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Multi-Day Slot Canyons
Easy, Intermediate or
Advanced Canyoneering
Length: 2–6 miles (6–10 hours)
Season: All year
Difficulty: Excellent adventures for fit novices and expert canyoneers alike. 2-Day, 3-day and 4-day Canyoneering Trips
Slot canyon: (n.) A narrow chasm whose vertical
walls are substantially deeper than the canyon is wide. Often less wide
than arms outstretched.
Between the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef
National Park lies a wild and remote landscape overlooked by all but the
most passionate desert explorers. It is here where hundreds of canyons
cut through the convoluted buckles and ridges of some of Southern Utah's
most spectacular geological wonders.
Thousands of years of erosion have cut 100 million-year-old solid rock
into a natural playground of deep, twisting hallways, glowing cathedrals
of rock, and beautifully polished dry waterfalls. Negotiating these amazing
slot canyons is perhaps one of the most playful and downright fun activities
one can do in the outdoors!
One of the advantages of a trip in this area is the flexibility of the
daily itinerary. With more than 15 different canyon systems to choose
from, we can adapt each trip based on a group's size, desires, and
abilities. Let us create an itinerary for you! This is just a sampling
of the many canyons comprising our Remote Slot Canyon Camps. Be aware
that we can easily do a One-Day Trip to this area as well! Call us for
suggestions!
Forks of Malarkey
Three forks to choose from. Kinda tight, pretty tight and super-tight!
Squeezing through these canyons is like being locked in the Fun House!
Malarkey can supply high adventure in short bursts, or maintain constant
awe throughout the day.
 Blue
John Canyon
Made famous by Aron Ralston and his pocket knife
field-surgery, this fantastic canyon has lots of fun downclimbs, a very
cool rappel and cathedral like narrows. We avoid the hand-eating Rock
ní Roll section and concentrate on the more interesting upper forks.
The final climb up and out will remain in your memory for quite a while!
Buck & Pasture Canyons
Remote, lonely and seen by few, these canyons have deep dark narrows,
twisting rappels in near-darkness, and outrageous scenery! When we're
not descending slots or climbing over chockstones then we're walking in
big wide canyons, with multitudes of interesting side hikesótrue
wilderness!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
• New skills and specialized techniques for canyon travel
• A knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide
• Geology, ecology and cultural history of the region
• Challenging teamwork and group interaction
• A physically active day immersed in remarkable beauty!
• Two lodging options: our outdoor backcountry basecamp or the
more comfortable lodge option (see details below)
• High-quality technical equipment suitable for the rigors of canyoneering
• Healthy meals and snacks prepared by your guides
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: trip departure time depends on the season and your transportation
mode.
Day 1
We begin with a brief orientation and a simple buffet breakfast. We then head to a short, yet impressive canyon to better ease everyone into the necessary skills we’ll need to know: stemming, chimneying, bridging, spotting your companions, rope assisted downclimbing, short roping and rappelling. After lunch we’ll embark on another short, fun, slot canyon where we’ll employ virtually all the techniques we reviewed earlier in the day. After concluding our day in the field we head off to our base camp for appetizers, beverages, and a tasty supper prepared by your multi-talented guides. Campfire tales and camaraderie always ensue before sacking out under the stars (or inside your tent!)
Day 2
After breakfast, with our lunches and gear packed, we’ll spend the day exploring another fascinating canyon system based on the interests and skill level of the group. If we’re on a warm weather trip a wet slot canyon may be a fun option for this day. After returning to camp, one can rinse off with a solar shower and relax around the campfire, concluding a fun-filled day of exploration!
Day 3
Today we break down our camp before preparing for another exciting canyon adventure different in character from the days prior. We’ll finish this day’s canyon a little early in order to allow time for an optional stop at Goblin Valley, Horseshoe Canyon, or Robbers Roost or to permit travel back to civilization.
LODGING OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR OUR OVERNIGHT TRIPS:
• If you enjoy camping and sleeping under the stars, our Outdoor Desert Basecamp will supply the comfortable camp amenities such as chairs, solar showers, and cold beverages. Your guides will use our comprehensive outdoor kitchen to prepare all of your meals. Comfortable sleeping pads, bags and tents are available for rent, if needed.
• If you prefer a dining room for your meals and a snug bed (or if the temperatures are too cool for camping out) we’ll arrange indoor lodging as follows:
For trips originating in Hanksville, we use the Whispering Sands Motel. Simple and clean accommodations ensure being well-rested for the next days’ adventure. Restaurant choices, however, are limited so be sure to ask us for dining suggestions while in Hanksville.
If your trip originates on Cedar Mesa we use the remote and tastefully rustic Fry Canyon Lodge (www.frycanyon.com), an old outpost from the uranium mining days which provides a bit of civility in an otherwise uncivilized landscape. An excellent resting place to end a challenging day in the desert!
TRANSPORTATION
From Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City is located 250 miles northwest of Hanksville, 240 miles northwest of Moab. Driving is the only way to reach Hanksville directly from S.L.C. However, there are several options for traveling to Moab from S.L.C: you can drive, fly with Salmon Air, or take the Bighorn Express shuttle. From Moab, we can assist you in getting to Hanksville or Cedar Mesa.
From Grand Junction, CO: Grand Junction is located 180 miles northeast of Hanksville, 110 miles northeast of Moab. From G.J you can rent a car and drive, take the Roadrunner shuttle, or fly with Redtail Aviation. From Moab, we can assist you in getting to Hanksville or Cedar Mesa.
Please call us if you need any help arranging your transportation as we are happy to assist you.
Price: 2 days $385 per person, 3 days $495 per person (private guide). Includes all camping gear and food.
Departure Time: Varies according to the season.
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