Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit on Moab's Canyoneering Routes

Moab, Utah, is a canyoneering paradise, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged red rock formations, and diverse canyon systems, Moab offers some of the most thrilling and scenic canyoneering routes in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned canyoneer or a first-time explorer, Moab’s canyons provide the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.

This guide will walk you through some of the best canyoneering routes in Moab, highlighting the challenges, terrain, and stunning features that make each one unique. From beginner-friendly slots to technical rappels and advanced obstacles, Moab has something for everyone.

Why Moab is a Canyoneering Hotspot

Moab is famous for its iconic red rock landscapes, narrow slot canyons, and towering sandstone walls. The area’s distinctive geography, shaped by millennia of erosion, makes it a canyoneering dream. As you navigate these ancient passages, you’ll experience challenges ranging from rappels and downclimbs to water crossings and technical obstacles. Moab is also home to some of the most picturesque canyons, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert, river valleys, and rock formations.

Whether you’re looking for a short, beginner-friendly route or a full-day adventure through narrow, remote canyons, Moab has a route for every skill level. The diverse selection of canyons, combined with expert guides and top-notch gear, makes Moab the ideal location for your next canyoneering adventure.

Popular Canyoneering Routes in Moab

1. Bow and Arrow Canyon

One of Moab’s most exciting canyoneering routes, Bow and Arrow Canyon offers everything from technical rappels to swimming through refreshing pools. With a combination of narrow slots, 80-foot rappels, and challenging downclimbs, this intermediate-to-advanced route is perfect for adventurers seeking both beauty and adrenaline. The 3–5-mile route typically takes 4–8 hours, depending on group experience and weather conditions.

2. Morning Glory Arch

A relatively short but rewarding route, Morning Glory Arch is famous for its stunning arch formation and a big rappel of around 100 feet. This route is accessible to those with some canyoneering experience and offers a fun, manageable challenge. The 1.5-mile route takes around 2–4 hours to complete, making it a great option for those looking for a half-day adventure.

3. Gemini Bridges

For a thrilling combination of rappelling, hiking, and climbing, the Gemini Bridges route offers spectacular views and a variety of obstacles. The route is more challenging, with some downclimbs and exposed sections, but it rewards you with incredible scenery and an iconic double arch. This 4-5-mile route takes around 4–6 hours and is perfect for adventurers looking for a longer day in the desert.

4. The Subway

If you’re an experienced canyoneer looking for an unforgettable adventure, The Subway is a must-do route in Moab. Known for its narrow slot canyons, stunning rock formations, and deep pools of water, this route features technical rappels and challenging downclimbs. With a length of 6–8 miles, the route typically takes 6–8 hours to complete, making it one of the more challenging options in Moab.

Canyoneering Difficulty Levels in Moab

Canyoneering routes in Moab vary in difficulty, catering to adventurers of all experience levels. Understanding the difficulty level of each route will help you select the right adventure for your skills and fitness.

Beginner Routes

For those new to canyoneering, Moab offers several beginner-friendly routes that provide a safe and rewarding introduction to the sport. These routes typically feature easy rappels, shorter hikes, and fewer technical challenges. Great options for beginners include Morning Glory Arch and Fisher Towers.

Intermediate Routes

For those with some canyoneering experience, intermediate routes like Bow and Arrow Canyon and Gemini Bridges offer more technical rappels, downclimbs, and water crossings. These routes require basic rappelling skills and good physical fitness but are still manageable for most participants with prior experience.

Advanced Routes

If you’re an experienced canyoneer seeking a challenge, advanced routes like The Subway or Chesler Park will push your limits. These routes often involve long descents, multiple rappels, technical downclimbs, and sections where swimming is required. Strong rappelling skills and a high level of physical fitness are essential for these adventurous routes.

What to Expect on Your Canyoneering Adventure

When you embark on a canyoneering adventure in Moab, here’s what you can expect:

• Rappelling: Most Moab canyons involve rappelling down vertical rock faces. The length and difficulty of the rappels vary, with some requiring careful control and technical skills.
• Water Sections: Many canyons feature swimming sections or water pools, offering a refreshing break and a chance to cool off in the desert heat. Expect to get wet, especially in spring or early summer.
• Hiking and Navigation: The canyons in Moab are often remote and require a fair amount of hiking. While some routes are shorter, others can take a full day. You’ll need sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a good sense of direction.
• Technical Obstacles: Some routes may include downclimbs, rock slides, and other technical obstacles. You’ll need the right gear and skills to safely navigate these sections.

Ready to experience the thrill of canyoneering in Moab? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, Moab offers a canyoneering route for everyone. Browse our selection of routes, check out difficulty ratings, and book your adventure with our expert guides.