Canyoneering Course
Intro to Desert Trekking & Canyoneering
If you have only been hiking in the high altitude of CO, there is another world out there. When you have climbed enough peaks to wonder what other environments, the next step for you may be desert terrain. Come learn the proper gear, safety, and entry level techniques for basic desert hiking and basic canyoneering. There are many nuances to this environment that should warrant a safe approach such as provided by this class. This year's desert trip is planned for the San Rafael Reef in Utah. A strong fitness level to go on daily full day hikes with scrambling on moderate exposure in hot terrain, squeezing through narrows, hiking in loose sand, and wading through water is required for the field sessions. The field sessions will be progressive in nature to build on skills. Attendance at the classroom session and local field session will be required to attend the Utah trip. Attendance at all sessions will be required to earn the badges.
Contacts
- Wed, Sep 20, 2023 - Sun, Oct 1, 2023
- Committee: Pikes Peak
- Members: $150.00 Guests: $250.00
- Availability: FULL, 18 on waitlist (15 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
prerequisites
None
The target audience is anyone new to the desert and canyon experience or wanting to go on to the higher level canyoneering course. Prior climbing and scrambling skills are not required, but are helpful.
schedule / content
Below is a sample class outline. Variations should be expected.
September 20 (6-9:30pm): Lecture in Colorado Springs
Handouts, desert terrain, risks, mitigation, and gear to bring.
September 24 (all day): Field Session 1 in Colorado Springs
Ute Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space to review some basic travel and survival items. We will also evaluate student abilities to handle a five day desert trip.
September 27 - October 1 (five days): Field Session 2
Five day car camp trip to San Rafael Swell, UT to hike moderate canyons and view cultural history. Some scrambling will be required, but no technical gear will be brought along. Students must be able to scramble easy, short routes with moderate exposure, wade through muddy water, stem across water, and hike in loose sand all day.
contact
Eric Hunter: ehuntercmc@gmail.com
Badges you will earn:
Basic Desert Trekking Course
Basic Canyoneering Course
This course has no scheduled activities.
Car Camping gear and camp chair; day hiking gear including 10 Essentials; 2 WAG Bags; 5+ Gallons of water; gear for abrasive terrain in canyons (or older gear); boots/shoes for wading and with good traction (approach shoes work great); and a plastic, sealing food storage container.
You must register for this course to see course materials.