WILDERNESS SLOT CANYONEERING

This award was developed and sponsored by Troop 1210 (Foothills Church), Rancho Santa Margarita, California. For something completely different, give slot canyoneering a try. The American Southwest has loads of slot canyons, including 21-mile Buckskin Gulch in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness of northern Arizona and southern Utah, and the longest slot canyon in the world. The colorful geology, narrow rock channels, waterfalls and pools are really cool for Scouts.

There is a plethora of possibilities, but three river and geographic areas that include slot canyons as tributaries are judged to be the best overnighters for Scouts: the Virgin River Narrows (Zion National Park), the Escalante River (Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument) and the Paria River (Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness).

Successful completion of the requirements earns both the main patch, which pictures Buckskin Gulch, and the appropriate segment(s).

Requirements:

1. Complete an overnight backpack that includes slot canyoneering, with relatively longer mileage and harder access for older Scouts (e.g. Buckskin Gulch in Paria or Virgin River Narrows in Zion or Golden Staircase/Neon Canyon in Escalante) and relatively shorter mileage and easier access for younger Scouts (e.g. Harris Wash in Escalante or Round Valley Draw in Paria).

2. Utilization of a local and experienced guide service by units is approved and appropriate for some trailheads.

3. Successful trekking of Buckskin Gulch earns both segments: PARIA CANYONEERING & 21-MILE BUCKSKIN GULCH EPIC CANYONEERING.