canyonlands canyoneering tour

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Moab Canyoneering: Five Best Moab Canyoneering Adventures

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Moab visitors are conveniently close to what is considered one of the world’s best canyoneering destinations. Slot canyons are one of the top, hidden treasures found within Southern Utah’s diverse redrock landscape. Not only are slot canyons unique in their beauty, but they offer memorable adventure’s filled with rappelling, climbing and hiking through pristine areas.

Canyoneering in Utah for Everyone

Exploring the canyons (canyoneering) isn’t just for experienced adventurers. Canyoneering is a quintessential Utah experience and with the support of guide, canyoneering is accessible to visitors of all ages and experience levels. The professional guides at Get In The Wild Adventures provide you with all of the expertise and equipment needed, so you can show up and enjoy the slot canyons safely.

Five Adventures to Experience Canyoneering Near Moab

The Greater Canyonlands and Dirty Devil/Robber’s Roost Wilderness areas are world class canyoneering destinations located just a quick hour and thirty minute drive Southwest of Moab. Each of these Moab canyoneering routes is rated by level of challenge and for the level of solitude guests can expect to find in each area.

1. Half-Day Goblin’s Lair Canyoneering Excursion

This canyoneering excursion is suitable for beginners and families, taking you right into the heart of Goblin Valley State Park for nearly five hours. This is a beautiful red rock area known for the hoodoos and goblins (the incredible rock formations) that exist there.

Along with enjoying the otherworldly scenery found here, you will learn how to safely rappel from a professional guide. After learning the correct rappelling techniques, you get to take on a 90-foot free rappel directly into Goblin’s Lair (also sometimes called The Chamber of the Basilisk – a fun reference for you Harry Potter fans out there). Explore the cavern with your guide and enjoy scenic views of nearby Robbers Roost , before heading back home.

Learn more and book this canyoneering Utah experience in Goblin Valley State Park today.

2. 127 Hours Slot Canyoneering Adventure

This is a moderate canyoneering adventure that can be enjoyed as a full-day or multi-day outing. Your guide will take you on an awe-inspiring and challenging journey through BlueJohn Canyon (now sometimes called Aron Ralston Canyon) for a full-day adventure. This was the canyon featured in the film 127 Hours , making it the most famous slot canyon in the area.

A blend between a desert hike and a technical canyoneering challenge, you will get the best of both worlds with this adventure. After hiking through the pristine Robbers Roost desert and entering the canyon, you will experience the thrill of moving through narrow slots, long rappels, down-climbs, and potholes.

Book today and experience Utah’s most famous canyon.

3. Ultimate Moab Canyoneering Challenge

When you are looking for things to do in Moab or nearby, there is nothing that gets you into the depths of Utah’s true remote wilderness quite like an all day canyoneering excursion. 

An experienced guide will lead you through the wilds of Greater Canyonlands at either the San Rafael Swell or Robbers Roost . Ultimate Challenge Canyoneering Adventures can be customized for beginner, intermediate or advanced explorers. In general, this is designed as a more challenging canyoneering adventure. You’ll receive guidance and then take on technical challenges like rappelling, scrambling, down climbs, and wading, all while taking in breathtaking views of the spectacular redrock landscape. 

Learn more and take on the Ultimate Challenge canyoneering adventure.

4. Half-Day Canyoneering Tour of Occulus Canyon

Occulus Canyon lies among the alluring canyons of the San Rafael Swell . Still considered a beginner excursion, this half-day canyoneering adventure will take you to an incredible petroglyph viewing area and an ancient Puebloan alcove, as well as viewing areas for natural bridges and hanging gardens deep within The Swell.

After a slot canyon hike, you will learn rappelling techniques and have the experience of rappelling 90-feet into the Occulus, to enjoy an environment touched only by weather and time. At the top of the canyon you can take in views of surrounding areas, which include Robbers Roost , Canyonlands National Park , and Bears Ears National Monument .

5. Explore Utah with a Multi-Day Canyoneering Tour

Experience the absolute best of canyoneering Moab with a moderate intensity three- to five-day canyoneering tour. On this tour an experienced guide will take you through all of the best spots throughout Robbers Roost and San Rafael Swell .

On the first day, your professional canyoneering guide will teach you all of the techniques you’ll need for the journey. This includes rappelling, scrambling, and how to navigate tight slots in the canyon. Throughout these three days, you’ll explore territory where outlaws famously took refuge from the law and ancient first nations territories for a truly unforgettable experience in Utah’s most remote and pristine environments.

Learn more and book your big Utah canyoneering adventure today.

If you’re visiting or in the Moab area and ready to explore Utah’s best slot canyons with the safety of a professional guide, these Moab canyon tours are the best opportunity to do it.

Get In The Wild Adventures also provides canyoneering courses and other tours and classes to get you outside to experience Utah’s raw and wild beauty. These include yoga and hiking retreats and wildwest and outlaw tours .

Contact Get In The Wild Adventures for more details.

• About Us – 20 Years of Adventure!
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Guided Moab Canyoneering Tours

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What To Pack

• Reservation/Cancellation

Moab Canyoneering Tours

Moab Canyoneering routes are all about fun. The landscape surrounding Moab, Utah holds wonderful surprises for those with a sense of adventure. Beautiful water-carved canyons, inaccessible without technical skills, await your discovery.

NOTE! On all of our Moab canyoneering tours, except Chamisa, there is NO option to go around the rappels or return to the office. Chamisa Canyon can be completed by doing a 10-foot (3-meter) rappel. The second rappel IS optional in Chamisa. Please be certain that you, your children, and all members of your group will be able to complete the rappels before booking.

Bow and Arrow – Most popular!

• Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
• Duration – Half-Day
• Length – 3 miles / 4.8 km (approx.)
• Number of Rappels – 4 (up to 110 feet / 33 meters)
• Minimum age – 8
• Meets – 7:00 AM (June 1-September 4); 7:30 AM (April 1-May 31)
• Adults $150 | Youth $135

Check availability and   Book online now!

Morning Glory aka Ephedra’s Grotto – A Moab classic!

This 3-mile adventure is only made possible by doing two of the area’s best rappels and a bit of scrambling. It’s a step up from your typical hike, yet doable by almost anyone with the help of our incredible Moab canyoneering guides.

