Moab Canyoneering Adventures, Made Easier
Canyoneering Gear Reviews, Route Information, and Guided Tours. Find the Right AdventureBook a Guided TripCanyoneering in Moab: Start Here
Moab canyoneering is wild in the best way. That being said, it is easy to overbook, under reserve, overdrive, and underestimate what it takes to get to that first breath taking descent. We help you plan the kind of canyoneering trip that feels smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
So, if you are planning a canyoneering trip in Moab, you are in the right place. The desert here delivers the kind of days you remember forever. However, it also demands respect. Routes can feel bigger than expected, things are harder, anchors change, water will surprise you, and weather decisions can make or break your trip.
This hub is built to make simplify your planning. Use it to pick the right canyon matched to your skill level, pack the right gear, and choose the safest approach for your group. Following the steps on this page could waste less time spent guessing and more time in the canyon.
Step One: Choose Guided Tour or Self Guided
Guided is the Best Choice For a Confident First Day
Reserve a guided canyoneering tour if you are new to rappelling outdoors, are unsure about anchors, or just want the smoothest version of this experience possible. A good canyoneering guide does more than keep you safe. They control the pace, manage transitions, teach you what matters, and pick a route that fits the day’s conditions.
Self Guided is a Good Choice if you Have Strong Canyoneering Skills
If you are self guiding, the expectation is not just that you can rappel. You should also be comfortable with anchor evaluation, rope management, partner checks, route finding, and decision making when something does not go as planned.
Remember, you are responsible for you and your group. Help is far away and could take some time before they arrive.
Step Two: Pick a Canyon That Matches Your Vibe
The fastest way to have a great day is to choose a route that fits your group, not your ego.
First Time Friendly
Approachable rappels, manageable movement, and a route that builds confidence.
Big Rappel Day
Taller drops and more rope work. This is where the day feels like a real objective.
Canyoneering Slot Canyon
Narrow sandstone, downclimbs, and more problem solving. These routes feel more technical.
Short and Sweet
A quicker outing with a strong payoff, perfect for tight schedules or heat planning.
Step three: Plan Around Weather, Water, and Season
Moab canyoneering is seasonal, even when the sun is out, and Flash Floods Are a Real Rrisk. So, if storms are possible, avoid slot canyons and drainages. A canyon can go from calm to dangerous fast.
Weather
Flash flooding is the big hazard. If storms are possible, skip committing drainages and choose a safer plan. A great canyon will still be there next time.
Water
Even “usually dry” routes can hold cold potholes after storms or in shaded sections. Pack like you might get wet, even on a sunny forecast.
Season and Temperature
Spring and fall are the easiest for comfort. Summer demands early starts and conservative route choices. Winter can be incredible but colder and more committing.
Step Four: Pack Like a Canyoneer, Not a Hiker
You do not need a huge list. You need the essentials, plus a few smart items that prevent small problems from turning into big ones.
The Essentials
- Helmet for everyone
- Harness and rappel device
- Locking carabiners and a backup friction hitch
- Gloves for rappels
- Headlamp
- First aid basics
- Knife or cutting tool
- Food you can eat quickly
- More water than you think you need
Smart Extra Gear for Moab
- Dry bag for keys and phone
- Emergency layer
- Sun protection that actually stays on
- Extra webbing and quick links if you know how to use them
- Offline map
Step Five: Understand Permits and Rules
Some areas have permits, group size limits, or seasonal restrictions. Conditions can also change due to rockfall, high water, or land management decisions. Always confirm current requirements and do not rely on old trip reports.
Step Six: Build Your Moab Canyoneering Itinerary
Most visitors do best with one of these simple approaches.
Option A: One Perfect Canyon Day
- Day 1 arrive and prep gear
- Day 2 canyoneer
- Day 3 buffer day for weather, hiking, or rafting
Option B: Two Perfect Canyon Days
- Day 1 shorter first timer friendly canyon or guided skills day
- Day 2 bigger rappel day or a more technical slot style route
Option C: Canyoneering Plus Classic Moab Hits
Add a hike in Arches, a float on the Colorado, or a scenic 4×4 drive to keep everyone happy.
Common Mistakes Making Moab Canyoneering More Difficult
- Starting too late and getting rushed at the end
- Choosing a canyon for the photos instead of the fit
- Underestimating heat, wind, or cold water
- Assuming anchors and conditions are always the same
- Treating flash flood risk like a small detail
- Forgetting the hike out can be the hardest part
Still Not Sure What to Choose
Guided Canyoneering Tours vs. Self Guided: Pros and Cons
Canyoneering offers the thrill of exploring remote, technical slot canyons, rappelling down cliffs, navigating water obstacles, and hiking through untamed terrain. Whether you’re descending the sculpted sandstone of Moab, Utah, or venturing into the narrow passageways of the Southwest, one big question shapes your adventure: should you go with a guide or do it on your own? Here are the key pros and cons of each approach.
Pros of a Guided Canyoneering Trip
1. Safety First
Guided trips are led by trained professionals who know the terrain, weather patterns, and rescue protocols. They’re certified in first aid and carry the right gear for unexpected challenges. For beginners or even intermediate adventurers, having an expert assess risk and anchor systems adds a strong layer of safety.
2. Local Knowledge and Experience
Guides offer more than navigation—they share insights into the geology, history, and ecosystems of the area. In places like Moab, they know which canyons are flowing, dry, or closed due to nesting raptors or flash flood risk. This expertise makes for a richer and more informed experience.
3. Hassle-Free Planning
Permits, gear, technical systems, shuttle logistics—it can all get overwhelming. A guided tour streamlines the process. They provide the ropes, harnesses, helmets, and even dry bags, and they often handle permits and park regulations for you. All you need to bring is water, appropriate clothing, and a good attitude.
4. Skill Building Opportunities
Many guided tours offer instruction along the way, helping you build your rappelling, anchor assessment, or downclimbing skills. It’s a great way to learn in real conditions without taking on the full responsibility of leading a canyon.
Cons of a Guided Canyoneering Trip
1. Cost
Hiring a guide isn’t cheap. Trips often range from $150 to over $400 per person depending on the length and difficulty of the route. For those who already own gear and experience, that can be a steep price to pay.
2. Less Freedom
With a guide, your pace, route, and start time are mostly pre-determined. You may be with a group of strangers and spend time waiting at bottlenecks or moving slower than your usual pace.
Book a guided canyoneering tour
Browse Moab Route Guides
Beginner Friendly Routes
Big Rappel Routes
Slot Canyon Routes
What to Pack Checklist
Weather and Flash Flood Safety
Canyoneering Permits and Rules
Canyoneering in Moab's Hidden Canyons
Are you ready to experience the ultimate thrill of canyoneering in Moab? Picture yourself navigating through stunning canyons, where every step unveils breathtaking views and exhilarating challenges. This is your chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure that not only showcases the natural beauty of Moab but also pushes your limits in the great outdoors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with nature in a way that will leave you inspired and invigorated. Join us for an adventure that promises to be as rewarding as it is thrilling.