“While I may never have set foot on the Moon or Mars,

I have, however, stepped foot in south central Utah.”

— Christopher Hagedorn, founder of Get In The Wild

As my heels tentatively contacted the peaks of the extraordinary rock formations, my heart rate spiked while staring down at the 90-foot canyon beneath me. Still, I prepared to descend the steep slope — triple checking my harness and carabiners. To no surprise, doubt and a paralyzing reluctance flooded my veins. My guide, Christopher Hagedorn, instructed me to meditate, paying special attention to my breath. I let the soft hymn of the desert wind quiet my scattered headspace. Hagedorn has been a guide in the red rock canyons of southern Utah for over a decade. This was probably his thousandth time helping a beginner like myself repel into a canyon in Goblin Valley State Park. Inhale, exhale, my breath started to steady.

Hagedorn founded his guiding service, Get In The Wild, for just this purpose: to take small groups to off-the-beaten-path spots to discover not only something new about the outdoors, but themselves. His wife and business partner, Melissa Phillips, taught us about breathwork atop a glorious mountain in Capitol Reef National Park the day before, and the tool was proving handier than initially expected.

The iconic duo’s philosophy of “never assume” instantly soothes worriers like me when it comes to safety and near staggering heights. But despite trusting Hagedorn, who was my belayer, and his impressive line of gear and experience, fear of the unknown is not only natural, but expected.

Despite every bone in my body holding on for dear life, I made my way down the sandstone lair, breath by breath, truly feeling all the support in the world. Inhale, exhale, I released an outward sigh of relief as my toes finally kissed the earth minutes later. I immediately turned to hug Phillips and together we called back up to Hagedorn, “Off rope!”

Get In The Wild facilitates adventures like this all across southern Utah and Washington year-round. The wilderness education and adventure travel company offers canyoneering, hiking, photography and multi-day adventures in addition to its wildly popular Yoga In The Wild sector.

For the adventure junkie, a canyoneering expedition might be just what the doctor ordered. The sport is a type of mountaineering that involves traveling in canyons using techniques such as rappelling and scrambling. While Western Colorado is no stranger to the sport, southern Utah is an ideal destination not only because of its plentiful options, but rich history and distinct topography, making it well worth the trip. Hagedorn and Phillips make sure to inform their guests of the geological formations and bountiful flora and fauna during each expedition. Get In The Wild has eight guides total, and all lead guides maintain a Wilderness First Responder certification. Together, they have a 100% success rate.

Get In The Wild believes anyone can benefit from an outdoor adventure, regardless of age, shape, size or ability. The outdoor outfitter has taken everyone from a blind person, those with hip and knee replacements and someone with Parkinson’s to even the Utah governor’s family on a canyoneering expedition. Whether you’re 3 years old or 80 (both ages they’ve worked with), Get In The Wild has you covered.

Book your next adventure at getinthewild.com. Learn more about canyoneering in Utah at visitutah.com.

Get In The Wild: Canyoneering in Southern Utah