Imagine the thrill of rappeling into a narrow slot canyon in the remote and beautiful caynonlands of Utah. Towering sandstone needles, secluded arches, slot canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and broad vistas make up the amazing aesthetics that the canyonlands has to offer. The delicate ecosystem and profound geologic history of Canyonlands National Park and Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument make for great expedition and learning environments.

Learning to safely travel in canyon country can be intimidating- Let our expert instructors take away the risk and frustration of learning complex rope systems and canyoneering techniques. This course gives an unparalleled opportunity to develop expedition canyoneering skills- in the finest venue in N. America.

Feel confident when hiking off trail. The canyonlands are a maze of rock and river. Trails can be sparse and navigation skills are at a premium. This course will cultivate map and compass + route finding skills. This is an ideal course if you are looking to develop the ability to voyage off trail into the wilderness- and get back safely.

Wilderness Desert Camping- Living in the sparse arid reaches of S. Utah comes with a whole host of challenges from finding and treating water, to managing dangerous creatures, to protecting oneself from the sun. You will learn what it takes to camp and travel in a desert environment.

Salt Lake City UT: Salt Lake City Utah is a premier destination for mountain sports. Featuring immense amounts of public wilderness land- skiing, rock climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, and ice climbing within a days drive make it the ideal hub for IWLS Utah. The Backpacking and Canyoneering course will stat here.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument : The land is among the most remote in the country; it was the last to be mapped in the contiguous United States. At over 1,000,000 acres the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a maze of slot canyons, arches, and rivers. It is an ideal classroom for backpacking and canyoneering pursuits.

Escalate River: Often the forum of the backpacking portion, the Escalate river cuts through the colorful layers of the Colorado plateau. The canyon it carves winds through vertical cliffs with sandy bars and rocky outcroppings forming its bed. It is a dreamy and exciting place to develop backpacking and canyon skills alike.

Our Instructors: IWLS instructors and guides are highly-trained professionals recognized as some of the best in their field. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska, Canada, and the world. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in the wild places that they love. Their experiences and leadership help our students to have the best possible experience during their course. Students' safety, education, and enjoyment are their primary goals. The International Wilderness Leadership Schools’ educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world-class.

Experience Level: No previous experience required.

Certifications: Upon completion of the course, participants may qualify for the following certifications:

IWLS Backpacking and Canyoneering Guide Training Certificate of Completion

Course Itinerary (printable PDF)

Day 0: We will meet at your hotel in Salt Lake City for a meet and greet with your fellow students and instructors. Please bring your personal gear and clothing for a gear check. We will discuss course goals and expectations.
 
Day 1: We’ll get an early start from Salt Lake City, and head down to Southern Utah to one of a series of excellent canyoneering and backpacking locations.
 
Days 2 – 7: Skill intensive backpacking/canyoneering instruction. This portion of the course focuses on the technical skills associated with backpacking and canyoneering. Skills including but not limited to: backpacking, rappelling, ascending, desert ecology, minimum impact camping, anchors, belaying, and emergency protocols.
 
Days 8 - 11: Leadership, judgment, decision making development. We’ll continue exploring slot canyons and secluded canyons and develop technical canyoneering skills. Participants will have the opportunity to be in leadership roles.
 
Day 12: At the end of the course the Instructors will evaluate and consult with the students- giving feedback on their performance. Additionally you will move down and back to the trail head and head back to Salt Lake City on Day 12.

• Leadership: We not only exemplify leadership – we teach it and implement it. Students will have opportunities to lead the group through a variety of activities, objectives, and responsibilities.
• Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always our #1 consideration. As the course progresses, students will develop an awareness to appropriately assess risk and make safe decisions in and out of the field.
• Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with guided instruction, will teach students not only how to be a member of a cohesive team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
• Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
• Communication Skills: Speaking in public, managing a personal conflict, or leading a group in the wilderness - all of these situations require effective communication. Students will gain confidence in their communication abilities while developing personal leadership styles during this course.

 
The IWLS Canyoneering Curriculum is built from countless expeditions around the world. You’ll learn how to be a competent and proficient canyoneer in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we’ll cover:

• Meteorology and Flash Floods:The topography and geology of canyon country contribute to dangerous flash floods. You’ll learn how to interpret meteorological events, make safe decisions, and avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Rappelling & Ascending: Learn the principles of safe rappelling in a canyon environment for dropping into slot canyons or over big sandstone cliffs. The ability to escape canyons by ascending a rope is an important canyoneering skill. You’ll learn different ascending techniques and how to do them safely. .
• Pothole Escapes: Shoulder stands, backpack toss and body belays are some of the techniques that we’ll teach and learn as means to escape canyon potholes.
• Anchors:Anchor building is a fun, yet intricate subject. We’ll examine single, double, triple and complex anchors, and their different applications. Learn how to place anchors, assess quality, and rig for rappelling.
• Rivers and Streams: Creeks at canyon bottoms can be hazardous if not given the proper respect. You’ll learn to identify water features and navigate through these waters safely and efficiently
• Canyoneering Equipment: The hot, dry landscape of the southwest, abrasive canyon walls, and turbulent canyon creeks demand the right equipment. You’ll get hands on experience with the equipment necessary for adventuring in canyon country.
• Routefinding: Picking a canyon to descend, a spot to ford the river, or a cliff to rappel requires good routefinding skills. Through experience and learning, you’ll develop the awareness and decision making skills to navigate and routefind in canyon country./li>

 
The IWLS Backpacking Cirriculum Honed on expeditions worldwide, IWLS backpacking curriculum will prepare you for backpacking in a range of environments.

• Pre-trip Activities: Learn how to plan and prepare for an extended wilderness expedition. We’ll cover everything from technical camping equipment to group and personal expectations.
• Stoves and Campfires: The ability to repair a broken stove, make an emergency fire after being submerged in an icy river, and melt snow efficiently for water are key components for leading a group in the wilderness.
• River and Stream Crossings: In river crossings, attention to detail and safety are #1. You’ll learn and practice safe techniques for wading across a small stream or doing a Tyrolean traverse across a raging river.
• Backpacks Proper packing and fitting of backpacks improves efficiency and helps avoid injury.

• Course Overview- Printable detailed course overview & itinerary.
• Equipment List - Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you'll need for this course.
• Rental Gear List - List of avalanche gear and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form - Form that gives us relevant info.
• Health Form - This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Land Based Activity Waiver - One required per participant. Guests under the age of 18 may go on one form.
• Travel Info Logistical Info

What is included in the course price:

• Food & Lodging during the course - We will provide a comfortable house and all meals during the course.
• Transportation during trip Transport to/ from course venue and Salt Lake City, UT
• Professional instructors - Our instructors and guides have extensive knowledge of the area, and a passion for skiing in wild places.

 
Students are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & Equipment - Review the equipment list included under "Documents."
• Food & Lodging outside of the course - Students are responsible for food and lodging before and after the course.
• Travel insurance - We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our programs.
• Airfare - Review the "Travel Information" under "Documents" for more details.
• Reviewing course policies - Please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and student responsibilities.
• Gratuities.

 
To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

• Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information: Request More Info
• Place a deposit of $500 or 25% of trip cost (whichever is less) to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
• Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
• Be sure to submit all trip registration documents at least 45 days prior to your course. This includes information on your arrival/departure, lodging, dietary, and medical information.

 
Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!