• Number of Rappels – 2 (90 feet / 27 meters and 120 feet / 36 meters)
• Meets – 7:30 AM
• Adults $135 | Youth $110

Chamisa Canyon aka Entrajo Canyon

• Length – 2.5 miles / 4 km
• Number of Rappels – 2 (10 feet / 3 meters and 90 feet / 27 meters)
• Adults $115 | Youth $100

View our Chamisa Canyon Photos

Rock of Ages – Our longest route!

Welcome to the best canyoneering Moab, Utah has to offer! This route features three rappels, a tight “slot,” potholes, some easy scrambling, and views of seldom-seen arches. A hike through this route will leave memories that will last a lifetime.

• Difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
• Duration – About 6 hours
• Length – 5 miles / 8 km
• Number of Rappels – 3 (160 feet / 48 meters; 100 feet / 30 meters; and 50 feet / 15 meters)
• Minimum age – 12
• Meets – 6:30 AM (June 1-September 4); 7:30 AM (April 1-May 31)
• Adults $175 | Youth $160

View our Rock of Ages Photos

Please call us if you have any questions about the commitment required to complete these Moab canyoneering tours or to inquire about our Moab white water rafting trips.

Check out our canyoneering videos!

Moab Canyoneering Photo Gallery

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Online reviews - 5 Stars

Why Choose RRA? - 20 years of doing it right! Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We have hosted over 85,000 guests and spent over 110,000 days in the field! We are so proud that this has garnered 5-star rankings across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy! Back to top

Your Safety is our number #1 concern

Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 85,000+ kids and adults and spent over 100,000 days rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ice, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide.. Back to top

Quality Equipment

Do i need a reservation.

YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on a launch and we do fill up. In addition a lot goes into the planning of a river trip, including scheduling of guides, drivers, packing lunch for full-day and lunch trips and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to raft with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email. Back to top

About Age Limitations

Which trip to choose.

We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear. Back to top

Where do we park/leave our things

There is plenty of secure parking on site at our offices. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and will be perfectly safe for the duration of your trip. In addition we are more than happy to store anything that you may be extra concerned about in our offices while you are on the river. Back to top

Are there bugs

Thankfully there are usually very few to no bugs on our trips. The we travel through some of the driest terrain on the planet so there is generally no standing water for bugs to breed in. At the same time the current in the main river section is too swift to allow for breeding. This being said sometimes there are gnats or mosquitoes. Back to top

What to Bring

Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible! What to bring is clearly outlined on the "what to pack" tab for each of our trips. We provide most, to all, necessary equipment for you to take part in our rock climbing, canyoneering and river trips. This includes all rock climbing and canyoneering equipment, boats and boating equipment, safety equipment, life jackets, guides, food, beverages, camping and kitchen equipment. In addition you are welcome to bring, or we can provide at NO ADDITIONAL COST, camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses. You simply bring your own personal clothing and gear. We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things. Back to top

What the Weather is Like

Be prepared for hot (75-110 F degrees) weather during June, July, and August. You can expect cooler temperatures (55-90 F degrees) during April, May, September, and October. August is usually the wettest month (short-lived but intense thunder showers). April 73|42 May 84|50 June 85|58 July 101|64 Aug 98|63 Sept 89|53 Back to top

About Swimming and Fishing

Swimming is as much a part of a great river trip as whitewater and cooking out. Guests are more than welcome to swim on all our river trips. There is no better place to be on a hot summer day than swimming alongside one of our rafts. Catfish and Carp are plentiful in the Colorado and Dolores Rivers. Back to top

What Risks Are Involved

Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Each of our guides receives extensive instructions on safety, swift water rescue and first aid training. Our Climbing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate. Non-swimmers can go and are more than welcome. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for your safety. Back to top

We supply plenty of drinking water. Back to top

Alcohol Policy

Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Multi-Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during time on the river. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to river time. Alcohol may be consumed, in camp, on multi-day trips. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. Back to top

Charter and Group Rates

Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information. Back to top

Red River Adventures will provide all of the technical equipment required to guide our listed canyoneering routes. Due to insurance and liability regulations, guests are required to use the technical equipment provided by Red River Adventures. In some instances there may be a required gear list; if applicable, this list will be distributed prior to your date of departure.

What you should pack

• Small day pack
• 1-2 liters of water (minimum) per person
• Shoes, sandals or anything you can hike in and don’t mind getting wet!
• NOTE: Shoes or sandals will get wet and should be appropriate to hike 3 miles (Morning Glory) or 5 miles (Rock of Ages)

What we provide

• AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructors
• All technical equipment:
• Free parking
• Please NOTE!!!! There is a time change from Arizona to Utah. Moab is one hour ahead of Arizona!
• There is plenty of secure parking on site. Valuables are safe in your vehicle.
• A credit card might be advisable for payment balances, t-shirts, etc.
• At the end of all trips, we will return you to your starting location.
• Guide gratuities are customary.

Reservations

Option #2 - For those trips that do not open a calendar Call 1-435-259-4046 or Email us through our Contact Page

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance! A refundable payment is due to guarantee reservation.

Cancellations

Full & half day trips.

• 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
• Balance is due and will be charged 7 days prior to departure.
• Cancellation/changes made 7 days prior to departure are FREE!
• Cancellation, partial or in full, within 7 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Full & Half day - Large Group (14 or more)

• Balance is due and will be charged 14 days prior to departure.
• Cancellation/changes made 14 days prior to departure are FREE!
• Cancellation, partial or in full, within 14 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Clinics, Courses, and Exams

• Balance is due and will be charged 30 days prior to departure.
• Cancellation/changes made 30 days prior to departure are FREE!
• Cancellation, partial or in full, within 30 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

International trips

• A refundable deposit of 10% is required to hold space.
• 120 days - 50% is due and will be charge to the card on file.
• 60 days - 100% is due and will be charged to the card on file.
• Cancellation 60 days prior to departure are FREE. A full refund will be given.
• Cancellation, partial or in full, within 60 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
• A non- refundable deposit of 25% is required to hold space.
• 90 days - Balance is due and will be charged to the card on file.
• Cancellation, partial or in full, within 90 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Please Note: RRA recommends you insure your trip!

RRA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings or any other circumstances beyond our control at anytime. RRA will make every effort to reschedule the date. Bookings that are unable to be rescheduled or are cancelled by RRA will receive a full refund.

Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.

