Anchor Basics And Canyon Ethics
Anchors are one of the reasons canyoneering is so rewarding. They are also one of the reasons people get into trouble. In Moab, anchors vary by route, season, and use. Webbing ages. Sandstone features wear. What looked solid last year may not be the best option today.
This page is here to help you think clearly about anchors and to encourage the kind of canyon ethics that keep these routes open and enjoyable for everyone.
If you are new to anchors, the best move is guided. You will learn the right habits in the field.
Beginner Routes
Beginner friendly canyoneering routes hub.
Short Routes
Short Canyoneering routes hub.
Moab Routes
Moab canyoneering route guide index.
The Anchor Mindset: Safety First
Treat every anchor like it is new to you.
- Assume nothing.
- Evaluate, back up when appropriate, and move conservatively.
- Anchors are not a place to rush. Many incidents start with a casual moment at the top of a rappel.
Moab Canyoneering Safety Basics
Common Anchor Types You Might See in Moab
- Natural anchors
- Sandstone horns, blocks, chockstones, features, and constrictions.
- Fixed webbing anchors
- Webbing around a natural feature, often with a quick link.
- Hardware anchors
- Bolts or fixed hardware exist in some places, but do not assume they are present or in perfect condition.
- Each type requires evaluation and good judgment.
What Will Change While Canyoneering in the Desert?
- Webbing fades and weakens under sun and abrasion
- Sandstone features can erode or shift
- Floods can move rocks and change placements
- High use can wear grooves and create sharp edges
- Even if the canyon is “popular,” do not assume the anchor is “good.”
Good Practices Protecting People and the Canyon
Keep it clean
- Avoid leaving excess webbing. Use tidy, appropriate lengths. Do not create anchor mess.
Minimize impact
- Do not add redundant webbing just because it is there. Replace thoughtfully if needed.
Do not carve new grooves
- Avoid running rope over sharp edges and abrasive lips when you can rig to protect the rope and the rock.
Do not create new paths
- Stay on route. Avoid widening approaches and exits. Desert soils and crusts take a long time to heal.
Permits and Rules for Moab Canyoneering
When Replacement Might Make Sense
If webbing is clearly degraded or unsafe, replacement can be the responsible move. But replacing webbing without knowledge can also create problems, clutter, and false confidence.
If you do not know what you are doing, do not treat replacement as a casual task. This is a strong reason to go guided.
Guided Canyoneering Tours in Moab
A Note on Bolts and Fixed Hardware
Do not count on bolts. Do not assume bolts are placed for your exact rappel line. Do not trust hardware blindly. Evaluate everything.
If you are uncomfortable with hardware evaluation, go guided.
Ethics that keep Moab canyoneering special
- Choose the least impactful solution that is safe
- Respect closures and posted guidance
- Avoid unnecessary new anchors
- Pack out trash, including micro trash
- Be kind to slower groups. Good canyon culture matters.
The Best Beginner Canyoneering Choice
If anchors feel confusing, do not try to learn them from a paragraph right before your trip. Go with a guide for your first canyon day. You will learn faster, and you will enjoy the day more.