able to climb out, while if too high it may push you down the slot into other dangers. With the correct conditions and the company of experienced locals it is a dream come true. The scenery is incredible, the activity is exhilarating, it helps to be in average shape and you will spend the day crawling, wading through water, swimming, and rappelling your way thru miles of canyons, dropping hundreds of feet. It is the only activity where going uphill is very unusual. When did you last bike, run, walk, hike, etc that there was not some uphill involved?? After 3 days of exploring upper and lower keyhole, pine creek, and subway, I am hooked on yet another outdoor activity.