Morning Glory Arch Canyoneering: Rappel into Hidden Grottos

Descend hundreds of feet into a lush, hidden canyon beneath the desert.

Canyoneering Morning Glory Arch is a guided activity in Moab where you rappel twice (once into the Medieval Chamber and once down the face of Morning Glory Arch) using technical gear and expert instruction. You descend into a secluded grotto hidden beneath the desert, then experience the natural bridge from a vantage point no hike can reach. The five-hour adventure includes all climbing equipment, water and snacks.

The experience

Morning Glory Arch is a massive natural bridge carved into the red rock, and this canyoneering trip gets you to it by rappelling, not hiking past it. You'll descend into the Medieval Chamber first, a lush grotto tucked beneath the desert floor, then rappel down the arch itself, hundreds of feet into the canyon. A certified guide from Moab Adventure Center sets up the ropes, checks your harness and walks you through each rappel in a controlled environment. The whole adventure takes five hours and covers ground no standard trail reaches.

You start with technical instruction on the gear (harness, helmet, carabiners, rope), and the guide stays with your group throughout, managing the rigging and coaching you through each descent. Children from age 10 can join, and the guide speaks English. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and brings you back, so you only focus on the rappelling itself. Bottled water and snacks are provided during the day.

This is not a hike with views. It is a physical activity where you control your own descent using equipment and technique. You need at least a moderate level of fitness to manage the rappels and the scrambling between them. The experience trades the passive observation of a tour for the active challenge of canyoneering, and that is the whole point.

What’s included

• Climbing gear and safety equipment.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs Monday to Saturday at 09:00 and 12:00, from US$ 235 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 SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 30 NovAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 82 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (10 to 12 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Moab Adventure Center - Day Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here, and the guide keeps numbers manageable so everyone gets hands-on instruction and attention during the rappels. If you want an active challenge that demands focus and technique rather than a guided walk through scenic stops, canyoneering is the format that delivers it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 12 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.

What exactly is the Medieval Chamber on this canyoneering trip?

The Medieval Chamber is a lush grotto hidden beneath the desert where you rappel during the first descent of the day. It is the secluded canyon space the operator describes as a hidden beauty Moab keeps secret.

How many times do I rappel on this Moab canyoneering adventure?

You rappel twice: once into the Medieval Chamber and once down the face of Morning Glory Arch itself. The two descents are the core of the activity and offer different perspectives of the canyon.

What gear does the guide provide for the rappelling?

Climbing gear and safety equipment are included, which covers harness, helmet, carabiners and rope. The guide sets up the rigging and instructs you on how to use each piece before you descend.

Is this canyoneering trip suitable for someone who has never rappelled before?

Yes. The guide provides expert instruction and manages the technical setup, so no prior canyoneering experience is required. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to manage a five-hour activity with rappelling and scrambling between descents.