Zion Canyoneering Anchor Replacement

Many canyons in the Zion area are equipped with bolted anchors. For years plated steel bolts, of varying quality, were the norm. As these bolts age and rust away they are becoming time bombs. Our goal is to replace these aging bolts with modern stainless steel glue-in bolts and update anchors to modern standards. Stainless glue-ins are by far the best choice in soft sandstone and should last for generations to come. The upfront cost of stainless hardware and quality glues however is not insignificant and support from the canyoneering community at large would be a huge help in making this dream a reality.

The cost of replacing anchors varies widely based on the hardware used and anchor configuration. When taking into account the stainless bolt itself, quality glues, glue nozzles, consumeables (drill bits, brushes, tape, gloves, patching epoxy, etc.), and anchor hardware (stainless rapides, chain, and rappel rings) we estimate that a standard two bolt anchor costs $30-$75 to replace, when extrapolated out to canyon with multiple rappels the costs add up fast. This estimate does not include the installers personal investment into specialized tools, drills, hammers, taps, bolt pullers, and other items required to successfully remove old bolts and re-use old holes which is often hundreds of dollars. These volunteer installers are donating huge amounts of time and energy to successfully complete these projects, any financial support you can provide to help offset the cost of purchasing replacement hardware would be hugely appreciated.

Funds will be used to purchase new stainless steel bolts, epoxy, and anchor hardware for anchor replacement projects in Zion National Park and the greater Zion area. These bolts and hardware will be made available to knowledgeable volunteer installers who will carry out replacement projects.

In replacing hardware we embrace the following ideals:

-Like for like bolt replacement.

-Removal of old hardware and re-use of existing holes when possible.

-Minimization of rope grooves through re-location of select "problem" anchors.

-Removal and careful patching of extraneous bolts in existing "bolt gardens".

-Use of top quality stainless steel hardware.

-General stewardship and cleanup of the canyons.

This project is Zion-centric for now but we would eventually like to support similar projects in other canyoneering areas.