East Zion Slot Canyon Canyoneering: Rappel Private Canyons

Rappel into slot canyons few people ever reach.

East Zion Ultimate Slot Canyon Canyoneering is a six-hour activity where you rappel into slot canyons on private land near East Zion, traveling by off-road UTV with a small group and an experienced guide. Harnesses, helmets, gloves, ropes and belaying devices are provided; you bring your own lunch and snacks. Children from age 4 are welcome, though the activity requires moderate physical fitness and a weight under 300 lbs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Slot Canyon Canyoneering Adventure

• Travel in off-road Can Am ATV
• Hike 30 minutes to canyon top
• Rappel into slot canyon
• Explore ancient Native American petroglyphs
• Walk near prominent mountain feature
• Rappel through Ladder Canyon

The Experience

What makes this different from the crowded slot canyons near Zion is the access: the canyons operate on private property behind locked gates, which means you rarely encounter other groups. You travel to and from the canyons in a six-person off-road Can Am ATV Defender driven by your guide, and the route itself is part of the day. The canyons you visit include one with ancient Native American petroglyphs, and you'll canyoneer as far up the canyon as you can before turning back.

The rappelling is what separates this from a hiking tour. After a 30-minute hike to the top of one canyon, you rappel into the slot canyon below—seeing parts of the canyon that are only visible from the rope. You'll also rappel through Ladder Canyon, which sits right next to Sugar Knoll, the most prominent feature in the area. All the gear you need—harnesses, helmets, gloves, ropes and belaying devices—is provided, so you don't have to own or transport any of it.

The day runs six hours total, and being on time matters: if you're more than 15 minutes late to the meeting point, the group leaves without you. The guides operate on Mountain Time, which is an hour ahead of Las Vegas and Arizona, so double-check your clock before you arrive. Bring your own lunch and snacks; bottled water is provided.

What’s included

• All safety gear including harnesses, helmets, gloves, ropes and belaying devices.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• transportation to and from the canyons in a six-person off-road UTV with your guide.

Good to know

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

Operated by ROAM - East Zion

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads groups of up to six, so you'll hear every instruction clearly and move at a pace small enough to manage. This works well if you want to rappel without the noise and wait of crowded canyon sites, and if you're comfortable with moderate physical exertion over a full morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

What are the canyons like that we'll be rappelling into?

The slot canyons are on private property accessible only through locked gates, which keeps crowds small. One canyon features ancient Native American petroglyphs, and you'll canyoneer as far up as possible. The rappelling sections let you see parts of the canyon only visible from the rope, and Ladder Canyon sits next to Sugar Knoll, the area's most prominent landmark.

Do I need to have rappelled before to do this activity?

No prior rappelling experience is required. Your guide provides all instruction and equipment—harnesses, helmets, gloves, ropes and belaying devices. You do need moderate physical fitness and must weigh under 300 lbs to participate safely.

How do we get to the canyons from the meeting point?

You travel in a six-person off-road Can Am ATV Defender operated by your guide. The vehicle holds the whole group comfortably and takes you directly to the canyon access points on private land.

Can children do this activity?

Children are welcome from age 4. They'll need the same moderate fitness level and weight requirement (under 300 lbs) as adults, and they'll use the same safety gear as everyone else.

What time does the activity start, and how long does it take?

The activity runs six hours total. Guides operate on Mountain Time, which is one hour ahead of Las Vegas and Arizona time, so confirm your local time before arriving. Being on time is critical—if you're more than 15 minutes late, the group departs without you.