Excursions of Escalante

 
 
 

ACA Assistant Canyon Leader Assessment

To become an Assistant Canyon Leader in the ACA you must pass the Assistant Canyon Leader assessment (Prev. CL1). Your skills, training, etc can be from any place or any classes you have taken. Bottom line is you need to pass the ACA assessment. It is a comprehensive assessment of the ACA skills checklists 1-3 (Core, Aspirant, Asst. CL).

TAKE NOTE - the skill checklists have been updated so make sure you have the current one which is located here: ACA Checklists

There will be a written exam in addition to assessing your skills.

THIS IS NOT A WORKSHOP, meaning you should have a good understanding and know how to apply your skills already. You have some time to prepare and if you have questions or need clarification, please contact the assessment host.

RATE: $100 Per Person. Tax and Meetup processing fees included.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

Keeper Pothole Course - Big "Problems", Big Fun!

For many canyoneers, the ultimate in canyon obstacles is the Keeper Pothole. Whether wet or dry, deep and or wide, these bizarre sandstone features have thwarted many canyon adventures.

Join Excursions of Escalante for two days of intensive pothole training and begin learning the skill sets to Master "keepers". Empower yourself and turn those intimidating obstacles into another awesome canyoneering challenge that is manageable, and ultimately looked forward to with confidence.

Variety helps! Escalante is blessed with canyon “keepers” of nearly every shape, size and challenge level imaginable. This course allows participants to spend the entire day experiencing the true variety of pothole “problems” that exist in the wild. The broader your knowledge base, the more fun we can have in the future! Easy money.

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Core Canyoneering Course or equivalent experience. This course is not geared for beginner canyoneers, please inquire for additional information if uncertain.

We have an 8 Student Maximum ***You MUST be a confident swimmer to participate in this course! NO EXCEPTIONS.

These are BIG days! Meet at 7:30AM and end between 4:00pm-4:30pm. Students should plan to be with us for a minimum of 8 hours per day.

RATE: $484.
Includes coffee or tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon.
*5 person minimum to conduct workshop.
**Sales tax and processing fees included.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are refundable until 30 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
All payments incur a non-refundable $50 booking fee.

***We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

****This Workshop is only for folks participating in the Pothole Fest which follows directly for the next 3 Days.

Keeper Pothole Workshop - New skills, big fun!

For many canyoneer's, the ultimate in canyon obstacles is the Keeper Pothole. Wet or dry, deep and or wide, these bizarre sandstone features have thwarted many canyon adventures.

Join Excursions of Escalante for an introduction to potholes and begin learning the skill sets required to master these incredible features. Escalante is blessed with canyon “keepers” of nearly every shape, size and challenge level imaginable. This allows participants to spend the entire day experiencing (not simulating) a good variety of the pothole “problems” that exist in the wild.

We have a 9 Student Maximum ***You MUST HAVE solid rope skills and be a confident swimmer to participate in this course! NO EXCEPTIONS.

Prerequisites: Completion of Technical Canyoneering Course or equivalent experience. This course is not geared for beginner canyoneers. Please inquire if additional information if needed.

Course meets at Excursions of Escalante, at 7:30AM. We return between 4pm-4:30pm. Students should plan to be with us for a minimum of 8 hours.

RATE: $238 Per Person. Includes coffee/tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon. Sales tax and processing fees included.
(5 person minimum to conduct workshop)

*****This Workshop is only for folks participating in the Pothole Fest which follows directly for the next 3 Days.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are refundable until 30 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
All payments incur a non-refundable $50 booking fee.

***We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

It's Time to Play! 5th Annual Excursions of Escalante Pothole Fest

We are holding this event in August to coincide with the end of the Southwest’s Monsoon season. These are long-warm days and offer potentially good pothole conditions. Stay tuned however, regarding conditions. Everyone can bring their PH tools and enjoy “working” with like minded adventurers in these endearing and challenging canyon obstacles. Saturday evening there will be dinner, music and a Pot Shot competition, focused on accuracy and distance, solo and two person teams. There will also be a contest for greatest distances thrown. Nice prizes plus the "World’s 2023 Pot Shot Champion” titles will be on the line! Practice-practice!!

***Anyone interested in contributing by leading canyons or assisting in some other way, please don’t hesitate to offer. These Fests' are fun, but a bit of work to host, so Your help is definitely needed and will be greatly appreciated. Please send Amie or myself an email to get involved. [masked]

ATTENDEE PREREQUISITES: Each guest must be a "self reliant" canyoneer, have solid personal technical skills and able to contribute to solving problems as a team member.
Minimum age requirement; 16 years.

