Canyoneering Ethics
Module 6
Do!
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Leave Only Footprints, Take Only Photos to preserve the environment.
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Leave an Emergency Note in your vehicle with details of your plan.
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Help and Encourage Others—outdoor activities are team efforts.
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Wear a Helmet for safety.
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Bring Enough Food and Water (plus extra) for the day.
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Hike in Canyon drainages to avoid creating damaging social trails.
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Avoid Stepping on Cryptobiotic crust—it takes decades to recover.
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Carry a First-Aid Kit for emergencies.
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Bring a Bivy for unexpected overnight stays (8+ hour hikes).
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Use Clear Communication like “watch out below” instead of yelling “rope” at popular hiking areas to avoid language confusion.
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Let Faster Canyoneers Pass to avoid bottlenecks.
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Report Graffiti to protect the natural beauty of canyons.
DO NOT!
No Pets in Technical Canyons—please take them to non-technical areas to avoid possible harm to the animal.
Avoid Horseplay on rappel or near edges to prevent accidents.
Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities—be realistic about skills and risks.
No Rope Bouncing when rappelling—it increases force on anchors and risks damage.
Prevent Rope Grooves—place anchors to avoid harming the environment.
Maintain Quiet in public areas—avoid loud talking or showing off near the public rappelling/hiking areas.
Use Clear Communication—say “watch out below” instead of “rope!” in public areas.
Don’t Block Faster Groups—let them pass to prevent bottlenecks.
Respect Private Property—trespassing risks access for everyone. Abusing the trust of landowners can cause the entire community to lose access to these areas forever.