Exploring
Exploring is a fundamental aspect of canyoneering.
Without explorers, there are no beta books, no RopeWiki, or any other online beta site. No canyon ratings, no recommended rope lengths or required gear. But also, no rope-grooves, no trash in canyons, no degraded soil or vegetation damage.
Reality always wins
Explorers share their first descents, and at the same time, want to (or say they want to) promote the conservation of canyons and wilderness. Some even insist that subsequent canyoneers mimic their problem solving methods.
But clearly, in the long run, these two desires are at the opposite ends of reality and in conflict with each other. If history is any indication, sharing one's accomplishments and conquest wins most of the time, and wilderness and the environment, in the long run, lose.
Still want to share?
Lots of explorers focus on the technical section of the canyon. Before you think of sharing, pay attention to the Approach and Exit. Try to establish an approach and exit route that travels on durable surfaces, and avoid trampling on live soil or plants. More on this here: The Other Canyon Damage
Envision your new route 'going viral'. Will your anchors on trees eventually damage them? Or those dead-man anchors or cairn-anchors 10'-20' far back from the edge will eventually result in rope grooves? As much as canyoneers love to think and talk about 'ghosting' as a mainstream solution for anchoring...the results are in: The great majority will not for the first phase of their canyoneering development, and some will never do. This is the current reason behind the growing cases of rope-on-rock damage. More on this here: Anchors in the Colorado Plateau
Australia National Park official code: Do not publicize canyon data/beta
I was surprised to find out that national park in Australia, has incorporated a “Do not share beta/data” for canyons in the area. Take a look at this video showing how Wollemi National Park has made this part of their park code.
Have your cake and eat it too
Share your finds with your friends. Take them and you will have agency leading in a way to take care of the approach, the exit, and anchoring practices in the technical section. Take some photos and share the beauty and adventure, without geo-tagging or disclosing the location(s). If you find that you care enough for certain routes, become a steward of them. They will need it.
Beyond the American Southwest
Are all canyons fragile environments? Some more that others. But there are canyons that are more resilient, especially the ones with constant flowing water. In some canyons, you do not need to worry about “rope grooves”, instead, you need to worry about damaging your rope.
Post Publish Feedback
Some feedback from this post pointing out that usually the first descenders are not the ones doing the 'viral sharing' of fragile places. It is subsequent passengers that do this deed.