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The BETA LIST

The BETA LIST is a carefully curated collection of reputable beta sources, designed to provide essential information for canyoneers. It includes key details such as duration (approach, canyon, and exit), canyon rating, number of rappels, highest rappel, and more. Over time, it will be expanded to include GPS coordinates for each canyon, marking critical points such as trailheads, drop-in locations, junctions, and exits. Additionally, I will be adding hand-drawn route overlays to illustrate accurate canyon paths.

Establishing a standard in canyoneering requires consistent and reliable beta. However, I do not publish step-by-step beta detailing what to expect within the canyon—you must conduct that research independently. My goal is to help you select the right canyon based on the factors mentioned above.

Exclusive to Canyoneering101.com are Canyon Tours, a series of videos created using Google Earth to provide 3D visualizations of specific canyons. I began developing these five years ago and plan to continue expanding the collection. While GPS coordinates can guide you to a location, seeing the terrain in 3D adds valuable context to your planning process.

The BETA LIST will also include references to where you can find detailed beta for each canyon. Not all beta is created equal, and it is essential to cross-check multiple sources when possible. For example, Ropewiki.com is user-generated, and while some submissions are highly detailed, others lack crucial information. To ensure the best preparation, I recommend starting with Climb-Utah.com and CanyoneeringUSA.com, as their content tends to be well-structured and consistent. Of course, preferences vary, and others may have different opinions—that’s completely valid.

It is also important to recognize that beta can change over time. Your canyon experience may differ significantly due to factors such as:

  1. Natural changes – Canyons evolve due to weather and rockfall.
  2. Anchor conditions – If a canyon has not been visited in a long time, you may need to replace natural anchors.
  3. Group skill level – A beginner group will move differently than an advanced team.
  4. Water levels – A canyon may be dry or full of water, affecting difficulty and required gear.

Because of these variables, beta should always be considered a guideline rather than an absolute truth. Canyon beta authors are not updating their reports monthly—it’s unrealistic to expect them to do so. Keep this in mind, and approach every trip with flexibility and preparedness.

The BETA LIST, for now, will just contain Utah canyons.  While there are MANY more out in the world, most canyoneers do canyoneering in Utah and think my time is better spent creating GPS coordinates and canyon tours for these canyons versus everywhere else.  I hope you are not offended.  I hope the canyons of Europe get the same love and attention (while a lot of them are Class C) as canyons in the Colorado Plateau.

Here are the following areas:

  • Capitol Reef National Park & Area
  • Cedar Mesa
  • Dinosaur National Monument & Vernal area
  • Escalante
  • Kanab
  • Lake Powell area
  • Moab area (including Arches NP)
  • North Wash
  • Robbers Roost
  • St. George & Area
  • Wasatch Front
  • Zion NP & Area

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