Canyon Country Adventure Guides

Passion

With a background and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management, combined with 20 years of professional experience working for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service as a botanist, soil scientist, and hydrologist, I am deeply passionate about sharing knowledge and helping people understand and appreciate the natural wonders of the Colorado Plateau. Growing up in Utah, I developed a strong connection to this region and its unique landscapes, ecosystems, geology, and water systems. My professional career has taken me across remote areas of Utah studying plants, soils, water, and landscapes, giving me an in-depth understanding of the land that very few guides possess.

My passion for the natural world goes far beyond academics. I have been rock climbing and canyoneering since 2007, and over the years I have built extensive experience exploring, climbing, and developing routes throughout Utah. I have established new routes, explored and documented canyons, and contributed to guidebooks, gaining a deep, practical understanding of the terrain that can only come from years in the field. This real-world experience is something that simply cannot be replicated in short certification courses — it comes from thousands of hours on rock, in canyons, and in the desert environment.

I spend much of my time exploring the rugged landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, studying geological formations, identifying plants and hydrology patterns, and continuing to seek out new routes and hidden places. When I’m not guiding, I’m usually still in the field — climbing, canyoneering, or running ultra-marathons.

As a military veteran who served seven years in the U.S. Army, including one tour in Iraq, I bring discipline, risk management, planning, and leadership into every trip I guide. Safety, preparation, and good decision-making are always the foundation of every adventure.

Canyon Country Adventures is unique in that we focus on small groups, personal experiences, and authentic adventures. Clients are not just another reservation on a calendar — every trip is tailored to the group, the conditions, and the experience level. The goal is not to rush people through a trip, but to create a memorable experience where people feel comfortable, capable, and connected to the landscape.

-Colten Lay

Caption: Utah Native, Owner and Lead Guide, Colten Lay, enjoying Zion Big Walls.

Guide Experience

I have been rock climbing and canyoneering since 2007 and have spent many years exploring, climbing, and developing routes across Utah and the Colorado Plateau. My experience includes trad/sport climbing, alpine climbing, big wall climbing, canyoneering, river rafting, and technical rope rigging.

Experience Summary:

• Rock Climbing: 19 years

• Canyoneering: 19 years

• Alpine Climbing: 13 years

• Aid / Big Wall Climbing: 13 years

• River Rafting: 9 years

• High Angle Rigging: 13 years

• Route Development / First Ascents: 13 years

• Published First Ascensionist in 'High on Moab' 2nd edition