Questions? Call (877) 259-4046 or Email Us

River rafting reviews and red river adventure testimonials.

John, an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide led a backcountry tour for me today. It was a full on mountain adventure with extreme weather. My kind of day in the mountains. John is the epitome of what a guide should be. He is extremely personable, patient, fit, and a master of his profession. A Guide full of experience and knowledge. I learned an incredible amount of information today on mountain travel and avalanche related topics. He took the time to explain and ensure I understood the topics. He also shared tips and techniques that made my experience a 10 out of 10. I plan to hire John in the future. You can’t go wrong asking for John. He’s amazing!

Carl is a consummate professional backcountry ski guide. I always learn a ton and have fun in the process. I'll be back!

Honestly one of the best classes I’ve take, Jake and Vic are both through educators and great guides. If you’re looking to take a AIARE course these guys are great! I left feeling more prepared to deal with avalanche problems and identifying risks in the backcountry.

I had a great time with John at Red River Adventures doing a ski tour yesterday. We skied around Cardiff Fork in the Wasatch, he’s a tremendous guide, such attention to detail, I’ve gone on nearly a dozen trips with him. He and Carl at Red River make a dynamic team. They do rock climbing, skiing, alpine climbing, river guiding, you name it they do it. Keep it up folks!

Victoria was fun and was able to adapt for what suited our time for the day. Appreciated the rescue sled tips.

Jake and Ben were professional, informative and extremely helpful. Would recommend to anyone who feels apprehensive about taking an avalanche safety course.

Amazing experience with Sam on my first back country experience

Jake and Garth were both excellent instructors, and just a blast to hang out with for a weekend. It is super obvious they both care a ton about providing an impactful educational experience - but they also made the entire weekend very fun. Highly recommend.

Great experience during our rescue course.

It was a blast. Brain was really skilled and thoughtful.

Spent a day ice climbing with Red River. Excellent instruction, fun guide (ask for Brian!), all in all a great time. Will go again for sure! Thanks Red River!

Out of random coincidence, Sam had led me up a trail last year and strongly suggested I take this course, which was AWESOME! The experience and passion she and Jake bring to getting humans back safely and stoked is unparalleled. And the resources they walk you through and make available are profound. Can’t recommend Red River and these two strongly enough. If you’re serious about backcountry, this is an absolute must. I also really liked the small class size. Made a big difference. Looking forward to practicing my beacon finding at the resort.

Great day with Jake at Provo Canyon. Very skilled guides that go above and beyond. Highly recommend….

Alex was an awesome instructor. We had a great day going over all of the different avalanche rescue techniques.

Amazing guides who are knowledgeable and charismatic. Took an AIARE 1 class through them and it was an amazing time. I learned so much!

Amazing experience with John and Garth in our Avi 1 class. They were great teachers and I feel confident in the skills I acquired through their instruction.

Sam was a fantastic guide and instructor. Very skilled at building our skills in the backcountry!

John, Jeremy, and Garth are all awesome and taught a great course in a beautiful area. If you are taking AIRIE 1 and don't have skis/board or beacon/probe/shovel they will help you out and loan you what you need for the course!

Sam delivered an awesome rescue course!

I went on August 31st, Leaky was our guide. He was awesome and was very pleased with our white water rafting. Thanks so much

We did the full day with lunch and was extremely pleased! Our guide was outstanding, the trip was great and the food was delicious. Highly recommended.

No need to waste time reading this review when you could already be on their website signing up, but I suppose it's your time to waste, so here's the deal. A couple weeks ago, my friend suggested we go rafting in Moab together. She had previously done a trip with Red River Adventures a while back and loved it, so it seemed like a safe bet for my inaugural float. Simple sign up, fair prices, and knowledgeable guides. Pretty much a no-brainer. It totally held up. We had a blast with our guide, the absolutely incredible Molly. Her witty humor and kindness were only matched by her knowledge of the area and of the river itself. Between the named rapids, of which she had complete and utter control over, she kept the group entertained with fun little facts about the local geography, wildlife, and surrounding community. It was an even better experience than I had hoped for. One and only one complaint: On our way back to our vehicles after the trip, Molly gave our group some recommendations for restaurants in the area, including burgers at Milt's. It sounded like the perfect place for my friend and I to grab a quick bite on our way out of town since we were running short on time, so we stopped by. They were "temporarily closed." Molly, burgers are on you next time I see ya. ;)

We had a great day of rafting. Very well organized. Thanks to our guide Kira, she very professional and entertaining. Lunch was very good thanks to Leaky. Overall a perfect day.

Best rafting trip we've been on, and certainly not our first. Highly recommend

Definitely a Great day on the River. Leaky kept us entertained the whole journey and there can be some swimming. We did the full day which lasts much longer on the River and had a free lunch.

Had an awesome time rock climbing in Moab with Red River Adventures. Our guide, Ryan, was super cool and also professional and had safety as his #1 importance the whole time. Great temperatures and we were in the shade the whole time (did this approx 7:30am-12pm). Would definitely come again!

I had a blast!

We enjoyed the rafting very much. We had a great time, and I especially enjoyed the swimming on the side of the boat portion. I loved the trip and highly recommend it.

Very relaxing and fun float. Class 1 and 2 rapids were obviously pretty easy but Molly, our guide, was great and the view was spectacular.

Great experience!!!

We had the best morning on the water with Red River! We did the half day rafting trip on the Colorado through the canyon. The scenery was amazing, our guide Ryan (and all the guides) was great, we had lots of time for swimming, and it was a great intro into whitewater for my younger son. Top notch organization!

It was a lot of fun. I was not to sure what to expect but it was the best part of our trip. I would do the full day (I think its called 1/2 day). The information said it would be a bbq lunch but it was better than that. The lunch they provided was my favorite meal of our entire trip. Ryan was our guide and he did great and made it interesting and fun. 19/10 stars

We loved our experience at Red River Adventures! The guides were great - funny and provided lots of interesting facts along the way! Our kids age 12,10, 7 loved their first time white water rafting! Breathtaking views.

My two kids (9 and 11 years old) did the full day white water rafting and morning Bow and Arrow canyoneering adventures. We had an awesome time and they are already to visit Moab again!

Very fun! The ride is a tad shorter than anticipated. I would go for the full day trip. Lots of chances to swim and generally goof around.

Dan was an amazing guide! Very down to earth and made us feel safe and comfortable at every step of the way.

