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The Different types of canyon

Adventure Canyon

Adventure Canyons should include at least two of the following situations:

  • An approach with over 30 minuets off track. 
  • Majority natural or ghosted anchors. 
  • An approach and exit time total of more than 1.5hrs.
  • Uncommon features which may be challenging to overcome. 
  • Complex anchors required.

Adventure Canyons should include at least two of the following situations:

  • An approach with over 30 minuets off track. 
  • Majority natural or ghosted anchors. 
  • An approach and exit time total of more than 1.5hrs.
  • Uncommon features which may be challenging to overcome. 
  • Complex anchors required.
Sport Canyon

Sport Canyons should include at least two of the following situations:

  • An approach and exit time total of less than 1.5hrs.
  • Majority bolted anchors.
  • No complex anchors required.
  • Total duration is less than 4 hrs.

Sport Canyons should include at least two of the following situations:

  • An approach and exit time total of less than 1.5hrs.
  • Majority bolted anchors.
  • No complex anchors required.
  • Total duration is less than 4 hrs.
Gorge Scramble

A Gorge scramble should include at least one of the following situations:

  • Can be ascended or descended. 
  • Majority / all of the journey does not require rope.
  • No more than 1 abseil.

A Gorge scramble should include at least one of the following situations:

  • Can be ascended or descended. 
  • Majority / all of the journey does not require rope.
  • No more than 1 abseil.

Why is it relevant?

The three different types of canyon provide very different experiences for example, an adventure canyon has been less developed therefore a range of natural anchor building and route finding techniques may be required to make a descent. Sport canyons are more developed and focus on descending with ‘best style’ this means you should be aiming to use the best possible techniques to manage the challenges presented. Gorge scrambling usually requires little knowledge of rope techniques, often problem solving is required to tackle the exposed climbing moves in difficult, often slippery conditions.

Why is it relevant?

The three different types of canyon provide very different experiences for example, an adventure canyon has been less developed therefore a range of natural anchor building and route finding techniques may be required to make a descent. Sport canyons are more developed and focus on descending with ‘best style’ this means you should be aiming to use the best possible techniques to manage the challenges presented. Gorge scrambling usually requires little knowledge of rope techniques, often problem solving is required to tackle the exposed climbing moves in difficult, often slippery conditions.

What about canyons that have features that cross over?

When canyons have features that match up with more than one type of canyon, the most relevant type will be selected, for example; if a canyon has a approach and exit time total of 2.5hrs but is well equipped with anchors and does not contain any challenging features it would be classed as a sport canyon, alternatively if the canyon has an approach and exit total time of 30 mins but features difficult natural anchors and uncommon features then it would likely be classed as an adventure canyon.

What about canyons that have features that cross over?

When canyons have features that match up with more than one type of canyon, the most relevant type will be selected, for example; if a canyon has a approach and exit time total of 2.5hrs but is well equipped with anchors and does not contain any challenging features it would be classed as a sport canyon, alternatively if the canyon has an approach and exit total time of 30 mins but features difficult natural anchors and uncommon features then it would likely be classed as an adventure canyon.

What is the difference between the type of canyon and the grade?

The grade of the canyon indicates the amount of knowledge required to safely descend, typically if a canyon is graded at a low level then it is better suited to novices similarly a high grade canyon is better suited for the experienced. The type of canyon indicates the experience you will get from attempting a descent / ascent without focusing on the knowledge and skills required.

What is the difference between the type of canyon and the grade?

The grade of the canyon indicates the amount of knowledge required to safely descend, typically if a canyon is graded at a low level then it is better suited to novices similarly a high grade canyon is better suited for the experienced. The type of canyon indicates the experience you will get from attempting a descent / ascent without focusing on the knowledge and skills required.