Alumni Utah Canyoneering

Hanksville, UT

Apr 18—Apr 24, 2025

Apply by 3/7/25$8256 Slots OpenCanyoneering

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the rugged and breathtaking canyons outside of Canyonlands National Park near Hanksville, Utah.

This advanced alumni-only adventure pushes the boundaries of outdoor exploration, combining potential technical canyoneering with spiritual reflection in one of America’s most stunning desert landscapes.

Please note: Only previous attendees of Tayseer Wilderness courses may attend. ONLY RECOMMENDED for individuals who are not claustrophobic or have a fear of heights. Due to course constraints, there will be no financial aid available for this trip.

Course Highlights:

  • Technical Canyoneering (weather permitting): Learn introductory canyoneering  techniques including climbing down slot canyons, dropping into exposed spaces on ropes, and rappelling in challenging environments.
  • Exposure Management: Learn to navigate and maintain composure in high-exposure situations with significant drops and narrow passages.
  • Canyon Navigation: Develop skills in reading complex canyon systems and using technical equipment for safe passage.
  • Leave No Trace Ethics: Practice environmental stewardship in fragile desert ecosystems.
  • Rock Art Exploration: Discover and learn about prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs hidden within the canyons.
  • Night Sky Contemplation: Experience the awe-inspiring night sky of the desert, connecting the beauty of the cosmos to Islamic teachings.
  • Team Building and Leadership: Strengthen bonds with fellow alumni while developing crucial outdoor leadership skills in high-stakes environments.
  • Daily Dhikr and Qur’anic Reflection: Start and end each day with spiritual practices, finding deeper meaning in the challenges and beauty of the canyons.

Additional Information

Note: This course is designed for Tayseer Wilderness course alumni with previous backpacking experience and a high comfort level with heights and exposure. Participants must be prepared for physically and mentally demanding activities in a desert environment with variable weather conditions. Technical training will be provided, but a base level of fitness and comfort with heights and tight spaces is required.

Led by

Yow Feng

Outdoor Instructor

Yow Feng is an experienced wilderness guide and outdoor educator who has led backpacking trips throughout the Mountain West, Alaska, the Southwest, and the Utah canyonlands for over a decade.

Read More

Kate Sirianni

Outdoor Instructor

Kate Sirianni is a seasoned wilderness guide and facilitator with over 15 years of experience leading trips in the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska.

Read More

Ustadh Nadeem Siddiqi

Outdoor Instructor

Ustadh Nadeem Siddiqi is a graduate of Tayseer Seminary and serves as adjunct faculty, teaching a course in community activism while also being involved in various local Muslim organizations and businesses.

Read More
Prerequisites
Previous Tayseer Wilderness Course completion
Age Minimum
18+
Course Duration
6 days (4 in wilderness area)
Initial Meeting Point
Salt Lake City, UT

Hanksville, UT

Apr 18—Apr 24, 2025

Apply by 3/7/25$8256 Slots OpenCanyoneering

Alumni Utah Canyoneering

Hanksville, UT

Apr 18—Apr 24, 2025

Apply by 3/7/256 leftCanyoneering

Intro to Backpacking

TBD

Jun 20—Jun 22, 2025

Apply by 5/31/2523 leftBackpacking

San Juan Mountains Backpacking

Durango, CO

Jul 25—Aug 1, 2025

Apply by 5/1/2522 leftBackpacking

Gila Wilderness Backpacking

Gila Wilderness, NM

Sep 26—Oct 3, 2025

Apply by 7/15/2511 leftBackpacking