EVENT FEE: $120
**Sales tax and processing fees included.
Includes t-shirt and catered dinner Saturday evening.

***Your payment is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable. No Exceptions.

***Attendees must register/RSVP individually. In order to keep an accurate count on RSVPs, registering guests is not allowed.

REQUIRED CANYONEERING EQUIPMENT PER ATTENDEE:

Helmet
Harness
Rappelling Device
Ascending Device
3 Locking Carabiners
1 Non Locking Carabiner
2 Rappel Rings or Quick Links
Static Rope
25’ 1’’ Webbing
Rappelling Gloves
Dry Bag
Backpack
Water Bottles or Bladder (2-3 liters per person per day)
Canyoneering or Hiking Shoes (open toed or open sided shoes not recommended here)
Wetsuit

TRANSPORTATION: Attendees drive their vehicles to canyon trailheads. Roads are rough. Plan accordingly with an appropriate vehicle.
Canyon Leaders are not responsible for attendee transportation.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

**Location: Excursions of Escalante, 125 East Main ST, Escalante UT, 84726

**Friday: Check-in/shop opens at 7:00AM
**Sat/Sun: Shop opens 7:30AM.

**Mandatory meeting at 8:00AM Friday. Please allow time for paperwork beforehand.

**There will Porto Johns provided for event attendees. Multiple hand washing stations will also be provided.

**The Commercial kitchen in the Café/Shop is not open for public use per Utah Health Code. Refrigeration, food prep, cooking, washing of dishes, etc. will need to be done elsewhere. SORRY, NO EXCEPTIONS.

**Please do not use the small bathroom in our shop/café. It is for use by our Tour Guests and Café Customers. Thanks.

**A water filling station will be set up outside for filling bottles/bladders before heading out to the canyons.

**Excursions of Escalante does not rent or lend equipment. No exceptions. Attendees are expected to provide their own camping and canyoneering equipment and ropes. Required list is above.

**Excursions of Escalante DOES NOT have Wi-Fi or a computer for public use. Please enjoy one another's company while here. xoxo:)

**Your payment is Non-Refundable and Non Transferable. NO Exceptions.

**We do not allow overnight parking/camping on our premises.

ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATIONS:

Canyons of the Escalante RV Park - Cabins, Camping, and RV Park.

Escalante Cabins & RV Park - Cabins, Camping, and pay showers.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Camping, RV spots and pay showers.

Stay tuned for event updates, "stay spicy” my canyon friends.
Rick Green

 
 
 

ACA Core Course

This is the first level, of the two level ACA Recreational Canyoneer Program. We recommend folks complete the program to become a "sovereign" canyoneer.

Goal: The objective of the ACA “Core” course is to teach the introductory level canyoneering skills needed to safely become an "active participant" when in appropriately rated canyons. An “active participant” is capable of evaluating and applying the basic fundamentals of personal and team safety. This includes confidence in rappelling and belaying (protecting partner), competence in identifying correct anchor and rigging techniques and have a good understanding of environmental risks. This course WILL NOT prepare you for an advanced level canyon such as Imlay Cyn, Choprock Cyn. Don't get tricked by your friends! IT WILL show you the skills and mindset needed to safely see and experience some of the World's most stunning scenery.

This three day introductory level training will be held in Escalante Utah. We are fortunate to select from dozens of technically rated slot canyons, which provide optimal "in canyon" training opportunities. Students time is spent learning new skills directly in a dynamic slot canyon environment, without "simulation". Participants in these courses should be prepared for three full days of learning, teamwork and challenge.

ACA Philosophy: Take this training serious: Think Yoga, and not Ninja Warrior. The best canyoneers understand and apply very low impact techniques. Low impact on the environment and low impact on themselves. Keep heart rate and respirations to a minimum, avoid over exertion or unnecessary stress when possible. "Aggressive" physical actions (straining) are less safe and can impact the environment negatively. Stress has a similar effect. It’s difficult to see all options and make good choices under those type conditions. The greatest canyoneers go slowly, work well together, are kind to the environment and endeavor to make a series of excellent choices…….easy money:)

Topics Covered in Core Course:

-Canyon Rating System
-Environmental Risks
-Equipment care
-Basic knots
-Anchors
-Rigging
-Rappelling and Belays
-Down Climbing and “Spotting"

For more details, the majority of the items on this list will be covered.
CORE SKILLS

RATE: $475.00 Per Person. Rate includes ACA Certified Instructor, coffee/tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon. Tax and Meetup processing fees included. 3 person minimum to conduct workshop.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are refundable until 30 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
All payments incur a non-refundable $50 booking fee.

