East Zion Via Ferrata & Rappelling Adventure – Private Cliffs Tour

Summary

Guided Climbing and Rappelling in East Zion’s Elk Heart Cliffs

You’ll climb Utah’s highest private Via Ferrata with expert guides, scramble through secret slot canyons, and rappel down epic cliffs—all without crowds or waiting lines. If you want real adventure near Zion with local insight and zero hassle, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet—just the crunch of gravel under our boots and a bit of wind whistling through the junipers. Our guide, Mike, handed out helmets and harnesses right by his old pickup. He checked every strap twice, cracked a joke about “Utah time,” and reminded us that Mountain Time is an hour ahead of Vegas and Arizona—easy to forget if you’re coming from out west.

We started up the iron steps bolted into the red-and-white cliff face. My palms got sweaty fast, but those steps felt solid. The climb goes up over 700 feet; it’s not just a walk in the park, but you don’t need to be an expert either. Mike pointed out where the rock changes color—he said that’s ancient sand dunes turned to stone. Every so often, I’d look back and see Orderville Valley stretching out below, with Zion’s peaks off in the haze. There was this faint smell of sagebrush on the breeze, especially after last night’s rain.

At the top, we caught our breath and took in the view—no crowds, just us and a couple of ravens circling overhead. Then came my favorite part: rappelling down into a narrow white rock slot canyon. The first drop was about 250 feet; my heart thumped all the way down. In between rappels, we squeezed through smooth-walled corridors where sunlight bounced around like gold dust. You’ll get dusty for sure, maybe a little scraped up if you’re not careful, but it’s worth it for that feeling of being somewhere nobody else gets to go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Via Ferrata Climb and Rappelling

• Climb two 250+ ft Via Ferrata pitches
• Enjoy views of Orderville Valley and Zion National Park
• Rappel down two sections
• Canyoneer through mini white rock slot canyon

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

You don’t need climbing experience—just moderate fitness and comfort with heights. The iron steps make it doable for most people over age 10.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals), comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and bring sunscreen. We provide all climbing gear and bottled water.

How long does the whole experience take?

The guided tour lasts about three hours from start to finish.

Is there cell service at the meeting point?

Cell service is spotty out here—best to download directions ahead of time or call before you lose signal.

What’s included

You’ll get all safety gear (helmet, harnesses), bottled water for the hike and climb, plus guidance from experienced local staff who know these cliffs inside out.