Had a great time!

Red River adventures did a great job with our large group of adults and teenagers! We’d definitely go with them again! And if you can, make sure you get Brendan as your guide, he’s the best!

My husband and I had a great time! Our guide, Kinsley, was amazing! She explained everything and make us feel safe and comfortable. The hike wasn't too strenuous and the views were spectacular! I'll definitely want to do this again next time we're in Moab.

Awesome trip. The guides were so friendly and fun and also focused on safety. The lunch was incredible (chickpea curry!) and in addition to the gorgeous canyon red rock scenery we saw river otters and mountain goats. The length of the full trip was perfect and we wish we could do it again tomorrow.

It was a great day on the river!

Shout out to Ryan who did a fantastic job leading our morning white water adventure. We had a great time. Highly recommend. Thanks again Ryan!

My husband and I decided to do the full day white water rafting trip at the end of June. The experience was fun and enjoyable. The entire team was kind, friendly and really seemed to care about everyone having a good experience. Things were very well organized but the highlight for us was our guide Olivia. She was awesome. She was very nice, funny and extremely knowledgeable of the area and the environment. Great experience and I would recommend this company and if you are lucky to have her, Olivia, as your guide.

Competent guides, incredible scenery- just an awesome experience all around. The full guided trip seems like a bargain in retrospect. Our guide was Jonas and he did a hell of a job navigating us through some gnarly class 2-3 rapids during highwater (15-20k cfs).

This was so amazing!! We loved the experience. Perfect for a family and you just can’t beat the scenery 🙌🏻

We had a great trip! Mackenzie was a great guide, she was very pleasant and we felt very safe with her!

Canyoneering was great! Ryan was the best. 2nd most handsome guide... I think... I didn't meet the other guides. But fr, he's pretty great

We had an amazing time on our first climb of the trip. We climbed at the Ice Cream Parlor with Kenzie, who was super cool and amazing. She was able to answer all of our questions about the area and provided a very positive experience for us

Ryan w/ Red River was a phenomenal guide on the Fishers Tower rafting trip! He led us thru the best rapids and shared some great stories. Red River provided a great lunch! Overall great experience

We had Adam as our guide for the rock of ages canyoneering trip. We had an excellent time! He really knew his stuff and we all had so much fun! Definitely recommend for anyone who wants to get into canyoneering but hasn’t tried it yet.

Discover Moab Cliffs & Canyons

Moab utah’s premier guide service, we are open year round, guided climbing, canyoneering, & hiking trips.

Come along on our Full Service Guided Trips! We provide transportation, all the necessary technical gear, backpacks, and snacks on every trip! 

Our Team Has Been Trusted To Serve

More than 50,000 thrilled guided clients since 1999.

As Moab’s oldest Climbing and Canyoneering Guide Service, we’ve earned the reputation of being the area’s Vertical Specialists by safely guiding our clients through some of the most rugged and interesting desert terrain imaginable.

We pride ourselves in being specialists in our area of expertise of  rock climbing and canyoneering. We only offer these types of trips without watering down our expertise with other sports such as water or driving sports!

As Professional Guides , we do not take you and your family’s safety lightly… building a long term, trusting relationship with our guests is at the core of our business. 

We hire and train only professional guides with a broad depth of personal experience in the vertical world. When your safety is involved it is imperative that your guides have both extensive training, certifications, and personal experience .

With Moab Cliffs & Canyons, you can relax and enjoy the adventure , knowing that you have experienced, safety conscious and highly skilled guides that you can confidently put your trust in.

Do Something Out Of The Ordinary

Our best experiences in moab, canyoneering trips.

Few people can resist peering into a deep canyon. It is a work of art, always in-progress. Specialized tools and techniques allow us to probe the ever-changing canyon floor creating one of the most memorable and exciting experiences of life.

Rock Climbing Trips

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced level trips are customized to your needs and experience level. Our accomplished guides will show you the best quality climbs at your ability level and lead you to new heights in your climbing skills.

Exclusive Hiking Trips

Our hiking trips are for very small groups (no larger than six), which is why they cost a bit more than outfits that group together as many as thirty people.  Our knowledgeable guides can take you places large groups can’t fit, and also regale you with stories of the cultural and natural histories, geology, flora, and fauna. 

Rockaneering Trips

Our “Rockaneering” Adventures are unique! . .. unlike any other rock climbing or canyoneering trip.  Much like ascending a long alpine rock route, they take place in areas where there is an array of options for climbing, rappelling, walking across fins, exploring slot canyons and enjoying the magnificent views from a whole new perspective. 

Canyoneering Courses

If you are ready to take your Canyon skills to the next level then join us on our Canyoneering Courses to learn the skills you need to lead canyons on your own with friends or family! We offer 1, 2, 3+ day courses that are completely tailored to where your skills are and where you want them to be!

Offwidth Clinic with Pam Pack

Join some of the best offwidth climbers in the world for an amazing weekend of offwidth climbing mastery! Camp and Climb in the unparalleled Indian Creek to learn the ins and outs of this unique and rewarding style of climbing.

Entrajo Canyon – Moab Canyoneering

Adventurous canyon hiking with lots of variety (and sometimes water).

This canyon tour is one of the more adventurous half day tours in Moab. It combines easy rock climbing, hiking and rappelling to visit one of Moab’s best slot canyons. As we work our way to the top of the canyon, we’re rewarded with big views of the La Sal Mountains. Once in the canyon, we wind our way through water-carved narrows and marvel at the work that Mother Nature has done over millions of years. We’ll encounter several fun obstacles throughout our hike, navigating them with creativity, teamwork and ropes! This canyoneering route does not require any previous experience – just a sense of adventure!

• Reviews 3 Reviews 5/5
• Vacation Style Holiday Type
• FAQs & Reviews
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Minimum Age: We suggest a minimum age of 6 for Entrajo Canyon trips. Exceptions are sometimes made, so please give us a call or shoot us an email to discuss your options.
• Total Hiking Distance: 2 miles
• Rappels: 2 ( ​ 15ft/5m, 80ft/24m ​ )
• Distance from Moab: 25 minutes one-way
• Season: April – September
• Morning and afternoon trips available
• 1 Person – $320
• Group of 2 – $160/person
• Group of 3 – $150/person
• Group of 4 or more – $135/person
• Please call for availability if your group has 14 or more people in it

Oftentimes in canyoneering we find ourselves descending into unlikely places where most folks normally wouldn’t desire to go. Canyoneers get muddy, shuffle through tight canyon passages, rappel down awkward dropoffs and of course wade and swim through pools of water. Why?! Maybe it’s curiosity that compels? Perhaps the chance of stumbling upon a place more beautiful? If any of this sounds enticing to you, Entrajo Canyon is the place to be!

