What we’re about
The Western Slope Adventurers (WSA) is a group of motivated outdoor enthusiasts who want to get together and meet other like-minded folks--to share hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, road and mountain cycling, skiing of all kinds, and water sports such as rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more socially oriented outings like pot-luck or restaurant dining events, birding, dog walks, film festivals, photography, games nights, theater outings, lectures and field trips.
You are encouraged to BE ACTIVE in the group. The beauty of this and other Meetup groups is to connect online for "IRL" --IN REAL LIFE-- outings.
Although geographically centered in southwestern Colorado (Montrose and Grand Junction) we welcome members, hosts and activities elsewhere.
MeetUp.com allows for a principle 'Organizer' and unlimited number of Assistant Organizers and Event Organizers . If you have an event you want posted to the calendar, you can then be designated as the event organizer. After you have initiated a few events you will probably be invited to become an Assistant Organizer (AO). It will be great if we can expand our network of AOs into all the various population centers of the Western Slope.
Western Colorado is a great place to live and we will meetup up to share it and make it even better , for ourselves, our group and and larger community.
Meetup.com has a cost, and the leadership team pays the subscription fee. The "Pledge" donation feature you will encounter on some of our pages is to reimburse these costs, and any surplus will be used for group events (such as venue rental for social events). Event costs (such as carpooling, camping fees, etc) are managed by the event organizer(s) and participants are expected to share event costs. In keeping with the wishes of our founder, the late Doug Van Etten, there are no dues nor subscription fees to be a member, and event costs are shared amongst event participants. The only requirements for entry are a willingness to participate, contribute to the group, to show respect to other members, and observe responsible outdoor safety and ethics practices.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Technical Canyoneering/Canyon Leadership CourseDirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness, Hanksville, UT$549.00
Course Description:
Want to explore some of North America’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring technical canyons with names such as Leprechaun, Larry, Bluejohn, Chambers and Mindbender? Looking to have fun in the canyons, learn essential safety skills, and experience the unique camaraderie and power of the “team”? This course will provide you a well-rounded base of technical canyoneering and canyon leadership skills that are essential for achieving these goals.The Three-Day Technical Canyoneering Course is the premier introductory course designed to give you the confidence you need to pursue the exciting sport of technical canyoneering. The course includes beginning and intermediate level techniques, trip planning, problem solving, hazard recognition and avoidance and team building. Completion of this course will provide you the skills you need to pursue canyons up to a Class 3B Rating and how to travel safely in a variety of wilderness environments.
Unlike many courses which are taught at climbing walls, this course is taught in actual technical slot canyons. Matter of fact, the areas we teach in have some of the best technical slot canyons on the planet. We believe there is no substitute for learning canyoneering in actual canyons. We're confident that once you see our incredible outdoor, wilderness classroom, you too will agree.
Mornings are spent in an outdoor classroom setting learning the skill set for that day. Each afternoon is spent applying your newly learned skills out on the rocks and in the canyons.
Prerequisites:
This class is designed for beginners, or those with some in-canyon experience. No previous experience is required.Specific Skills You will learn Include:
Canyoneering gear. (Selection, use and care)
Navigation and route finding
Canyon Rating System
Knots and Hitches
Hazard Recognition and Avoidance
Critical Thinking Techniques
Climbing Techniques
Partner Assist Techniques
Using and setting natural and fixed anchors
Natural Anchor Construction Techniques
Rappelling and Belaying Techniques
Ascending Fixed Lines
Handlines and Tethers
Pothole Escape Techniques
Group Problem Solving
Self-Rescue TechniquesDuration:
3-Day CourseLocation:
Dirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness | Hanksville, UtahRSVP’s
To register, please add yourself to the Waitlist and submit payment through the following link: https://getinthewild.com/adventure/technical-canyoneering-canyon-leadership/Once your payment is received, you will be placed on the RSVP “Yes” list.
Note: This course will be taught from a central canyoneering basecamp in the Dirty Devil/Robber’s Roost Wilderness that is accessible by vehicle.
Please contact Christopher at christopher@getinthewild.com with any questions.
- Tower Arch and MoreDinosaur Journey Museum, Fruita, CO
This is a three-part adventure. First, we'll drive 18 miles south from Thompson Springs, UT and "sneak" into the northwest corner of Arches National Park. "Sneaking in" is perfectly legal; it just means we won't have to drive all the way to Moab, wait in line, or pay. We will take a three-mile incredibly beautiful hike to the magnificent Tower Arch, the most remote arch in the park. Next, we will look for (and hopefully hike) a short trail in the same area that will lead to the Dark Angel, a 150-foot tall sandstone formation. Last, we'll drive back to Thompson Springs and a bit northeast of there and do the 1.5-mile Sego Canyon hike, where we will see pictograph and petroglyph panels from three different distinct peoples and time periods.
Total drive time is about two hours each way. Hiking 4.5-6.5 miles. The dirt roads south of Thompson Springs are mostly smooth and easy to travel as long as they're not wet.
Meet at Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita to organize carpooling and caravans. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water. No dogs since we'll be in the national park.
