East Zion: Slot Canyon Canyoneering & UTV Adventure

Summary

Slot canyon rappelling near Sugar Knoll with utv ride

You’ll bounce through East Zion’s wild backroads by UTV before hiking up to Coal Hollow Slot Canyon for four real-deal rappels beside Sugar Knoll. A local guide keeps things safe (and surprisingly fun), sharing stories as you face those sandstone walls together. Expect shaky knees, dusty boots, and moments that’ll stick with you long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’re ready for this?” our guide grinned as he handed me the helmet, dust swirling up from the tires of the Can Am Defender. I probably looked more nervous than I felt — or maybe it was just the way my hands fumbled with the strap. The UTV jolted forward and we bounced out of East Zion, wind sharp on my cheeks, red rock blurring past. There was this weird mix of quiet and engine noise, like the world had shrunk to just our little group and the canyon ahead. Someone behind me started singing a bit off-key — honestly, it helped.

The hike to Coal Hollow Slot Canyon isn’t long (maybe half a mile?), but it’s steep enough that I was catching my breath more than once. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out Sugar Knoll rising up nearby — apparently settlers thought it looked like a pile of sugar when it snowed. I could almost see it. The air smelled dry and mineral-rich; my boots crunched on loose stone, and for a second I wondered if I’d regret signing up for a day trip canyoneering in Zion. But then we reached the first rappel point, ropes dangling into a narrow slit of shadow below. My heart thudded so loud I barely heard Jamie’s instructions — but he double-checked every harness and cracked a joke about “trusting gravity.”

I still think about that first step backward over the edge — cold sandstone against my gloves, sunlight slicing down between walls so close you could touch both sides at once. Four rappels in total, each one different: some tight enough that your backpack scraped; others opening suddenly into pools of light where we stopped to catch our breath (and take awkward photos). At one point, someone’s laugh echoed so loud off the canyon walls it startled a bird overhead. The whole thing took maybe two and a half hours? Hard to say — time gets weird when you’re dangling by a rope.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Slot Canyon Canyoneering and Rappelling

• Travel in off-road Can Am Defenders
• Arrive at Coal Hollow Slot Canyon
• Hike 1/2 mile steep trail
• Rappel four times through slot canyon
• Rappel bottom half of Ladder Canyon

Top questions

How long is the East Zion slot canyon canyoneering tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Is this slot canyon tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for young families and beginner canyoneers with moderate fitness.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour goes to Coal Hollow Slot Canyon near Sugar Knoll in East Zion.

How many rappels are included in this tour?

You will do four rappels through Ladder Canyon beside Sugar Knoll.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, you'll travel in off-road Can Am Defenders driven by experienced guides.

What should I bring for this canyoneering trip?

Bottled water is provided; wear sturdy shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point in East Zion.

What’s included

Your adventure includes bottled water throughout the day plus all safety gear needed for rappelling. Experienced local guides drive your group out to Coal Hollow Slot Canyon in rugged Can Am Defender UTVs before leading you through four rappels alongside Sugar Knoll — all within about two and a half hours from start to finish.