In its short length, Entrajo runs the gamut of most everything that has come to define canyoneering: simple hiking through beautiful wide canyons, long mesa-top views toward distant mountain ranges, struggling through tight narrow canyon walls and interlocking potholes of water – and, of course, climbing gear. A jaunt through Entrajo Canyon involves the use of ropes, carabiners, harnesses, helmets, spring-loaded camming devices, and other nifty tools of the trade used to allow curious canyoneers access to the desert’s deep, dark – and beautiful – recesses. ​ This canyon tour is moderately challenging, yet supremely scenic and rewarding. One short rappel within a series of scoured out potholes is necessary to safely hike through the canyon. The finale of the technical section sometimes includes a swim through chilly water – refreshing during the summer months, though this quality prohibits us from comfortably visiting this canyon in all but the hottest months of the year. Pleasant hiking following the swim places us on a bench high above the trailhead. A second rappel here gently brings us to within a stone’s throw of the start – a fine finish to a wonderful morning of exploring one of Moab’s most unique canyons.

Complementing the scenery are geologic curios that litter the canyon – a stately natural arch perched on the canyon rim, strangely eroded hoodoos, glacial erratics, cross-bedded rock layers and Jurassic-aged burrow casts. The geologic story of this canyon is quite different than that of the other canyons in the Moab area and a good bit of time is spent learning about this geologically fascinating area.

• All canyoneering gear and safety equipment
• Instruction from experienced and fun guides
• Transportation to and from the canyon
• Private Tour – just your group plus your guide(s)!
• Snacks – please bring enough to be out and active for 4-6 hours
• Water – please bring between 1 and 2 liters per person
• Why is this canyon considered moderate?
• How deep is the water in Entrajo Canyon?
• What should I wear?
• I've never rappelled before - is that OK?
• I have other questions about canyoneering.

We rate our canyoneering trips based on physical difficulty. Entrajo Canyon is a loop hike and requires some uphill, off-trail scrambling. There are places where we’ll use our hands and feet for progress and your guide will coach you through a few easy climbing moves. This canyon also offers the opportunity to use different techniques such as downclimbing, using a handline and “chimneying” (your feet on one wall, your back on the other). The hiking here is doable for anyone that is reasonably fit, but it is more adventurous than your run of the mill hiking trail.

Conditions are always changing, and that’s part of the fun with canyoneering! The pools in Entrajo Canyon are typically left full of water after a big flash flood. As days pass with no rain, these pools start to dry up. We’ve even seen a flash flood deposit sand, leaving no room for the pools to hold any water. Long story short, you’ll just have to wait and see! Generally, we have an idea of the canyon conditions because we are visiting this canyon on a regular basis. That being said, nothing is guaranteed!

We always go into Entrajo Canyon prepared to get wet. We can almost guarantee that you’ll at least get your feet wet, so  closed-toe shoes that can get wet are a must. Trail running shoes, Tevas/Keens with a toe-cap, or old sneakers seem to work best. “Waterproof” boots are not recommended, as they’ll turn from “waterproof” to “waterlogged” at the first ankle-deep pool. In addition, wear clothing that can get wet. In the cooler months, bring a warm layer. You can check the weather  here  before you arrive.

Absolutely! Our private tours allow us to spend plenty of time at the top of each rappel going over rappel technique, answering questions, etc. On every rappel, you will be backed up with a second rope that the guide can use to slow you down or take over control if necessary. You’ll “learn the ropes” and be able to control your own speed, but you’ll never be 100% on your own.

Please visit our FAQ page for answers to general questions about canyoneering.

Entrajo Canyon was beautiful. Thankful for Desert Highlights and our wonderful guide, Kiera, for getting us there. Highly recommend this tour company for their excellence in safety, communication, and local expertise. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Hope to make it back to Moab some day!

Our family of four first-time canyoneers had a PERFECT day in Entrajo Canyon with our guide Jake. We are ages 48/47/13/11 and everyone had an amazing day. I cannot say enough about Jake and I presume that company owners Melissa and Herb do an equally good job hiring and training all members their staff. We spoke with Melissa for 30 minutes the day before our trip and she put our collective nerves at ease by getting us familiar with our gear and what to expect. Jake stressed safety, respect for the environment and he was eager to help us explore around each corner. This was FUN, FUN, FUN, and a great confidence builder for all four of us. The kids' smiles at the end of the 90' rappel were priceless and every one of us agreed we would happily do it again. If you are hesitating... stop! Call them, sign up and GO. You will not regret it. Thank you to Melissa and Jake for a fantastic experience for our entire family.

Just returned from our 2nd amazing adventure with Desert Highlights in Moab, Utah! In 2011 we went on the Medievil Chamber rappel trip with Herb as our guide! Unbelievably, we rappeled off of a 100 foot arch down into a canyon... and into a chamber as well! Increcible! We enjoyed it and Herb so much that we returned for a May trip and requested Herb as our guide again. This time we did Entrajo Canyon which involved a number of Class 3 scrambles as well as "chimneying" down some narrow passageways, we rappeled into canyon potholes filled with freezing water, and we even swam across one that was about 35 endless feet long! Never in our wildest imaginations would we even consider that we would be able to rappel 100 feet and live to tell about it! Desert Highlights is an amazing adventure company, and all four of us highly recommend them if you're up for the adventure of a lifetime! We are already planning our return trip and our next adventure with them!

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Canyoneering Bow & Arrow Canyon in Moab, Utah

Starting with a hike among sandstone fins that rise up from the Potash Road, this adventure hike leads you up steep climbs to the beautiful Longbow Arch. Notch yourself into the short slot canyons hidden by massive sandstone monoliths and you become the arrow descending gracefully over the arcing sandstone into the canyons further below. Enjoy rappelling down four different rappel descents in Moab's Bow & Arrow Canyon.

