Specialists in Vertical Adventures

See multi-day trips for more canyon options!

The most spectacular aspects of this desert are hidden within its vast canyon networks, formed by millennia of wind and water. Our technical canyon adventures offer you, not only the rare chance to be inside these remarkable creations, but also the adventure of rappelling. A fun combination of hiking, scrambling over obstacles, and the use of ropes to descend the short drops encountered in the magnificent canyons

No previous rappelling or technical canyoneering experience is required. These trips are designed with first-time canyoneers in mind, are educational without being overwhelming and are fun for the entire family (children need to be at least 10 years of age).

"...there is an enchantment in these dry canyons that once roared with water, and sometimes still do, that absorbed the voices of those who came before...something of massive dignity about sandstone beds that tell of a past long before human breathing, that bear the patterns of ancient winds and water in their crossbeds."

Ann Zwinger
Wind in the Rock

 

Ephedra's Grotto - Moab's best half-day trip!

Ephedra's Grotto begins as we hike across ancient petrified sand dunes which lead us into a dry rock wash. Quickly the wash turns into a dry waterfall that seems to almost disappear into the tightest, deepest rain gutter imaginable. “We go down there?!” is the usual question after peering over the edge, and indeed we do. This exquisite rappel is the first obstacle in reaching the entrance to the amazing and not-at-all-famous Grotto. Now, totally enveloped in a small stone room, whose floor rarely sees the light of day, we exit to find our next challenge… a jaw-dropping rappel into the alluring green canyon below via an enormous natural stone bridge! A cool spring-fed stream accompanies us for the rest of this outstanding hike.

Half Day Price: $99 pp adult for 2; $84 pp youth
Departure Time: 8am or 3pm
What is included: All technical equipment, snacks and bottled water.

Hypatia Canyon

Hypatia Canyon is a special treat for off-season vacationers; we encourage people to take advantage of the cooler temperatures to see the treasures of this canyon system. Tucked within a sweeping lunar landscape of rock dunes and fins are several quiet and rarely visited canyons. Dinosaur tracks, a sweeping secluded arch, and a multitude of shady canyon obstacle-courses mark the passage to the first rappel. The canyon then opens into an impressive rock amphitheater, ushering us into our last challenge: an exposed 100' rappel. A short hike back to the trips' starting point closes this fantastic desert loop.

Full Day Price: $150 pp adult for 2; $120 pp youth
Departure Time: 8am
What is included: All technical equipment, snacks, bottled water and a healthy lunch.

Chamisa Canyon

Easy to Moderate Hiking
Named for the shrub that inhabits this area Chamisa is a half-day trip that packs a lot punch into a very short distance! Often full of water this tight canyon is just a sampling of what our longer, wet canyons are likeófantastic! Rappels, wading, swimming and beautiful scenery all await you!

Half-day Price: $99 pp adult; $84 pp youth
Departure Time: 8am & 3pm
What is included: All technical equipment, snacks, bottled water.

Cedar Mesa Canyons

Tucked into the lonely and remote corner of southeastern Utah lies a remote geographical feature known as Cedar Mesa. Dozens of deep (and we mean deep ) canyons, many of whom are fifty miles or longer make for an especially rugged and beautiful landscape. Cedar Mesa is located 2.5 hours from our office in downtown Moab, yet for those with the desire to experience an extraordinary place and a phenomenal adventure—it is well worth the drive! We typically offer these canyons as part of our Multi-day Slot Canyon Adventure, yet we do fulfill requests for one-day trips on occasion, give us a call!

Fry Canyon and the Black Hole

Fry Canyon starts off with a bang, as we immediately get a taste of what a wet slot canyon is all about! After wading through this very short bit of narrows the canyon opens into a broad dry wash that gets deeper with every bend. Soon our wash turns to desert pavement and we must now break out the ropes since continuing any further requires going straight down. Waiting for us at the bottom of this 80' rappel is a cool year-round pool of water! The swim is quite short (depending on the last rainfall) and soon we emerge from this beautiful pocket of fluted rock to enjoy the warming rays of the sun. High above our canyon a small ruin overlooks us, a testament to the timeless value of water in an otherwise arid world. Enormous polished boulders mark the confluence of White Canyon. Here we turn and begin our ascent to the rim of the canyon, giving us a quick return back to the beginning.

Black Hole of White Canyon is the stuff of legends and epics. Arguably one of Utah's Seven(teen?) Natural Wonders, White Canyon extends from the Abajo Mountains some 60+ miles till its terminus with the Colorado River (temporarily known as Lake Powell). In the heart of this enormous canyon is a very convoluted route that has taken tens of thousands of years to form. Within these shady, twisting corridors are chilly pools that are occasionally waded but more are often swam. In fact traditional swimming techniques aren't often applicable here, since the "swimming" is done in such narrow passages that a modified dog paddle is the only technique possible! Fortunately these dark frigid pools are spaced far enough apart to allow one to warm up and get psyched for the next. Just about the time that you're ready for the difficulties to end they do. Soon the canyon opens up a little and the sun returns. As we relax and warm up with a snack and a view, we contemplate the exit route a short ways down canyon that will shortly take us up to the canyon rim.

Full-day Price: $200 per person for 2; $185 per person for 3+
Departure Time: Depends on season.
What is included: All technical equipment, wetsuits if necessary, snacks bottled water and a healthy lunch.

Cheesebox and Gravel Canyons

Length: 4-6 miles (6-9 hours)
Season: May-Oct
Difficulty: Multiple short rappels and rope assisted downclimbs. Tight narrows with numerous cold swims and lots of scrambling over rocky and uneven ground.

Cheesebox Canyon is another one of the amazing side canyons of the White Canyon Complex. Similar to the challenges described in the Black Hole (above), however we do find a few more technical challenges, with boulder choked narrows requiring the use of ropes to negotiate the short drops sprinkled throughout this canyons length. Educational, rugged and stunning this canyon epitomizes remoteness.

Gravel Canyon is longer in length than Cheesebox yet this canyon has all the same (yet very different!) elements for fun and adventure described above. The added bonus of a large and well preserved Anasazi ruin at the end of the excitement. A long and gratifying day in the desert!

Full-day Price: $200 per person for 2; $185 per person for 3+
Departure Time: Depends on season.
What is included: All technical equipment and dry bags, wetsuits if necessary, snacks, bottled water and a healthy lunch.