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Our courses include online and hands-on options to provide you with the most comprehensive training available.

Canyons & Crags offers an approach to learning that goes far beyond memorization to provide you with a logical path to technical excellence, as you gain confidence and an increased sense of self-reliance.

Are these courses a good fit for you?

Comprehensive Training for Canyoneering

Canyons & Crags continues to set the gold standard for courses in recreational canyoneering, canyon rescue and professional canyon guiding. From our first official curriculum developed for the American Canyoneering Association in 1999 to our recent work with Canyon Guides International, Canyons & Crags continues to develop and refine courses that are simple, yet comprehensive.

Whether your goal is safer, more enjoyable adventures with friends or a career in canyoneering, your training courses with us will be a valuable investment in yourself.

Be sure to check out our CALENDAR for upcoming online courses and our KNOWLEDGE BASE for other free online learning resources.

ART of Canyoneering 1

This is a beginner to intermediate course designed to teach you the skills necessary to be a competent participant in a canyoneering team.

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ART of Canyoneering 2

Gain knowledge and competence with anchors, rigging and rescue systems while honing your personal rappelling, ascending and problem-solving skills.

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Canyon Leader

Ideal for both recreational leaders and professional guides who desire the skills needed to lead canyoneering groups safely and efficiently.

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Rappelling and Technical Rescue Courses

Although best known in the canyoneering community, the principles, skills and techniques taught by Canyons & Crags have applications across the spectrum of vertical rope work. Students in our rappelling and technical rescue courses have included outdoor leaders and instructors, professional and volunteer rescue teams, law enforcement and the military.

Rappel Master Course

Our 3-day Rappel Master training program will provide you with the knowledge and fundamental skills you need to manage and supervise non-tactical rappel operations, while you are also honing your own personal on-rope skills.

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Rigging & Rescue Course

Rigging & Rescue goes far beyond memorization of basic systems. You will learn to rely on knowledge and skills rather than the latest hardware, along with improv methods to accomplish your mission with minimal lightweight gear.

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A person's most useful asset is not the head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help.

-Unknown
I’m so thoroughly satisfied with how much l learned this weekend! I feel so revved up to keep at it! We shared so many different ways to complete various tasks on rope. My favorite thing about Rich Carlson as an instructor was how open he was to let others share how they like to do things. I dig a leader that doesn’t have pride issues. Very personable, lots of stories, thorough and patient with all my questions. Thank you Rich for expanding my abilities this weekend.
Lisa Hewitt

“I have had the opportunity to take several courses from Rich Carlson, and have come away with so much more new information than I expected. His depth of knowledge and experience is invaluable and it seems the more I learn, the more he has to teach. I most enjoy that no matter your level of rope work education, Rich makes the curriculum easy to grasp, and offers concepts and methods that challenge even the most skilled students. Rich has taught me that every situation has nuances that dictate the options and applicable best practice, and that “it depends” is an important mantra to prevent getting stuck in a “one size fits all” mentality. I have greatly benefited from Rich’s instruction and highly recommend!”
Rebecca Haacke

”The canyoneering classes that I have taken from Rich Carlson not only have been a passport to places only accessible via rope work, but have created a foundation of understanding of risk management in natural vertical environments. If you are looking for a path of self-reliance and clear understanding of canyoneering and rope work, look no further.”
Adolfo Isassi

"When I first got into canyoneering I quickly realized that I needed some training. While doing a deep internet search, two names kept popping up as people I might want to train me. When I found out that Rich Carlson had trained the other guy I knew I wanted him as my instructor. Over the years I have received training from other instructors, but I consider my training from Rich to be the best. Rich has taught me so much about canyoneering and I still learn every time I attend a course with him. I never thought I would go as far as becoming a guide and instructor myself, but here I am and I thank Rich for all he has taught me. He gives more than his knowledge to the community around the world and it’s usually for minimal financial gain. Rich was my instructor in the beginning and now he is also my friend. Thanks Rich!"
Shane Wallace

"I started canyoneering about four years ago. I took a class from Rich and quickly realized there was so much more I needed to know to be safe. He teaches the skills necessary to be a competent canyoneer while reinforcing critical thinking to understand why and not just how to do things. I feel more confident in my skills and abilities as a result of his training."
Jodi Srdich

“I have had the opportunity to take several courses from Rich Carlson, and have come away with so much more new information than I expected. His depth of knowledge and experience is invaluable and it seems the more I learn, the more he has to teach. I most enjoy that no matter your level of rope work education, Rich makes the curriculum easy to grasp, and offers concepts and methods that challenge even the most skilled students. Rich has taught me that every situation has nuances that dictate the options and applicable best practice, and that “it depends” is an important mantra to prevent getting stuck in a “one size fits all” mentality. I have greatly benefited from Rich’s instruction and highly recommend!”
Rebecca Haacke

"When I first got into canyoneering I quickly realized that I needed some training. While doing a deep internet search, two names kept popping up as people I might want to train me. When I found out that Rich Carlson had trained the other guy I knew I wanted him as my instructor. Over the years I have received training from other instructors, but I consider my training from Rich to be the best. Rich has taught me so much about canyoneering and I still learn every time I attend a course with him. I never thought I would go as far as becoming a guide and instructor myself, but here I am and I thank Rich for all he has taught me. He gives more than his knowledge to the community around the world and it’s usually for minimal financial gain. Rich was my instructor in the beginning and now he is also my friend. Thanks Rich!"
Shane Wallace

”The canyoneering classes that I have taken from Rich Carlson not only have been a passport to places only accessible via rope work, but have created a foundation of understanding of risk management in natural vertical environments. If you are looking for a path of self-reliance and clear understanding of canyoneering and rope work, look no further.”
Adolfo Isassi

"I started canyoneering about four years ago. I took a class from Rich and quickly realized there was so much more I needed to know to be safe. He teaches the skills necessary to be a competent canyoneer while reinforcing critical thinking to understand why and not just how to do things. I feel more confident in my skills and abilities as a result of his training."
Jodi Srdich
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