Good places for beginners

[cwyso475]

I've done about 3 trips (2 years ago) with experienced people, where is a good place for a couple of beginners to go out on their own? we want to be able to practice the basics without getting in over heads.
Thanks!

[thafen]

That seems like the hard part, where do you live? There are a few practice places around St George, but they should not be taken lightly either. Take an experienced person with you even to practice as that can also be dangerous. The best thing to do is take the basic class from the ACA, then the technical that is a good start for most of the canyons in Zion.

[Dwayne27]

Do you mean a good area for beginner canyons, or an area to just practice some rope work and rappelling?

[Kirk]

At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, I suggest that in the absence of more experienced people tagging along, only non-technical canyons are appropriate for beginners. This is more than hiking with ropes - "small" mistakes at the wrong time can lead to serious injuries and/or death. We'd love to see you keep coming back for more with a sparkle in your eye and a spring in your step, so please keep taking more training and go out with competent, experienced folks. If you are in Utah or California, there's plenty of folks who should be willing to take you along.

For non-canyon practice, fences, trees, local outdoor climbing areas are all great tools. Please have safety uppermost in your mind, and be thoughtful and careful. We've lost a couple people in "beginner leading beginner" situations and hope to keep that as small as possible as the years go by.

Be safe as you have fun!

[kodiak66]

Are there any good newbie canyons near the Salt Lake area? I am pretty new to the sport and have some friends getting me into it. I know about some places like the San Rafael Swell and Zion, but I'm curious if there is anything closer to SLC. thanks