***We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

6th Annual ACA Fall GLAR!

The American Canyoneering Association’s 2023 Guide - Leader - Aspirant - Rendezvous (GLAR) will be held September 8th-10th, in beautiful Escalante Utah. Join us to expand and fine tune your personal and group canyoneering skills while enjoying good food, cool guest speakers and renewed camaraderie in a stunning playground.

OUTLINE:
The 2023 GLAR would like to build on past successes and continue to grow as a deliberate and focused opportunity to train together and broaden our collective canyoneering experience. The mornings start early, allowing for long days “on rope”. Primary focus is on mastering current skills, learning new techniques and expanding your experience. Evenings are spent enjoying nice meals, sharing ideas, and contemplating the future of canyoneering. It is a very simple formula that fits our style well. Presuming here that we have some style:)

THE "CLASSROOM":
This year we will take advantage of Escalante's vast expanse of sandstone. There will be training walls to Master specific skill sets, as well as technical canyons to work on the subtleties of excellent Teamwork and problem solving.

EVENT REGISTRATION/FEE: $110.00
**Sales tax and processing fees included.
Payment is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable
(full refund if event is canceled).

Add note on payment submission to specify T-Shirt Size. You MUST specify MEN'S or WOMEN'S (women's run a bit small).

DETAILS:
**This event is open ONLY to ACA Certified Aspirants, Assistant Canyon Leaders, Canyon Leaders and Pro Guides. If you need additional training to qualify, please see the ACA Meetup schedule for available events in your area.

Event Starts/Check In: 7:30AM, Friday September 8th 2023, at Excursions of Escalante.

Accommodations: Escalante has multiple options for places to stay. Dry camping on the Natl' Monument and NFS is awesome and free, or a fancy yurt with a soft bed might be better. Escalante has these options and everything in-between. Here's a link to the local Chamber of Commerce to help get this started.
https://www.escalanteut.com/places-to-stay

*Participants must arrive with personal canyoneering gear and physically prepared for the challenges of technical skill training.

Organized Food:
Pro's Pancake Breakfast, Saturday 7:30am.
Catered Dinner, Saturday 6pm.

WORKSHOPS: Among other things.....
Sequencing - Optimize movement of gear and skill sets.
Technical "on rope" Rescue - Personal and Partner.
Canyon Leadership (Assistant CL and Canyon Leader only) - Soft Skills.
Canyon Impact Mitigation - Softer Skills!
Immobilize Lower Leg Injury - First Aid.
Vertical Canyon Extraction - Rescue
Personal Locator Beacons - Garmin, Delorem, Spot.

MORE INFORMATION:
Additional details and updated information will be posted here as things develop. Have fun, safe travels!
Rick Green ACA Pres.

 
 
 

Assistant Canyon Leader Course

This is step two in our three part Recreational Canyon Leadership development program. Participants receive training in advanced technical skills, group management and increasing canyon 'presence'. This includes the development of competent problem solving skills in a dynamic canyon environment, an introduction into canyon rescue and additional focus on Team safety. As always, the improvements in personal and overall group safety are worth the time/investment.

This three day introductory level training will be held in Escalante Utah. Here, we are fortunate to select from dozens of technically rated slot canyons, which provide optimal "in canyon" training opportunities. Students time is spent learning new skills directly in a dynamic slot canyon environment, without "simulation". Participants in these courses should be prepared for three full days of learning, teamwork and challenge.

ACA Philosophy: Take this seriously, in all training, in all canyons: Think Yoga….. not American Ninja Warrior. We must relax and raise personal and situational awareness. The best canyoneers, that do the “biggest canyons”, understand and apply super low impact techniques. Low impact on the environment and low impact on themselves. Keeping heart rates and respirations to a minimum, avoiding over exertion or unnecessary stress is definitely best. "Aggressive" movements (straining) are much less safe, less efficient and can impact the environment negatively. The greatest canyoneers go slowly, work well together, are kind to the environment…..all while making a series of excellent choices!

See course for course curriculum below.
ASSISTANT CANYON LEADER SKILLS LIST

PREREQUISITES: Proficient with the following; Core and Aspirant checklists. And meet all canyon experience and medical training requirements.
CORE SKILLS
ASPIRANT SKILLS

RATE: $546.00 Per Person. Rate includes ACA Certified Instructor, coffee/tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon. Tax and Meetup processing fees included. 3 person minimum to conduct workshop.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are refundable until 30 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
All payments incur a non-refundable $50 booking fee.

