East Zion: Slot Canyon Canyoneering & Rappelling Tour

Summary

Red canyon walls echo as you hike and rappel with local guides

You’ll scramble through East Zion’s sculpted slot canyons with a local guide, learning to rappel down sheer red walls and soaking up moments of silence broken only by laughter or your own heartbeat. Expect hands-on guidance, stories from people who call this place home, and that mix of nerves and thrill you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous about the whole canyoneering thing in East Zion. The idea of lowering myself down those narrow, red canyon walls — it sounded wild but also kind of irresistible. Our guide, Sarah (she grew up nearby), had this way of making everything seem doable. She handed me the harness and just grinned, “You’ll love it.” My hands were already dusty from scrambling over sandstone before we even clipped in for the first rappel. That dust sticks to your palms — I still remember the gritty feel mixed with cold metal.

We started hiking early, the air cool and sharp. There was this moment when the sun hit one side of the slot canyon and suddenly everything glowed orange-pink, like someone turned up the color dial. The silence inside those narrow passages is something else — except for our shoes scraping rock or someone’s laugh echoing weirdly off the walls (I might’ve been that someone). Sarah pointed out these tiny plants somehow growing straight out of stone. She called them “canyon survivors.” I liked that.

The biggest rappel was about 100 feet — looking down made my stomach drop a little, but Sarah talked us through every step. She told stories about her first time canyoneering here as a kid, which made me feel less like an outsider and more like I was borrowing a piece of her world for a morning. By the end, my arms felt tired in that good way and my head was buzzing from all the adrenaline. I didn’t expect to feel so calm afterward — maybe it’s something about being surrounded by so much ancient rock, or maybe just relief that my legs didn’t give out on that last descent.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day canyoneering adventure

• Meet experienced guide
• Hike within red canyon walls
• Rappel up to 100 feet
• Learn about slot canyons
• Follow safety precautions
• Dress warmly in cold months

Top questions

How long does the East Zion canyoneering tour last?

This is a half-day tour exploring slot canyons near East Zion.

Is transportation included on this slot canyon tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is included in your booking.

Do I need experience to go canyoneering in Zion?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide all instruction and safety gear.

What should I wear for canyoneering in Southern Utah?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for hiking; bring hats, gloves, and coats in colder months.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s the maximum height we’ll rappel?

You’ll experience rappels up to 100 feet during the tour.

Is lunch included on this canyoneering day trip?

No meals are included; only transportation and guiding are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle plus all technical gear needed for rappelling and hiking through East Zion’s slot canyons—your local guide takes care of safety while you focus on exploring.