Goblin Valley Canyoneering: Rappel & Slot Canyon Adventure

Rappel into a slot canyon that looks like a Gothic cathedral

You hike through the Valley of the Goblins, learn canyoneering basics from an expert guide, then rappel into a slot canyon with natural skylights and Gothic-like rock formations. The adventure includes all gear, instruction, and a snack break inside the Lair. The 4-hour format keeps the pace steady without dragging, and you're back at the trailhead by early afternoon.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to rappel and explore a slot canyon without arranging your own gear, instruction, or route—the guide handles all three, which is what makes a full canyoneering experience possible in a single morning or afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes an experienced canyoneering guide, all technical equipment (harness, helmet, rope), rappel instruction, and a snack break inside the Goblin's Lair. The guide also covers the area's geological, biological, historical, and cultural background as you move through the Valley of the Goblins and the slot canyon.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Goblin Valley canyoneering adventure

• Hike and scramble through Valley of the Goblins
• Learn about geology, biology, history, and culture
• Receive safety briefing and canyoneering introduction
• Put on canyoneering gear
• Rappel into Goblin’s Lair slot canyon
• Admire sunbeams through natural skylights
• Enjoy snack inside Goblin’s Lair
• Explore hidden passages searching for goblins
• View landscape towards Robbers Roost
• Hike back to trailhead

The Experience

You're driving toward Goblin Valley State Park outside Moab, Utah, and the landscape starts shifting—red rock giving way to hoodoos and mesas that look less like geology and more like something from another planet. Your guide meets you at the trailhead, runs through the safety basics and canyoneering fundamentals, and then you're moving. The first part is hiking and scrambling through the Valley of the Goblins itself, the same otherworldly terrain that showed up in Galaxy Quest. Your guide points out the geological layers, the biological oddities, the history layered into the stone. You're learning as you walk, which beats standing still in the heat.

Then you reach the slot canyon entrance. This is where the gear goes on—harness, helmet, rope—and the real canyoneering begins. You rappel down into the Goblin's Lair, also called the Chamber of the Basilisk because the narrow walls and vaulted ceiling actually do resemble the inside of a medieval Gothic church. Sunbeams cut through natural skylights above and hit the canyon floor in shafts of light. It's the kind of thing you don't quite believe until you're standing in it. The rappel itself is controlled and guided; you're not dangling in space, you're descending into something enclosed and strange and beautiful.

Once you're down in the Lair, there's time to breathe, eat a snack, and explore the hidden passages—the guide knows where to look for the "goblins" (rock formations, mostly, but the hunt is part of it). After you've moved through the chamber, you hike back up and out to a vantage point overlooking Robbers Roost and the open landscape beyond. The whole thing runs about 4 hours from start to finish, which means you're not exhausted but you've actually done something. Check in 15 minutes before your departure time; the minimum group size is three people, though if you're booking solo or as a pair, you can secure a new date by selecting three at checkout and joining whoever else signs up.

Top questions

How long is the Goblin Valley canyoneering tour?

The tour runs about 4 hours total, including hiking, rappelling, and exploration time inside the Goblin's Lair.

What is included in the tour?

Experienced guide, all canyoneering equipment (harness, helmet, rope), rappel instruction, and a snack break inside the canyon.

Do I need canyoneering experience?

No. The guide provides basic safety information and canyoneering instruction before you rappel. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages with moderate physical fitness.

What is the minimum age?

You must be at least 5 years old and weigh between 50 and 250 pounds (32–114 kg).

What is the minimum group size?

The tour requires a minimum of 3 guests to launch. Solo travelers or pairs can book by selecting 3 guests at checkout and joining an existing group.

How far is Goblin Valley from Moab?

Goblin Valley State Park is located near Moab, Utah. Check your confirmation for exact meeting location and travel time from your hotel.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable hiking clothes and closed-toe shoes. The guide provides all technical gear. Bring water and sunscreen.

Do I need to sign anything?

Yes, you must sign a waiver before the tour begins.

When should I arrive?

Check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.