***We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

ACA Assistant Canyon Leader Assessment

To become an Assistant Canyon Leader in the ACA you must pass the Assistant Canyon Leader assessment (Prev. CL1). Your skills, training, etc can be from any place or any classes you have taken. Bottom line is you need to pass the ACA assessment. It is a comprehensive assessment of the ACA skills checklists 1-3 (Core, Aspirant, Asst. CL).

TAKE NOTE - the skill checklists have been updated so make sure you have the current one which is located here: ACA Checklists

There will be a written exam in addition to assessing your skills.

THIS IS NOT A WORKSHOP, meaning you should have a good understanding and know how to apply your skills already. You have some time to prepare and if you have questions or need clarification, please contact the assessment host.

RATE: $100 Per Person. Tax and Meetup processing fees included.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

Canyon Leader Course

This course is the "top step" of our three tiered canyon leadership program, an achievement that is no simple task. It is for those who have dedicated many hours of time to technical skill training and are ready to begin mastering some of the toughest challenges of all... safely Leading humans when they are happy, scared, exited, bored.., and assisting them if they are in trouble.

The focus of this intensive 3 day course is to imbed confidence in technical rescue abilities, environmental assessments and group management techniques. A solid technical "strength" allows Leaders to focus on the multiples of other critical elements at hand. They must learn to simultaneously understand the groups abilities and expectations, to mitigate ever changing canyon challenges...the list is long. This course aspires to make technical skills, group management and environmental dynamics all a priority of focus.

This three day course will be held in Escalante Utah. We are fortunate to select from dozens of technically rated slot canyons, from which we provide our "in canyon" training. Students time is spent applying newly learned skills directly in a dynamic slot canyon environment. Participants in these courses should be prepared for three full days of learning, teamwork and fun.

ACA Philosophy: Take this serious, in all training, in all canyons: Think Yoga….. not American Ninja Warrior. We must relax and raise personal and situational awareness. The best canyoneers, that do the “biggest canyons”, understand and apply super low impact techniques. Low impact on the environment and low impact on themselves. Keeping heart rates and respirations to a minimum, avoiding over exertion or unnecessary stress is definitely best. "Aggressive" movements (straining) are much less safe, less efficient and can impact the environment negatively. The greatest canyoneers go slowly, work well together, are kind to the environment…..all while making a series of excellent choices……good stuff!

Topics Covered in the Canyon Leader Course:
CANYON LEADER COURSE SKILLS LIST

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Core, Aspirant and Assistant Leader Courses or equivalent training required. And meet all canyon experience and medical training requirements.
CORE SKILLS
ASPIRANT SKILLS
ASSISTANT CANYON LEADER

RATE: $581.00 Per Person. Rate includes ACA Certified Instructor, coffee/tea in the morning & sorbet in the afternoon. Tax and Meetup processing fees included. 3 person minimum to conduct workshop.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are refundable until 30 days prior to course start date. Cancelations after this date are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
All payments incur a non-refundable $50 booking fee.

***We recommend purchasing trip insurance.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

GEAR:
We have basic gear available for rent. Rates are PER DAY and CASH ONLY.
$10 - Helmet
$10 - Harness
$5 - Combo - ATC & Carabiner
$5 - Gloves

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. Course discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location/training area of ANY course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.

 
 
 

ACA Canyon Leader (CL) Assessment (previously Canyon Leader 2)

To become a Canyon Leader (previously Canyon Leader 2) in the ACA you must pass the Canyon Leader assessment. Your skills, training, etc can be from any place or any classes you have taken. Bottom line is you need to pass the ACA assessment. It is a comprehensive assessment of the ACA skills checklists (Core, Aspirant, ACL, CL) and in canyon assessment.

TAKE NOTE- the skill checklists have been updated so make sure you have the current one which is located here: ACA Checklists

There will be a written exam, swim test, and in-canyon assessment in addition to assessing your skills.

THIS IS NOT A WORKSHOP, meaning you should have a good understanding and know how to apply your skills already. You have some time to prepare and if you have questions or need clarification, please contact the assessment host.

RATE: $150.00 Per Person. Includes Tax and Meetup processing fees.

PAYMENT POLICY:
Payments are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.

TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to/from training areas is not provided. Roads are rough. Please plan ahead with an appropriate vehicle.

THE SHOP:
We stock our favorite gear, equipment and ropes. ACA discounts are applied :)

WEATHER:
The weather in Escalante can change quickly whether before the course or during it. We expect that you come prepared with rain jacket/gear.

**Please note that the location of ANY trip/course is subject to change based upon the current weather (precipitation, temperature etc.) and group. Safety First.