The first rappel is an excellent warm-up at 15 feet, then 80 feet, 25 feet, and finally with a spectacular open drop of 50 feet. Along the way, get a close-up view of petroglyphs left by the Ancestral Puebloans. There is even an opportunity to see fossilized dinosaur tracks. Detailed rappelling instruction from the patient and friendly canyoneering guides applying backup safety systems allow intermediate-level adventurers to experience this exciting canyoneering adventure hike.

Guides will provide insights into geology, plant life, and natural history to add depth to your adventure. It is recommended that participants feel highly confident in their hiking skills and strength for this adventurous activity. Sustained ascents on the hike may be challenging for some individuals, but previous rappelling experience is not required.

• Snacks & Water
• Gear & Safety Equipment
• Guided Instruction

Meeting Location: Moab Adventure Center

Departure Times: Morning and Afternoon

Season: April - November

Daring a little further than you'd do on your own, a canyoneering adventure hike with several rappelling descents gets you into places you'd simply never see without the daring. Challenge, confidence and reward go with harness and rope on a rappelling adventure!

Guides are serious about safety, they know where the dangers are, and how to keep you from them. They also teach you how to overcome what fear you may have and exchange them for fun and the joy of conquering what you did not think you could do.

It can be tough to capture the experience of rappelling in a camera or even in words. But you know what you feel when you accomplish the challenge of doing something truly unique in a place that is singularly remarkable in beauty and scale.

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Arches National Park Airplane Tour

Fly over spectacular formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil's Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth 2 and under fly free on a parent's lap. (2 person minimum per flight)

• Duration: Approximately 30 min
• Departure Times: 10:30 AM
• Season: Year Round

Colorado River Full-Day Rafting Adventure with Exclusive BBQ Lunch

Experience a full day of world-famous scenery, exclusive hot barbeque lunch at a riverside ranch , and mild whitewater. Raft Fisher Towers to BLM Takeout.

• Duration: Varies based on water levels (14 miles)
• Departure Times: 9:00 AM
• Season: April - October

Sunset Safari Hummer Tour

Relish the ideal time of day for the perfect off-road adventure. Enjoy some light snacks as the desert sun paints the evening sky.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hrs
• Departure Times: Times vary depending on sunset.
• Season: February - November

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.

• Arts in Moab

Arches National Park

• Arches Reservations
• Arches Webcams

Canyonlands National Park

• Colorado River
• Dead Horse Point
• Dinosaur Museums + Hikes
• La Sal Mountains
• Movie Sites
• Night Skies
• Sand Flats Recreation Area
• Scenic Byway U-128
• Scenic Byway U-313
• Scenic Byways Overview
• Southern Utah National Parks
• Winter in Moab
• Accessible Adventures
• ATV/UTV Riding
• Bird Watching
• City Recreation
• E-Bike Guide to Moab
• Guides + Outfitters + Services
• Horseback Riding
• Motorcycle Road Touring
• Motorcycle Trail Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Photography
• River Activities
• Road Biking
• Rock Climbing + Canyoneering
• Scenic Flights
• Winter Activities
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Campgrounds
• Campgrounds - BLM
• Campgrounds - Commercial
• Campgrounds - National, State + Forest
• Guest Houses
• Hotels + Motels
• Property Management
• Accessibility
• Be Prepared
• Calendar of Events
• Do It Like A Local
• Free Travel Guide
• Fire Restrictions
• Group Tours
• Moab Canyon Pathway
• Moab Outdoor Adventure Guide
• Nature's Masterpiece
• Pet Information
• Press and Media
• School Packet
• Sun/Moon Rise/Set
• Sustainable Tourism
• Grocery Stores
• Laundry Services
• Long Term Vehicle + Trailer Parking
• Moab Info Center
• Poop Disposal
• Restaurants + Caterers
• RV Fill/Dump Stations
• Shower Facilities
• Waste Disposal + Recycling
• Volunteer - Recycling
• 4WD Rentals
• Airline Service
• ATV/DirtBike/Motorcycle/RV Rentals
• Moab Area Transit
• Shuttle + Taxi Service
• Train Service
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• Search for:
• moab snapshot
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• Arts In Moab
• Dinosaur Museum + Hikes
• Scenic Byways
• Lodging + Campgrounds
• Area Info + Services
• ATV / Dirt Bike/ Motorcycle Rentals
• Shuttle & Taxi Service
• Arches Nat'l Park
• Canyonlands Nat'l Park
• Campgrounds - Intro
• Moab Snapshot
• Press and Media Resources
• Welcome to Moab 4K Film
• Moab Information Center
• Restaurants

Rock Climbing/Canyoneering

Rock Climbing and Canyoneering

Discover why people from around the world come to experience rock climbing and canyoneering in Moab, Utah. Moab has many professional guides and outfitters to help you find the perfect trip to match your pace and skills. Moab rock climbing and canyoneering are one-of-a-kind adventures you don’t want to miss!

Canyoneering

Moab’s beautiful water carved canyons, inaccessible without technical skills, await your discovery. Moab’s experienced canyoneering guides will teach you the skills required for adventurous hikers to explore Utah’s remote red rock canyons. No previous climbing or rappelling experience is required. Anyone who is reasonably fit can experience the adventure of a lifetime. Hire a local guide to expedite an introduction to Moab’s canyoneering areas. A complete list can be found on our Guides & Outfitters page.

Granary Canyon

• Technical, but what Canyoneering route isn’t?
• 45 minute drive from Moab
• 6 rappels (120’, 70’, 60’, 40’, 20’, 200’)
• 6 miles hiking
• Located along the Longs Canyon Road off of Hwy 313

The Bureau of Land Management recommends not utilizing the Granary Canyon route from April through August due to Big Horn Sheep in area. (All commercial permits are restricted from utilizing this route from April through the end of August to allow wildlife room to roam.)

Morning Glory

• 2 rappels (95’ and 120’)
• 3.5 miles hiking
• 10 minute drive from Moab
• Located off of the Sandflats Road

Moab’s Climbing Landscape

Unfamiliar with moab, on your own.

Wall Street Located along Hwy 279

River Road Dihedrals

With children.

Proficiency is paramount supervising children in climbing. Do not expect to climb at adult limits with children. Moab has terrific climbing companies and their familiarity with the region is worth the investment.

