CANYONEERING101THE ULTIMATE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

BY BRETT C JOHNSON

The ultimate
beginner’s guide
to canyoneering.

The sport, the culture, the decisions (and the responsibility) that come with entering a technical slot canyon.

Start with Module 01 Browse the modules ↓
38 modules12 knots200 questions
A helmeted canyoneer stemming between sculpted sandstone walls
FROM THE PAGES OF CANYONEERING101

THE LEARNING PATH

Start with the foundations.
Build from there.

Read the guide, practice the knots, and return to the tools as your experience grows.

How to use this book
A stream flowing over red sandstone in a green canyon

MODULES 01 to 17

01. The Basics

Planning, judgment, weather, teamwork, terrain, and ratings.

Explore the unit
A canyoneer rappelling beneath an opening in the rock

MODULES 18 to 29

02. The Essentials

Gear, anchors, ropes, rigging, rappelling, and movement.

Explore the unit
A helmeted canyoneer stemming between sandstone walls

MODULES 30 to 38

03. Progressing & Advanced Canyoneering

Progression, emergency preparation, and more complex rope systems.

Explore the unit
A red rope tied into a figure-eight knot on a bight

THE KNOT GUIDE

04. Canyoneering Knots

Tie it. Dress it. Check it. Learn the knots with photographs from the book.

Explore the knots
Helmeted canyoneers beside bands of sculpted sandstone

200 QUESTIONS

05. Canyoneering Quiz

Check your understanding, then discover the reasoning behind each answer.

Take the quiz
A broad bend in the Colorado River beneath sandstone cliffs

UTAH, REGION BY REGION

06. The Beta List

Find canyon ratings, source references, route notes, and canyon coordinates.

Explore the Beta List

WHY CANYONEERING101 EXISTS

“Canyoneering101 started because I wished there had been one place where a beginner could start. Something that explained not only what to do, but why it matters.”
Brett’s story

Search the guide

Modules, knots, and the complete book.