Rappelling Rock Canyon near Zion: Four descents to 110 feet

Four rappels down a narrow slot canyon, the longest a 110-foot drop into an alcove surrounded by cottonwoods.

Guided rappelling activity in Rock Canyon near Zion National Park combining five and a half hours of canyoneering with off-road UTV riding through Elephant Alcove and East Fork. You rappel four times down a narrow slot canyon (the final descent is 110 feet into a captivating alcove), then hike out through a lush canyon floor back to your vehicle. No experience necessary, but moderate fitness is required.

The experience

Five and a half hours starts with an hour of off-road UTV riding from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park into the backcountry east of Zion. The route skirts Zion's eastern border through Elephant Alcove, a dune-like terrain that opens into the trailhead for Rock Canyon itself. Your guide handles the technical setup (harnesses, rappelling equipment, and safety checks), so you focus on the descent.

Rock Canyon is a narrow slot canyon with four rappels. The first three range from 15 to 50 feet. The final one drops 110 feet into a captivating alcove that makes the whole day worth the adrenaline. As you work your way down, the canyon widens and the landscape shifts: cottonwood trees and grasses line the East Fork, turning the lower section into a lush corridor. A short, moderate hike brings you back to the vehicle: no technical climbing required on the way out.

Bottled water, UTVs, and all canyoneering harnesses and equipment are provided. The activity runs year-round with a live English-speaking guide. Minimum age is 12, and the operator recommends moderate physical fitness. The activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. State park entrance fees ($15 per vehicle, subject to change) are separate.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• UTVs for the off-road portion.
• canyoneering harnesses and all rappelling equipment.
• guide services in English.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

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

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ROAM - East Zion

Is this one for you?At five and a half hours total, this activity fills most of a day but leaves room for breakfast before or a late lunch after. The off-road and hiking components mean you're moving between sites rather than spending all your time on rappels alone, so the pacing suits travelers who want variety within a single outing.

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Top questions

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 is the longest rappel in Rock Canyon?

The final rappel drops 110 feet into a captivating alcove at the base of the narrow slot canyon. The other three descents range from 15 to 50 feet.

Do I need rappelling experience to do this activity?

No experience is necessary. Your guide sets up all harnesses and equipment and walks you through each rappel, though moderate physical fitness is required for the descents and the hike out.

How much time is spent actually rappelling versus riding and hiking?

The five and a half hours includes an hour of off-road UTV riding to and from the trailhead, the four rappels in Rock Canyon, and a short moderate hike out through the East Fork. Most of the canyon time is spent on the descents and moving between them.

What happens in Elephant Alcove?

Elephant Alcove is the dune-like terrain you ride through on the UTV during the first hour, traveling from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park toward the Rock Canyon trailhead on the east side of Zion.

Is the hike out of Rock Canyon difficult?

The hike out is described as short and moderate. It follows the lush East Fork canyon floor back to where your vehicle is parked, with no technical climbing involved.