School Room

Located on Hwy 279 in the Wall Street vicinity

Ice Cream Parlor

Located on Kane Springs Road

Slabs on Hwy 313

Located 2 miles from Hwy 191 on Hwy 313 Two anchors are set 80 ft up and can be walked to from the left.

Camping Near Climbing Areas

Wall street.

Bureau of Land Management sites Jaycee Park and Williams Bottom Campgrounds are close by on Hwy 279.

River Road Dihedras

Bureau of Land Management sites Goose Island and Granstaff campgrounds are close by on Hwy 128.

The National Parks

Canyoneering and rock climbing activities in Arches National Park will be actively managed and monitored according to the “August 2013 resulting Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan” . It is the responsibility of the visitor to be aware of new regulations and updated Superintendent compendiums.

NPS Laws and Policies

While establishment of new routes will be allowed, installation of new fixed gear on new and existing routes will require a free special use permit. In order to minimize resource impacts, the park will actively seek input and assistance from the climbing and canyoneering community in assessing the suitability and quality of new fixed gear placement proposals, and replacement of existing fixed gear.

For details about group limits, obtaining required permits and regulations use the following links.

Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park has the best quality rock and some established climbing routes. Permits are only required when staying overnight in the backcountry.

Climbing is prohibited into cultural resources, on arches or natural bridges of Canyonlands or the Orange Cliffs Unit adjacent to the MAZE District of Canyonlands. No altering rock by any means. Power tools are prohibited. Colored or Non Marking Chalk is required in the Parks. Be familiar with Regulations and exceptions.

Map courtesy of Sharp End Publishing

• Bouldering across Hwy 128 from Big Bend Campground has been established for visitors with the appropriate gear.
• Bouldering along the Moab Canyon Pathway north of Arches National Park entrance is park property and prohibited.

Personal Safety

Caution: Extreme weather, becoming lost, and falls are among the possible mishaps. Anticipate these dangers with thorough planning and realistic evaluation of abilities and personal limits.

• Heat and Sun – Protection from the desert and heat related illnesses can be countered by covering up skin to prevent sunburn and drinking water to prevent dehydration. Muscle cramps could be a sign to drink more water or replenish electrolytes, not just muscle fatigue from climbing. Bring more water than is normally used. To stay hydrated, drink before feeling thirsty. In hot months, avoid direct sun as much as possible.
• Lightning – The southwest averages 8-10 inches of rainfall a year, however, sometimes that precipitation is torrential and violent. Since lighting hits high points to ground itself climbers should be watchful of weather to avoid this dangerous situation. To learn more visit lightningsafety.com . Also, recognize the signals of flooding so you can reach high ground to get out of canyons.
• Gear – Know the condition of your equipment, have the skill to use that specialized equipment and replace damaged items. Cam placement in sandstone is tricky. Moab has a number of shops with climbing gear to purchase. For remote access to climbs, have maps, compass and GPS units in working order and the skills to use them. Do not rely on GPS units only. Be aware of your surroundings and have the ability to travel safely.
• Travel – Leave a general itinerary and include a contingency plan with one or more people. Include trailheads, exit points, if not a map, the names of the maps with grid coordinates, and the phone numbers of the destination’s organizations like land managers – National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or Sheriff Department to activate Search and Rescue (if it comes to that). Get permits if required for the climbing activity or resulting camping required for more remote access to climbs. Cell phone service is not dependable. Consider utilizing a personal locator beacon like The SPOT Satellite messenger, DeLorme Inreach, or SARLink device to call for help in an emergency situation. However, do not depend solely on this technology.

Minimum Impact Practices

• Water in the backcountry is scarce and to be protected. Leave potholes undisturbed. Camping 300 feet from water enables wildlife access. Maintain distance away from wildlife. Be quiet around wildlife; keep pets and children under control.
• Pets are not allowed in the National Park backcountry. Pets may accompany you on Bureau of Land Management lands. For the safety of your pet (there are many shear drop-offs in Canyon Country) and other hikers, pets should be kept under verbal control at all times. For heavily trafficked areas, please pack out pet waste.
• Admire ruins, artifacts, historic sites from a distance. Do not touch. Tread lightly.
• Marking up stone surfaces is prohibited and unlawful.
• Travel on designated roads. Walk on established trails, on rock or in washes. Avoid disturbing vegetation.
• Pack out your trash. Clean up after less thoughtful users. Use a toilet system that is washable and reusable, necessarily promoting sanitary transfer to sewage treatment facilities, or a toilet EPA approved for disposal in landfills designated for human waste (for example, wag bags). It is prohibited to empty theses toilets and wag bags into vault or flush toilets.
• Gathering firewood for campfires is prohibited. Campfires are prohibited except in pre-existing fire rings or utilizing an accepted fire pan system comprised of a durable, metal fire pan at least 12-inches wide, with at least a 1.5-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain fire and remains. Cold coals are to be packed out as trash. Fire blankets under fire pans are recommended to facilitate total ash removal. The desert undergoes fire bans seasonally. Phone 435-259-8825 for an update.
• Utilize sandstone colored chalk. Or use toothbrushes or Metolius cleaning brushes (no metal brushes, of course!) and clean holds after the climb or bouldering. Consider not using chalk at all. Using brushes can alter existing holds on this fragile sandstone.
• Climb when the rock is completely dry. Climbing the day after a rain deteriorates the rock. It may take more than two days to dry.
• Guidebooks on the Moab area can be purchased at Gearheads, Back of Beyond Books, Pagan (Climber) Mountaineering, and the Moab Information Center stores in Moab or online.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Imagery & Moab BASE Adventures

Be Familiar With Regulations

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Moab Canyoneering Experience

• Local guide
• Professional guide
• Use of helmet
• 1140 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Children must be 8 years or older to participate.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites

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Alerts in effect, a lifetime of exploration awaits.

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. Read More

A mobile friendly guide to visiting Canyonlands with a map, information about hikes, camping, accessibility, ranger programs, and more.

Hundreds of miles of hiking trails explore natural and cultural features.

Learn about the four districts of Canyonlands National Park and the things to do in each.

You can explore Canyonlands on foot, horseback, mountain bike, and four-wheel drive. Many of these activities require a permit.

Explore the geological features and formations found at Canyonlands.

Discover the stories of generations that have called Canyonlands home, and the special places they left behind.

Learn about the park's plant and animal life, geology, ecosystems, and other natural features.

Canyonlands is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place to gaze at the stars above!

Pickup your free junior ranger booklets at a park visitor center or download and complete activities online.

Last updated: April 3, 2024

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The Ultimate Guide to Canyoneering for Beginners

Canyoneering is a thrilling sport that allows you to experience the great outdoors in a new light. But what is canyoneering, and what should beginners know before embarking on their first canyoneering adventure?

Here’s the ultimate guide to canyoneering for beginners. In this guide, we’ll explain what canyoneering is, the gear and equipment required, and other tips to ensure your experience is safe, fun, and memorable.

What’s Canyoneering?

Canyoneering, also known as canyoning and gorge walking, is an outdoor sport that combines adventure with sightseeing. It involves traversing a canyon using diverse techniques, such as abseiling, climbing, hiking, and swimming.

You’ll navigate around impressive rocky gorges, swim through deep and dazzling rock pools, and scale rocks, trees, and other obstacles, enjoying the full extent of what nature has to offer. Canyoneering will take your breath away, both figuratively and literally!

What Makes Canyoneering So Great?

There are dozens of outdoor sports you can partake in, so what makes canyoneering better? Here are the reasons canyoneering is one of the world’s most popular sports.

Unconventional Way To Exercise

We all need exercise to stay healthy. But many conventional forms of exercise are repetitive and mundane.

On the other hand, canyoneering is exhilarating and provides a new experience every time, even if you traverse the same rock formation.

It also provides an extremely effective workout. It’s a creative combination of cardio and strength exercises that helps improve endurance, resistance, upper and lower body strength, and more.

Fun To Do With Friends and Family

Canyoneering is a group activity that requires a lot of teamwork and communication. This makes it a great way to bond with your family and friends and forge new friendships with other members of your canyoneering group.

The Scenery

Canyoneering is a fantastic way to explore the natural world. During your adventure, you’ll view various natural landmarks up close. Beautiful rock formations, deep and pristine rock pools, raging waterfalls, and don’t forget the incredible vista on the horizon! You’ll also get to see birds, insects, and other wildlife in their native habitats.

If you crave an escape from city life, canyoneering is a good opportunity to get out and see parts of the world untouched by humanity.

Equipment Used in Canyoneering

The next thing we’ll go over in our ultimate guide to canyoneering for beginners is the kind of gear and equipment that you’ll use.

During a canyoneering adventure, you’ll use various gear and equipment to navigate through the gorge. Here’s some of the essential gear and equipment you need for canyoneering.

The ropes used in canyoneering are different from traditional climbing ropes. Traditional climbing ropes are stretchy and water absorbent, qualities that make them dangerous for canyoneering.

Canyoneering ropes are static, which means they don’t stretch as readily. They also repel liquid. This keeps them dry and lightweight as you traverse through rock pools and waterfalls.

Don’t forget crucial rope components, either! You’ll also need a harness, carabiners, ascenders, descenders, and webbing to attach to your ropes as necessary.

A helmet will keep your head snug and safe during canyoneering. A good canyoneering helmet is well-made, water-resistant, and boldly colored for high visibility.

Your surrounding’s brightness and visibility decrease whenever you travel near the bottom of a canyon or in sun-sheltered areas. A headlamp will help maintain visibility in even the dimmest areas.

Rope Bags, Packs, and Dry Bags

You’ll need a place to store your gear and other supplies when you’re not using them. This is where bags and packs come in handy. A rope bag is the easiest and safest way to transport your canyoneering ropes. A heavy-duty pack is where you’ll store your essentials, such as water bottles, snacks, and first aid supplies. Dry bags are necessary for protecting your valuables and electronics from moisture.

What To Wear While Canyoneering

Helmets, ropes, and packs aren’t the only gear you need to go canyoneering safely. Before you head off on a canyoneering adventure, ensure you dress for the occasion! The ideal canyoneering ensemble includes:

A long-sleeved shirt

A weatherproof jacket

Canyoneering shoes

Neoprene socks

The Neoprene socks and wetsuits are only necessary if you’re traveling through a wet canyon—that is, a canyon that has abundant rock pools and other water features.

In general, you want to cover as much of your body as possible. The more coverage you have, the lower your likelihood of injury.

If you’re canyoneering in hot temperatures, choose clothing that’s light and breathable to avoid overheating. You should also have clothing made from synthetic materials. Natural materials like cotton absorb liquids, such as sweat and water, easily. Wet clothing is uncomfortable to wear and can sap heat from your body, leaving you feeling chilly even in the summertime!

What Skills Do I Need for Canyoneering?

Canyoneering involves a lot of climbing, hiking, and swimming! You don’t have to be an expert climber or swimmer to embark on a canyoneering journey, but you should at least know you can do these activities safely. Basic swimming skills are a must. You’ll also need enough strength and stamina to travel long distances.

Fortunately, canyoneering is something that people of all ages and skill levels can do. Your instructor or guide can structure your canyoneering experience around your skill and fitness levels.

Safety First: Don’t Go Canyoneering Alone

Canyoneering is a dangerous sport. It doesn’t matter how experienced or prepared you are; there’s always the potential of something going awry.

You could get lost, fall, drown, or, when the weather is extreme, experience heat exhaustion or hypothermia. These are some of the common dangers associated with canyoneering.

For this reason, even people experienced in canyoneering should never attempt a solo canyoneering trip. Group canyoneering is much safer and also a lot more fun! If you’re a beginner, enlist the help of an experienced guide. If you’re more experienced with canyoneering, you may not need a guide, but you should at least travel with a small group of friends, family, or fellow canyoneering peers.

That said, you shouldn’t let the dangerous nature of canyoneering deter you from trying this incredible sport. As long as you follow basic safety rules, canyoneering is a safe and unforgettable experience!

Are you interested in canyoneering in Moab, Utah ? Moab Canyon Tours offers various tour packages designed for people of all skill and fitness levels. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to book a tour!

• Clock 10 Hours
• User Ages 7+

Canyonlands National Park

Hike with us in Canyonlands National Park. Whether it be in the Needles District, Island in the Sky, or the Maze District, we can take you to some of the most remote and scenic areas within the park.

• Clock 8-12 Hours
• User Ages 12+

The Hog Canyons are great for those with experience in basic canyoneering looking to learn the skills behind “ghosting” or descending a canyon without a trace. Challenge yourself on this moderate to difficult journey with plenty of intrigue.