Canyoneering in East Zion: 4–5 rappels and off-road backcountry

Rappel into Zion's hidden canyons instead of walking the crowded rim trails

East Zion canyoneering combines off-road driving deep into Zion National Park's backcountry with a guided descent of a narrow canyon featuring 4–5 rappels. You'll wear helmets and harnesses, use provided ropes and equipment, and hike between rappel points over 6.5 hours. A live English-speaking guide leads the full day. Children from age 12 can join if they have high physical fitness.

The experience

The day starts with an off-road drive into the backcountry: the part of Zion most visitors never reach. Once you're deep in the park, you switch to canyoneering: you'll rappel down 4–5 canyon walls using ropes and harnesses, hike the canyon floor between drops, and navigate terrain that changes with each descent. Helmets, ropes and all technical gear are provided and fitted before you start.

This is a high-intensity full day, and the operator is direct about it: you need a high level of physical fitness to manage the rappelling, the hiking between drops, and the sustained effort over 6.5 hours. In fall and winter, bring warm layers (hats, gloves, coats), because the canyon stays cold even when the rim is mild. The guide speaks English throughout and stays with the group the entire time.

Children from age 12 are welcome if they meet the fitness requirement. The activity is not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy. If you're unsure whether you can manage the physical demands, contact the operator before booking. They can describe the exact terrain and help you decide.

What’s included

• Helmets, ropes, harnesses and all canyoneering technical equipment.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 6.5 hours.
• off-road transport into the Zion backcountry.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by East Zion Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the instruction and safety briefing clearly. This full-day activity demands sustained high fitness (rappelling, hiking between drops, and six-plus hours of continuous effort), so it suits experienced hikers or climbers comfortable on vertical terrain, not a first-time canyoneering introduction.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

34 verified traveler reviews

5 ★33

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many rappels will I actually do on this canyoneering trip?

You'll rappel 4–5 times, descending canyon walls between hikes along the canyon floor. The exact number depends on the route conditions and group pace on the day.

What's included in the canyoneering equipment?

Helmets, ropes, harnesses and all technical canyoneering gear are provided and fitted before the activity starts. You bring your own hiking boots and layers.

Is this the same as the popular Zion canyon hikes, or something different?

This is completely different. Instead of walking the rim or valley floor trails, you're rappelling down canyon walls in the backcountry: terrain most Zion visitors never see. The off-road drive gets you to a remote area where the crowds don't go.

What should I wear in winter months?

Bring hats, gloves and coats. The canyon stays cold even when the surrounding area feels mild, and you'll be in shade and moving slowly during rappels. Dress in layers you can adjust.

Can my 12-year-old join me?

Children from age 12 can participate if they have a high level of physical fitness and can manage 6.5 hours of rappelling and hiking. The operator can discuss your child's experience and fitness before you book.