Hi! My name is Rich Carlson — adventure travel addict and technical rescue, rigging and rappelling instructor. Since 1990 I have trained thousands of canyoneers, climbers, adventurers, professional guides and rescue teams across the Americas and around the world — and provided innovative team building activities for a wide array of clients.

Check out the online resources – including free instructional videos – and my blog to follow the adventure through entertaining stories and images, plus technical advice, gear reviews and minimalist travel tips.

ART of RopeWork & Canyoneering Karma

Canyons & Crags exists to train and to serve; to help you learn, practice and hone technical rope skills. Our ART of RopeWork series includes training for canyoneering, professional canyon guides and rappel masters, and ultralight rigging and rescue.

In addition to our training workshops we frequently host other events for canyoneers to practice their skills; to meet other canyoneers; and of course to have fun exploring canyons.

Featured Gear

Totem Design – Unisex T-Shirt
Totem Design – Unisex T-Shirt
Totem Design – Unisex T-Shirt

CULT OF TOTEM LOGO This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (heather … Read More

$19.00 – $24.50 Select options
8mm VT Prusik, Tan
8mm VT Prusik, Tan

Designed by Rich Carlson and manufactured by BlueWater Ropes, the VT Prusik features a super tough, heat resistant Technora aramid sheath over durable nylon core strands. The core in this kernmantle design keeps the VT from flattening and binding up. … Read More

$23.00 Add to cart
Phoenix CRT
Phoenix CRT

The Totem — on steroids! The Phoenix CRT has all the features and capabilities of the original Totem and then some. We added “wings” that can be used to add friction, redirect braking position and for easy lock-off. The three … Read More

$58.00 Add to cart
Totem
Totem

The original Totem is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of rigging devices. Deceptively simple looking, the Totem is remarkably versatile. Use it for belaying, releasable rigging and hauling systems, or as a rigging plate. Use it for rappelling – it’s simple … Read More

$40.00 Add to cart

The Latest from Rich's Blog

21 Mar 2019
Canyoneering Karma
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Be sure to check out and join our meetup group at: Canyoneering Karma La Canada Flintridge, CA 3,425 Canyoneers Welcome to the Canyoneering Karma Meetup GroupOur group exists to serve; to help you... Read More

8 May 2018
Nature’s Temple
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The soundtrack to my personal experiences in canyons is almost always Native American flute music. Surrounded by silence I hear the music in my head. I am at peace. Recently that silence was... Read More

14 Mar 2018
Mexico
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Arrived in Monterrey, Mexico on the 7th of March. Here training 19 aspiring canyon guides. Four days on, three days off, four days on. From here on to Guadalajara for another seven days... Read More

10 Jan 2018
Internet Forums
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I started the first canyoneering forum on the internet back in May of 2000. The original platform was called eGroups, which was later acquired by Yahoo! Those who have been around long enough... Read More