ADVENTURE EVENT! Rappelling Heart Creek Canyon Event Cache

We invite you to join on an ADVENTURE to rappel down Heart Creek Canyon! To safely reach the event site you will have to first hike about 3 kms with 200 m of elevation gain to the top of the canyon. To reach the event site, you must then partake in 3 mandatory rappels, with an additional 2 mandatory rappels required to leave the event site and return back to the hiking trail. In total, event attendees will need to take on a total of 5 mandatory rappels. All mandatory rappels are about 5-10m in length. Note that given the nature of the canyon and the water pools present, you will get wet up to your knees.

Assuming safe, manageable group numbers, the event organizers will provide and place the ropes for each of the rappels. In order to be safe, a buddy system will be in place for the rappels, with someone at the top checking equipment set up before each rappel and with someone at the base for "fireman's brake" if required. Although no experience rappelling is necessarily required, it is recommended. The event hosts will do everything in their power to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun experience. Please note that the event host's group may be limited to a maximum of about 10-12 people for safety reasons. For more experienced, independent adventurers, feel free to bring your own ropes and reach the event site at your own leisure.

A potential "pièce de résistance" of the event is a totally OPTIONAL 20 m rappel beside a fast-flowing waterfall after the main event is complete. Note that this rappel will only be an option if time, energy and weather allows. This rappel is easily avoided and is not mandatory. You will get soaked head to toe if you opt to partake in this rappel.

If you wish to join the event host's group down the canyon, the following mandatory gear is required for each participant to attend this event:

- Harness
- Helmet
- Rappel device (such as a Black Diamond ATC, Petzl Reverso, or similar)
- Personal anchor (such as a double length sling, personal anchor chain, or similar)
- 2 x locking carabiners

Note that the event hosts will provide and carry all group gear, including ropes.

4:00 PM: Leave Calgary
5:00 PM: Arrive at Heart Creek parking, pack up and head onto the trail
6:00 PM: Reach the top of the canyon, gear up, descend 3 MANDATORY rappels to the event site
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Event time in an amazing location!
7:30 PM: Clean up the event site, descend 2 MANDATORY rappels back to the creekbed
8:00 PM: Arrive back at the creekbed
8:30 PM: Consider the OPTIONAL rappel down the Heart Creek Waterfall
9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Arrive back at the parking lot
10:00 PM - 10:30 PM: Arrive back in Calgary

Good question! Check out this Youtube video for an idea of the terrain. Note that this video starts from the top of the canyon after the approach hike:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzk5BKyvuiY&t

The terrain in and around the event site consists of steep rock cliffs. Note that significant risks and hazards will be present, including but not limited to: exposure to steep cliffs, rockfall, wet and slippery rock, falling hazards, gear malfunction and/or user error. Any or all of these hazards could lead to serious injury or death. The event hosts are not mountain guides and cannot ensure your safety at all times. That said, we will do everything in our power to try and make sure that everyone has a safe and fun experience. This is a well travelled canyon and we do not expect any issues, but accidents can happen. By attending this event, you accept the hazards and risks present. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety.

Note that trying to get to the event site in any other way other than rappelling in from the top will be extremely dangerous due to the steep cliff walls. You cannot hike, climb or otherwise shortcut your way to the event site.

- Event runs from 7:00 to 7:30 PM at the posted coordinates
- Approach hike is 3km, 200m gain - about 1h
- There are 5 mandatory rappels which require specialized gear, see gear list above
- You WILL get wet up to your knees. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear!
- There is an OPTIONAL 6th rappel down beside a waterfall. We will only consider this if time allows.
- The host's group may be limited to about 10-12 participants (first come, first serve). The hosts will post an announcement or note to the page if the group is full. If you are not a part of the host's group, you are more than welcome to bring your own gear and reach the event site at your leisure.
- You are reminded that as of June 1, 2021, the Alberta Government requires a park pass per vehicle ($15 / day, $90 / year)
- Please note that ultimately you are responsible for your own safety