Moab Canyoneering: Two Rappels in Water-Carved Canyons

Rappel into slot canyons and walk out along a spring-fed stream

A 4-hour canyoneering activity in Moab where you hike to two free-hanging rappels (90 and 120 feet) through water-carved sandstone, with a professional guide backing every descent on a separate safety system. The route includes a scramble through a narrow slot and a downhill exit along a cool stream. Children from age 8 can participate with moderate fitness.

The Experience

You start with a short hike across petrified sand dunes to reach the first rappel—a 90-foot drop into a classic sandstone chamber carved by water at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Your guide sets up a separate safety system and backs up every rappel, so the technical skill belongs to them; you focus on the descent itself. From the chamber floor, you exit through a small slot canyon, scramble over rock, and walk to the second rappel: a 120-foot free-hanging drop with Morning Glory Arch—a 243-foot natural span—just feet away from the rappel station.

The hike out follows a spring-fed stream downhill toward the Colorado River. This is where the guide talks through the geology, local history, wildlife and plants you pass. The whole day runs 4 hours, and you'll wear a harness, helmet and rappelling gloves provided by the outfitter. Day packs are available if you need one.

What’s included

• Professional guide backing every rappel on a separate safety system.
• harness, helmet and rappelling gloves.
• day packs when needed.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Red River Adventures

Is this one for you?If you have a free afternoon in Moab and want to see the canyons most hikers can't reach, this one puts you on rope with a guide who handles the technical setup—no canyoneering experience required, just a willingness to rappel.

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Top questions

What's the physical fitness level needed for this canyoneering trip?

Moderate fitness is required. You'll hike to the rappels, descend on rope, scramble through a slot canyon and hike back out along a stream, so you need to be comfortable with climbing, balance and sustained movement over uneven terrain.

How high are the rappels on this Moab canyoneering experience?

The first rappel is 90 feet and the second is 120 feet. Both are free-hanging drops, and your guide backs up every descent on a separate safety system regardless of your experience level.

Can children do this canyoneering tour?

Children can participate from age 8 and up, provided they meet the moderate fitness requirement and are comfortable rappelling with guide support.

What happens if I've never rappelled before?

Your guide backs every rappel on a separate safety system, so technical experience isn't required—the guide manages the safety while you focus on the descent. The guide will walk you through the setup and technique before you drop.

What's included in the 4-hour adventure?

The experience includes a local professional guide, harness, helmet, rappelling gloves and day packs when needed. The guide covers the two rappels, the slot canyon scramble and the stream hike back to the trailhead.