Take the Plunge

© Flickr / mestdagh

Tired of climing up? Step off the well worn trail and discover the thrill of canyoneering. Here, you'll step into the earth's crevasses and pluge or rappell downward and into another world, full of in underground rivers and rock formations few get to see.

This kind of adventure is not for everyone. But it's not hard either. Canyoneering combines hiking, rappelling and rock climbing into a single sport, with incredible views you can't see from anywhere else. Wilderness skills, physical fitness and a big dose of common sense are the key components of a canyoneer.Hiking along back country trails is a good training ground before you take the big plunge into the realm of canyoneering.

Get Your Feet Wet

A smorgasbord of canyoneering experiences, with varying levels of difficulty exist throughout the United States. If you're going, you'll have to pack everything you need and carry it with you – you won't be passing any ranger stations or camp stores along the way to your final destination.

© Flickr / spacecadetSoft rays of sunlight will slide away as you lower yourself down the rocky ravine. There, don't be surprised to encounter rivers, lakes or even waterfalls. For some canyoneers, these hidden bodies of water are often the destination, and canyoneers have a ball swimming or splashing under a waterfall.

But don't let your guard down. Dangerous drop-offs and sink holes are near constant obstacles. To help with that, Canyonering clubs and naturalist's guides offer detailed topographical information, and will aid in making the afternoon an exciting, and safe, experience.

If you feel like you need to brush up on your outdoor skills, canyoneering schools around the country offer weekend courses in rappelling and navigation.

Going Down?

Utah is one of the most popular places for the sport, and with the Zion National Park considered the crown gem. The San Rafael Swell area in Utah is a great place for beginners to earn their canyoneering chops. You get to mix a bit of history with physical pursuits as you pass old mine shafts and abandoned mining cars.

The Little Wild Horse Canyon in San Rafael Swell is the easiest trail to maneuver, and is suitable for the entire family (even those who should have hit the gym a little more before slinging a backpack over their shoulder). Another Utah gem, Moab offers a mixture of secluded and difficult canyoneering spots with moderate areas for novices to enjoy.

Primitive camping is more than likely in your future if you are going canyoneering. Most of the secluded and advanced spots can be reached only on foot or by horseback. Pack what you need, but consider how heavy that backpack is going to feel after you have a few miles or rocky terrain under you feet.

Just make sure you're not going it alone. Exploring the nooks and crannies of sandstone fock formations is fun, but there are dangers everywhere. This is definitely one of those adventures where you'll get by – and far – with a little help from your friends.