Solo Canyoneering

[mfshop]

As the title states, is it common for folks to do canyons solo? I've never considered it - too much risk for my skill(less) level, and also because I know who'd be stuck carrying all the rope!

Just curious how prevalent it is...???

[Cirrus2000]

There's been discussion of this a few times over the past couple of years. I have a pretty high level of risk tolerance, as far as being along goes - I'll take multi-day, very remote hikes & scrambles alone. But when I do canyons, I am very conservative when I'm on my own. I make sure I do highly beta-ed canyons, where I have a really good idea of the risks going in. Canyons I've done solo include Keyhole and Pine Creek (first time I did it was on my own), some of the easier North Wash stuff (E Lep, E Blarney, W Shillelagh), the easier Egypts, that sort of thing. It's all about being aware of risk, walking into things with your eyes wide open, and managing the risks as much as you are able to. I love both solo trips (it's a kick getting through it on your own) and group trips (the social aspect and teamwork are great!)

[goofball]

There's been discussion of this a few times over the past couple of years. I have a pretty high level of risk tolerance, as far as being along goes - I'll take multi-day, very remote hikes & scrambles alone. But when I do canyons, I am very conservative when I'm on my own. I make sure I do highly beta-ed canyons, where I have a really good idea of the risks going in. Canyons I've done solo include Keyhole and Pine Creek (first time I did it was on my own), some of the easier North Wash stuff (E Lep, E Blarney, W Shillelagh), the easier Egypts, that sort of thing. It's all about being aware of risk, walking into things with your eyes wide open, and managing the risks as much as you are able to. I love both solo trips (it's a kick getting through it on your own) and group trips (the social aspect and teamwork are great!)

i agree 100% w/ Kev. personal tolerance level is the key, and some are higher than others. my early introduction to canyoneering was influenced greatly by one competent and confident person almost entirely. any time i had questions about a canyon, it was typically "you'll have no problem". with maybe a "be careful at this spot" caveat thrown in.

and personally i do much better when solo. 1 - i feel much more relaxed, less pressured by others, and perform better when i don't have to feel i have a certain niche in the pecking order to rigidly adhere too. 2 - i don't have to deal w/ other peoples whining about how were going to die, and oh-my-god-this-was-a-bad-idea ! wah.

[tylerhirshfeld]

Growing up, I always hiked solo. I never saw a problem with it until Mr. Ralston came along and chopped his arm. Then my parents quit letting me go out alone... I think I was 14 or 15. Nowadays, I carry a cell phone, give someone a time I should be back, give them a time I better be back before SAR is called, and tell them exactly where I am going. If I dont know where I am going (aka. exploring some unknown area), I leave my vehicle in a very noticable spot.
Nowadays, none of my inlaws approve of me going out alone, but they know that I am 10 times more careful (less downclimbing, more rappelling= safer descent) and as long as they have the info stated above, I dont get too much grief. There is a safer way to solo, and then there is a not so safe way to solo.
This has also given me time to build confidence in my self and my skills and also provides me with time to think about what I need to think about, instead of entertaining and watching out for other people. After all, I was always scared of water until I soloed a few canyons by myself, and there was noone there to check water depth for me!

[mfshop]

Some good advice all. I do hike/mtb bike/nite ride solo, so I can definitely appreciate the advantages of getting out by yourself sometimes, but I had just never thought of doing a canyon solo as well.

I think I'll look into doing an easier well-travelled one for starters. And I guess I could bring pull cord as well as just rope. Now, all I have to do is convince the wife that it's ok. thanks!

[ratagonia]

Some good advice all. I do hike/mtb bike/nite ride solo, so I can definitely appreciate the advantages of getting out by yourself sometimes, but I had just never thought of doing a canyon solo as well. I think I'll look into doing an easier well-travelled one for starters. And I guess I could bring pull cord as well as just rope. Now, all I have to do is convince the wife that it's ok. thanks!

BITD, I used to go out solo a lot because I didn't know many canyoneers. But, going solo, you are several disadvantages - YOU have to carry all the gear; YOU have no backup; and, for me at least, when I am by myself I am stupid. It helps to have someone along to say "No, Tom, that is a bad idea". So, yeah, getting out hiking, exploring, checking things out - solo is great. Technical canyoneering solo - not so much fun. What with the groups (Bogley and Canyons) being big friendly and active - partners are easy to come by - no real reason to go solo these days.

Tom :moses:

[denaliguide]

no real reason to go solo these days.

Tom :moses:

you mean other than to be alone with your thoughts, experience the higher level of commitment, not having to wait for anyone to keep up, and to carry all the gear by yourself?

go prepared, don't bite off more than you can chew, and have fun. :2thumbs:

and remember, don't tell anyone where you are going, don't carry enough water, and leave your dull multi-tool at home. (we really do need a sarcasm font)

[tylerhirshfeld]

Tom does have a point. There are plenty of people around looking for a partner. So you can almost always find one.
Also, never go out alone if you feel uncomfortable or scared doing so. If there is any doubt in your mind that you can get out of your own situation, do go. Like Tom mentioned, it is definitely nicer to have more than one brain there. People are not always logical when they are nervous, therefore its nice to have a few more people around.
If you are really going to go out alone, over plan and over prepare. You never know when you are going to have to rescue yourself.

[ratagonia]

you mean other than to be alone with your thoughts, experience the higher level of commitment, not having to wait for anyone to keep up, and to carry all the gear by yourself?

go prepared, don't bite off more than you can chew, and have fun. :2thumbs:

and remember, don't tell anyone where you are going, don't carry enough water, and leave your dull multi-tool at home. (we really do need a sarcasm font)

Ah, Denali Guide, so cynical at such a young age. I MEANT that FOR ME, there is no real reason to go solo these days. My workplace is crowded - with computers, gear, ropes, etc, but not with people. I spend a LOT of time alone and don't really need more. My time out in the field is social. For others, obviously, the proportions may be reversed, and time alone is especially powerful. YMMV, CC-PD.

Tom :moses:

[denaliguide]

you are right, tom. i did miss that. and it feels nice to be thought of as young. thanks for that. :2thumbs: