The Ultimate Moab Canyoneering Adventures

• Rock climbing is a fun full-body challenge where muscles and finger grip on textures, bumps, and cracks in the rock walls (and even special shoes) are used to go up a rock wall. When a climber reaches the top, they descend or rappel with the rope and harness back to the ground.
• Canyoneering is rappelling into narrow slot canyons to gain access to otherwise undiscoverable grottoes, chambers and arches hidden in the desert landscape. Often there are multiple descents through a given canyon or series of canyons.

Rappelling is a part of canyoneering. Canyoneering is a hike that navigates down through a canyon, often requiring rappels (roped descents) over cliffs or waterfalls that are otherwise not navigable without a rope.

There are many places to rappel over a cliff in Moab, but not all of them are legal, and not all of them lead down through a canyon. The two best places for canyoneering in Moab.

Canyoneering is a very family activity with teambuilding built right into the experience. Cheer family members on as they drop below, or cheer them on from below after you've done your own rappel. The guides keep things orderly and lined up so you can focus on yourself and your fellow family in the experience.

The Morning Glory Arch Rappel has two descents, both of which are side-by-side rappels into the Medieval Chamber, and near Morning Glory Arch.

All four Bow and Arrow Canyon rappels are one-at-a-time rappels.

The tallest rappels in Moab, Utah are roughly 100 feet high. Both the Morning Glory Arch adventure and the Bow and Arrow canyoneering include 100-foot rappels.

Utah, in general, is spoiled for choices when it comes to canyoneering. Arguments can ensue about which is the better location Moab, Utah or Zion National Park area for slot canyon exploration. In Moab, Utah there are perhaps fewer slot canyons to choose from, but perhaps more arches to be found along the way - this all depends on which specific canyon you are hiking of course, but generally true. Once you are in the canyons themselves the experience is not easily comparable, which is to say they are very similar to each other.

Rock climbing is all about going up. Canyoneering is about exploring down and through. Instead of scaling cliffs, you descend into hidden canyons using rappels, short hikes, and scrambles. It’s a mix of hiking, rappelling, and discovery. It’s less about technical climbing strength and more about experiencing places few people ever see.

Rappelling is part of canyoneering, but not the whole experience. On our tours you’ll rappel safely down cliffs and natural arches, but you’ll also hike through stunning desert canyons, discover hidden grottoes, and learn from your guide about the geology and history of the area.

Moab offers two world-class canyoneering routes perfect for first-timers and families.

Morning Glory & Medieval Chamber: Two dramatic rappels, including a 100+ foot drop beside Morning Glory Arch.

 Bow & Arrow Canyon: Multiple rappels, hidden petroglyphs, and wide desert vistas. 

Both tours are guided, accessible, and unforgettable.

Yes! Kids as young as 10 can participate, and many families say it was the highlight of their trip. Our guides are patient teachers who make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident. If your family is ready for a little adventure, canyoneering is a memory-maker.

Rappels in Moab range from 80 to over 100 feet. They look impressive, but our expert guides coach you step by step so the experience feels exciting, not overwhelming. Every rappel is part of the route, but guides are skilled at helping nervous guests gain confidence and enjoy the descent.

Unlike some canyoneering destinations where you wade or swim through pools, Moab’s canyoneering routes are mostly dry. You’ll hike, scramble, and rappel through desert canyons without the need for wetsuits. Depending on the season, there may be shallow stream crossings, but nothing that requires swimming. However, your shoes may get wet.

Not at all. Most of our guests are first-timers. We provide all the gear, instruction, and encouragement you need. If you can hike a couple of miles, you can go canyoneering.

Generally, ages 10 and up are welcome. Canyoneering is active but beginner-friendly, making it great for families with adventurous kids, teens, and parents looking for something unique to share together.

You’re not alone. Many guests feel nervous before their first rappel. Our guides are trained to coach you through every step, and most people find their fear turns into exhilaration the moment they’re on the rope. Many say conquering that first rappel was the best part of the trip.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes you can hike in, along with sturdy closed-toe shoes (like sneakers or light hiking shoes) and bring water and sunscreen. Note that your shoes may get wet in stream crossings or in shallow water areas that may be present. We provide a small backpack for you to store water and sunscreen, but you are welcome to bring your own small backpack if you prefer. All technical gear, including harnesses, helmets, and ropes, are provided. Note that there is some poison ivy along the trail in Grandstaff Canyon. This is avoidable if you’re watching for it, but those who are extra sensitive may opt to wear pants.

Expect a 2–3 mile hike either into or out of the canyon, depending on the route you’ve selected. It’s mostly moderate terrain with some rocky sections. Your guide will set a comfortable pace with breaks as needed, and most reasonably active guests have no trouble completing it.

Our team constantly monitors conditions for your comfort and safety. If the weather makes a trip unsafe (like heavy rain in a slot canyon, thunder or lightning), we’ll work with you to reschedule or help you choose another adventure.

Both tours last about five hours and include professional guides, all gear, and round-trip transport—so the biggest difference is in the terrain and style of rappels.

Morning Glory Arch & Medieval Chamber: Best for first-time canyoneers and families. Features two dramatic rappels over 100 feet, including one beside the massive Morning Glory natural bridge, plus a scenic hike through Grandstaff Canyon with stream crossings.

Bow & Arrow Canyon: Also suitable for first-timers and families. This canyon has more rappels (four total), ranging from 15 to 120 feet, plus a final open drop of 60 feet. The route includes petroglyphs, fossilized dinosaur tracks, and more sustained hiking, so it’s better suited to adventurous guests who are confident hikers. Most of the hike occurs before the first rappel and through the canyon itself. The final rappel is just steps from the van that will return you to Moab.

If you’re looking for a bucket-list rappel beneath a giant natural arch, go with Morning Glory. If you want a variety of rappels and a more challenging hike, choose Bow & Arrow.