Zion East: Via Ferrata & Rappelling 700ft Private Cliffs

700 Feet Up a Private Red Rock Face, Then Down Two Rappels Into a Slot Canyon

You climb 700 feet up a private via ferrata with iron steps bolted into red rock, rappel down twice into a slot canyon, and scramble through white rock formations between descents. The guide handles all gear and safety. You bring fitness and a willingness to move vertically. The whole experience takes three hours on land the operator owns, so there's no park crowds or timing around other groups.

Step-by-step itinerary

Via Ferrata climb and rappelling adventure

• Meet experienced guide
• Climb two 250+ ft pitches
• Enjoy views of Orderville Valley
• Descend two rappels
• Canyoneer through mini slot canyon

The experience

The guide texts that he's running five minutes behind, and you're standing in the parking area wondering if you should have eaten more breakfast. Then he pulls up, checks his watch ("We're good, let's move"), and suddenly you're walking toward a cliff face you didn't know existed ten minutes ago. This is East Zion, on private land just outside the main park, and the via ferrata climb starts almost immediately. The iron steps are bolted straight into the red and white rock, and they're real: you're not scrambling or finding handholds, you're literally walking up a vertical wall with your hands on a cable. It's strange at first, then it clicks, and then you're 350 feet up looking at Orderville Valley spreading out below you.

The climb is two pitches of 250-plus feet each, and your guide is talking you through the rhythm, where to plant your feet, when to trust the cable, how to breathe when your legs start to burn. The iron steps are spaced for most people over 10, so kids can do this, but it's not a walk. Around halfway up the first pitch, someone in your group laughs a little too loud, and the sound just echoes off the rock. By the time you reach the top, your forearms are tired and your mind is completely clear. The view isn't a photo op. It's the thing you came for, and it's there.

Then you rappel. Two separate descents, each one dropping you back down into the landscape you just climbed out of. Between the rappels, you're moving through a mini slot canyon, scrambling over white rock, ducking under overhangs, the kind of movement that feels like play after the intensity of the climb. The whole day is three hours, and it moves fast. You're picked up on time, the guide has all the gear (harness, rope, helmet, everything), and water is included. The only real rule is don't be late. If you're more than 15 minutes behind, they leave without you. It's a small group on private land, which means no waiting for other parties and no crowds.

Book early in the day if you can (the morning light on those red cliffs is different), and remember that Utah and Arizona are on different time zones, so if you're coming from Las Vegas or the Arizona side, you're already an hour ahead of what you think.

What’s included

All climbing and rappelling equipment (harness, helmet, rope), bottled water, and an experienced guide leading you through two 250-foot via ferrata pitches, two rappel descents, and scrambling through a mini slot canyon on private red rock cliffs.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs Monday to Saturday at 09:30, from US$ 179 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 81 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (19 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 18 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by ROAM - East Zion

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants a real climbing experience without needing prior rock skills: the fixed iron steps and guide support make 700 feet of vertical accessible, and the private land means you move at your own pace without waiting for other groups or park traffic.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 18 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need climbing experience to do the via ferrata?

No. The iron steps are installed for most people over 10, and the guide walks you through the technique. Moderate fitness matters more than skill.

What's included in the price?

All climbing and rappelling gear (harness, helmet, rope), bottled water, and the guide. You bring yourself and appropriate footwear.

How long is the whole experience?

Three hours total, including the climb, rappels, and slot canyon scrambling.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive early enough to be ready to start on time. If you're more than 15 minutes late, the group leaves without you. The operation runs on Mountain Time, which is one hour ahead of Las Vegas and Arizona.

Is this on the main Zion National Park land?

No, it's on privately owned land near East Zion, so you avoid the main park crowds and don't need a park permit.