Canyoneering

Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan in December 2013 in order to protect the natural environment and the park's resources and visitors' experience. Primary subjects in the management plan are the implementation of group size limits, canyoneer registration, better canyoneer education, safety standards, and canyoneering access and egress routes . Please act responsibly and observe park regulations. Regulations Canyoneers must complete a free self-registration permit (unless canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace ). Groups canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace or Lost Spring Canyon are limited to 6 persons. All other canyoneering groups are limited to 10 persons. Larger groups must split and use different routes or use the same route at different times of the day to avoid queuing at rappel sites and to minimize impact on resources and on other visitors. It is prohibited to climb, scramble or walk upon, wrap webbing or rope around, or rappel off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than three feet. The physical altering of rock from its natural positions, such as chiseling, breaking rocks to reinforce crevices and pockets as anchors, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited. The intentional removal or "gardening" of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited. Bathing and immersing human bodies is prohibited in water sources that do not have water flowing both in and out at the time of the activity. Swimming and wading also are prohibited in water sources that do not currently have water flowing both in and out, except in cases where it will be necessary to enter the water source in order to traverse a route. Use of deadman anchors is prohibited. Any new installation of fixed gear requires a permit. If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, it may be replaced, in kind, without a permit. Software left in place is required to match the rock surface in color. Bolts, hangers and chains must be painted the color of the rock surface before installation ( see photo ). The installation of pitons is prohibited. Use of moto…