Canyoneering in Moab: Rappel and downclimb Utah's largest drops

Rappel Utah's biggest canyon walls and learn the technique that gets you down safely.

A private 6-hour canyoneering class in Moab where you learn rappelling and downclimbing from an experienced guide on less-traveled canyon terrain. Your guide teaches movement skills and rappel technique on the area's largest drops, then arranges pickup and drop-off from your hotel to fit the schedule around an afternoon visit to Arches National Park.

The experience

The guide contacts you the day before to arrange your hotel pickup and discuss which canyon to explore: the terrain and difficulty shift based on your group's goals and experience. You'll travel through less-frequented canyons where the instruction matters most: the guide walks you through downclimbing mechanics, how to set anchors, and the specific rappel technique that works on Utah's steepest walls. This is not a tour of the landscape. It's hands-on learning on real rock, with the largest rappels in the Moab area built into the day.

All gear comes with you: helmet, harness, gloves, belay devices and ropes are provided, along with the guide's real-time feedback as you work through each rappel. The half-day format means you can finish by early afternoon and still have time to drive to Arches if that's on your itinerary. A minimum of two people books together, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• all climbing gear including helmet, harness, gloves, belay devices and ropes.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Moab Canyon Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn rappelling and downclimbing on real canyon walls rather than watch a demonstration: the 6-hour format and private guide mean instruction is tailored to your group's pace and goals. The half-day timing works best if you're staying in Moab and want to fit another activity into the same day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

38 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between a canyoneering class and a guided tour in Moab?

A canyoneering class focuses on teaching you the skills (downclimbing, rappel setup, anchor placement), so you're learning technique on real canyon walls. A guided tour typically moves through the landscape with less instruction. This one is built around what you learn and practice, not just what you see.

How steep are the rappels on this Moab canyoneering trip?

Moab Canyon Tours describes these as the largest rappels in the area, and the terrain is chosen for those who want a challenge. The guide will discuss the specific canyon options with you the day before, so you can pick terrain that matches your comfort level and goals.

Can I do this canyoneering class if I've never rappelled before?

Yes. The guide teaches rappel technique from the ground up, starting with how to set anchors and move safely on steep rock. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and should be comfortable with heights and exposure, but prior experience is not required.

Does the half-day schedule really leave time for Arches in the same day?

The tour runs about 6 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you can finish by early afternoon. Whether you have time for Arches depends on where you're staying and which park entrance you use, but the timing is designed to leave your afternoon open.

What happens if the weather changes or I need to reschedule?

The guide contacts you the day before your booking, so weather and any schedule conflicts get sorted then. Specific cancellation and rescheduling terms are available when you book.