Canyons for big people...

[Amnesiac]

Hi Everybody,

I've been out of canyoneering for a few years due to being busy with finishing my degree. I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

I know that Canyoneering is not a fat man's sport. With that said, I have a buddy who is about 5'10" and 360 lbs. He's a big guy, not all fat though, he's super strong. His main hobby is power lifting. He is interested in canyoneering, but realizes we are limited in what we can do.

I'm wondering if anybody can offer any recommendations on canyons that may suit our needs. I'm looking for something similar to Ding and Dang, or maybe even something with a couple of short rappels... hopefully something with some fun, little downcllimbs.

Thanks

[qedcook]

Did you mean 260?

[Amnesiac]

Did you mean 260?

Nope, 360.

[Sandstone Addiction]

Of the canyons I've done, Entrajo, U-Turn, Echo, Keyhole, Pine Creek, Yankee Doodle, and Fins and Things Canyon should all be fine for a big guy. I know, I'm one of them...

Would definitely be more work for him in most of them though.

[Iceaxe]

What area are you interested in and I'll give you a list.

[Amnesiac]

What area are you interested in and I'll give you a list.

We were originally talking about either the Swell area, by Goblin Valley, or possibly the North Wash area, but those canyons seem to be really skinny. I wouldn't be opposed to going to Moab.

Thanks

[Scott P]

I'm looking for something similar to Ding and Dang, or maybe even something with a couple of short rappels...

What about the Black Hole?

[Iceaxe]

The Canyons listed below are all in the San Rafael Swell and size should not be an issue in any of them.

Cable Canyon
Eardley Canyon
Goblin's Lair
Knotted Rope Canyon
Music Canyon
Quandary Canyon
Upper Black Box
Lower Black Box


The Canyons listed below are all near Moab and size should not be an issue in any of them.

Big Horn - Arches National Park
Cameltoe - Moab
Dragonfly Canyon - Arches National Park
Elephant Butte - Arches National Park
Entrajo Canyon - Moab
Fins & Things - Moab
Granary Canyon - Moab
Medieval Chamber - Moab
MMI Canyon - Arches National Park
Not Tierdrop Canyon - Arches National Park
Pleiades - Moab
Professor Creek - Moab
Rock of Ages - Moab
Tierdrop Canyon - Arches National Park
U-Turn - Arches National Park
Undercover Canyon - Arches National Park
Winter Camp Slot - Arches National Park


The Canyons listed below are all near Cedar Mesa and size should not be an issue in any of them.

Cheesebox Canyon
Fry Canyon
Gravel Canyon
Black Hole of White Canyon

If I was a big guy I'd just stay away from North Wash until I'd been on a serious diet.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3NzxZK12wA

[Amnesiac]

Wow, great info. Thanks! Very helpful!

[Slot Machine]

I'll add Moonshine Wash, a superb canyon for any size person.

Please post a trip report when you get back. I'd like to know how your friend does.

[flatiron]

Anyone that big could have serious heat/dehydration/exhaustion issues doing anything in the desert - let alone a 4hr or longer canyon/hike. Be careful and maybe start real short and sweet?

[deneg]

I guess. We shouldn't suggest fat man's misery?

[Stray]

Anchors and rope size must also be re-evalutated.

[Iceaxe]

Anchors and rope size must also be re-evalutated.

Skinny folks should not be rappelling from an anchor that will not hold a fat guy, same goes for ropes. It's not the total weight that gets you in trouble, it's the shock load when you slip or fall that creates failure.

YMMV

[oldno7]

^^^^^^^^^

He's right, ya know....