Via Ferrata climbing and rappelling in Kanab

Scale a canyon wall on metal rungs bolted into stone, then drop 180 feet on a rope.

Via Ferrata climbing and rappelling in Kanab is a 2.5-hour guided activity where you ascend a metal course anchored to a sheer canyon wall, then descend by rappel. You ride an ATV into Cave Lakes Canyon, receive instruction and safety gear, climb the iron path with a guide, and rappel back to base. Children from age 10 are welcome; moderate fitness is required.

The Experience

The day starts with a short ATV ride up Cave Lakes Canyon, where you'll pass naturally formed lakes and early settler markings on the way to the Via Ferrata starting point. Once there, you get outfitted with climbing gear and receive thorough instruction on the safety systems and technique. The guide stays with you throughout.

Via Ferrata means "iron path"—a climbing course of metal rungs, pegs and cables bolted directly into the canyon wall. You're securely harnessed and locked in as you ascend the sheer face, moving at your own pace with the guide's support. The climb is the core of the experience: physical, focused, and the views expand as you gain height. Once you summit and catch your breath, you drink cold water before the descent begins.

The way down is an easy rappel: you're lowered 180 feet back to home base on a rope, a different kind of controlled descent that lets you take in the canyon from a new angle. The whole experience—climb, views, rappel—takes about 2.5 hours. Being on time matters; arrivals more than 15 minutes late mean the group leaves without you, since the schedule is tight and the canyon operates on Mountain Time, an hour ahead of Las Vegas and Arizona.

What’s included

• Private ATV transport into Cave Lakes Canyon.
• all canyoneering gear and safety equipment.
• guide instruction on climbing and rappelling technique.
• the 180-foot rappel descent.
• bottled water.
• bragging rights for completing the climb.

Good to know

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

Operated by ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co

Is this one for you?You operate the climb yourself with the guide's support—this is not a spectator experience. Book this if you want to move under your own power up a real canyon wall and feel the work of it, not if you prefer to watch someone else do the technical part. The private transport and small group size mean you move at your own pace without waiting for strangers to catch up.

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Top questions

What's the Via Ferrata climb actually like—is it technical rock climbing or more of a guided scramble?

Via Ferrata is a metal course—iron rungs, pegs and cables bolted into the canyon wall—so you're climbing a fixed path, not free rock. You're harnessed and locked in the whole way, and the guide stays with you. It's physical and exposed, but the route is set and you move at your own pace.

How fit do I need to be to do this in Kanab?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The climb is sustained and the rappel requires grip strength and comfort with heights, but the guide adjusts the pace and supports you throughout.

Can my 10-year-old come on the Via Ferrata in Kanab?

Children are welcome from age 10. They receive the same gear, instruction and guide support as adults, and the moderate fitness requirement applies to them too.

What's included in the price for this climbing and rappelling adventure?

The price includes private ATV transport to the canyon, all canyoneering equipment, a guide in English, bottled water, and instruction on the climb and rappel. Gratuities are not included.

How long is the whole experience from arrival to finish?

The activity takes 2.5 hours total, including the ATV ride to the start, the climb, the rappel, and return to base. Arrive on time—the group departs 15 minutes after the scheduled start, and Kanab runs on Mountain Time, an hour ahead of Las Vegas.