Explore Utah

Canyoneering in Utah

Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking canyoneering adventures in the world. Its diverse and rugged landscape, filled with narrow slot canyons, towering red rock cliffs, and serene desert environments, makes it a haven for beginners and seasoned canyoneers. If you’re looking for technical routes with rappels or more straightforward explorations, Utah has it all.

Best canyoneering areas in Utah

Utah’s canyoneering opportunities are vast and varied, offering something for every level of adventurer. Whether you’re exploring the narrow slots of Zion or the remote canyons of the San Rafael Swell, each canyon brings unique beauty and challenges. With maps and guides for each location, you can safely plan and enjoy your next canyoneering adventure in Utah!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is Utah’s crown jewel for canyoneering, offering some of the world’s best technical and non-technical routes. Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and flowing rivers create a dramatic backdrop for any adventure.

Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument

The Escalante area offers a remote and rugged canyoneering experience. This area’s labyrinth-like passages, beautiful arches, and flowing streams provide a stunning and unique experience.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is an underrated canyoneering gem, offering a quieter but equally beautiful experience. Many routes provide thrilling rappels, narrow slots, and breathtaking views of the Waterpocket Fold. Capitol Reef is known for its remoteness and the deep, narrow canyons that offer adventure far from the crowds.

San Rafael Swell

The San Rafael Swell is a massive geological uplift that contains some of Utah’s most rugged and remote canyoneering routes. Many canyons are relatively easy and provide great introductory experiences, while more advanced routes will challenge seasoned canyoneers.

Arches National Park

Known for its iconic rock formations, Arches National Park also offers incredible canyoneering opportunities. Routes in Arches provide a mix of rappelling and scrambling through the park’s famous red rock landscapes. Arches is ideal for those who want to combine climbing with some of Utah’s best scenery.

Cedar Mesa & Bears Ears National Monument

The Cedar Mesa area offers a rich canyoneering experience with technical and non-technical routes within the Bears Ears National Monument. Many canyons here have archaeological significance, with ancient cliff dwellings and rock art adding a historical aspect to your adventure.

Robbers Roost

Robbers Roost, famous for being the hideout of Butch Cassidy and his gang, is a remote area that offers technical canyoneering challenges. This area is known for its solitude and intricate slot canyons, making it perfect for experienced canyoneers looking to escape the crowds.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park offers some of Utah’s most remote and challenging canyoneering experiences. Routes in Canyonlands vary from technical routes that require rappelling, swimming, and excellent navigational skills to more accessible adventures for beginners.

Canyoneering guiding services in Utah

Canyoneering in Utah offers adventure seekers the thrill of exploring narrow slot canyons, rappelling down sheer rock faces, and navigating breathtaking desert landscapes. Several top-rated guide services across Utah provide safe and unforgettable experiences for those new to canyoneering or seeking expert guidance. Below is a list of Utah’s best canyoneering guide services and links to their websites for booking and more information.

Zion Adventure Company

Zion Adventure Company offers a range of guided canyoneering experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to advanced technical canyons. Their expert guides provide equipment, safety instruction, and local knowledge for a memorable adventure. Zion is a prime destination for canyoneering, and this company’s experienced team makes it easy for all skill levels.

Red Desert Adventures

Red Desert Adventures specializes in personalized canyoneering tours in and around Zion National Park. Their small group tours focus on safety, education, and fun, making them an excellent option for families and friends exploring some of Zion’s iconic slot canyons.

Utah Mountain Adventures

Utah Mountain Adventures offers guided canyoneering throughout Utah, including in Zion National Park, the San Rafael Swell, and other popular regions. Their expert guides are highly trained in safety and technical skills, making them ideal for those looking to take more challenging routes.

Moab Canyon Tours

Moab Canyon Tours offers thrilling canyoneering adventures in the stunning landscapes around Moab, including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Whether you’re looking to rappel down towering cliffs or squeeze through narrow slots, Moab Canyon Tours has expert guides who can tailor trips to your skill level.

Desert Highlights

Desert Highlights provides a unique canyoneering experience in Moab and the surrounding desert regions. Known for their small-group tours, this company focuses on personalized and adventurous trips. Whether you want to explore iconic canyons or venture into more remote locations, Desert Highlights has you covered.

Excursions of Escalante

Excursions of Escalante is a premier canyoneering guide service specializing in tours through the remote and scenic canyons of the Escalante region. Their guides have extensive experience navigating the area’s unique slot canyons, providing safety, knowledge, and an appreciation for the natural surroundings.

Get In The Wild Adventures

Get In The Wild Adventures specializes in remote and off-the-beaten-path canyoneering experiences in Utah’s desert wilderness. Their expert guides lead participants through some of the state’s most stunning and secluded canyons, including the legendary Robbers Roost area.

Zion Guru

Zion Guru offers comprehensive canyoneering experiences, including day trips through some of Zion National Park’s most famous canyons. They also provide independent technical training and equipment rentals for those exploring the region.

Roam Outdoor Adventure Co.

Roam Outdoor Adventure Co. provides guided canyoneering trips in the slot canyons around Kanab, including those in Grand Staircase-Escalante and Vermilion Cliffs. They cater to adventurers of all skill levels and ensure that each tour is safe, fun, and informative.

Safety Tips for Canyoneering in Utah

  • Always check weather conditions: Flash floods can occur unexpectedly, especially in narrow slot canyons.
  • Ensure you have the right gear: ropes, harnesses, helmets, and appropriate footwear.
  • Never Go Alone: Always canyoneer with a partner or group.Be
  • Prepared: Familiarize yourself with the terrain and use a reliable GPS or map.