Water Canyon | Utah | adventure sports gaining popularity | United States

Canyoneering is one of the latest adventure sports gaining popularity in the United States. Our brave writer tackles the rugged terrain of Utah to see what has thrill seekers hanging by a string.

Photographs by John Burcham

There’s a little bit of a ledge from which to ease into the descent. Beyond that, though, the wall of oblong rock slabs -- my entry into the depths of Utah’s Water Canyon -- drops vertically 100 feet to the ground below. I’ve rappelled before, but my previous experience isn’t making sitting in a harness, dangling over nothing but empty space, any less nerve-racking. My adrenaline starts to kick in.

“Feet wide, take small steps, have fun,” instructs my guide, Jeremy Draper. I take a few baby steps, lowering myself so that my legs are perpendicular to the canyon wall, to begin my descent. I slip into a rhythm that allows me to look around and enjoy the view of the top of nearby Canaan Mountain.