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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Moab Canyoneering Route Guides

If you are trying to plan a canyoneering day in Moab, this is the page you want open while you plan. These route guides are built to make the choice simple. What the day feels like, who it fits, what to pack, and what to watch for.

If you want the smoothest version of Moab canyoneering, go guided. If you are self guided, use these pages to plan conservatively and avoid the common mistakes that turn into long days.

Browse beginner friendly routes

Book a guided canyoneering tour

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How to use this page

Start with your vibe, then read one or two full route guides before you commit.

Choose a vibe

Beginner friendly and confidence building

Big rappels and a real objective

Slot canyon style and problem solving

Short and sweet

Beginner friendly routes hub

Big rappel routes hub

Slot style routes hub

Short routes hub

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Quick question: guided or self guided

Guided

Best if you are new, unsure about anchors, want a smoother pace, or just want a lower stress day that still feels like a real adventure.

Guided canyoneering tours in Moab

Self guided

Best if your group is already efficient with rope systems, anchor evaluation, and conservative decision making.

Self guided readiness checklist

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Find Your Canyon Route in 30 seconds

Question 1

How comfortable are you with rappelling outdoors

New / Some experience / Experienced

Question 2

How big do you want the day to be

Short day / Full day / Not sure

Question 3

What vibe are you here for

Beginner friendly / Big rappels / Slot style / Short and sweet / Surprise me

Buttons

Beginner friendly routes hub

Big rappel routes hub

Slot style routes hub

Short routes hub

Help me choose a canyon

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Featured route guides

These are popular picks because they deliver a real Moab canyon day and make planning straightforward. Click into the full guide for the details.

Upper Granary Canyon

Microcopy: Classic flow and a strong first canyon feel.

Link: Read the Upper Granary guide

Lower Granary Canyon

Microcopy: Friendly pacing when you want a solid canyon day without stretching it.

Link: Read the Lower Granary guide

Pool Arch Canyon

Microcopy: Variety, movement, and the kind of terrain that feels uniquely Moab.

Link: Read the Pool Arch guide

Pleiades Canyon

Microcopy: Engaging movement with problem solving moments that keep it fun.

Link: Read the Pleiades guide

Moonflower Canyon

Microcopy: Playful and adventurous, a great choice when you want slot vibes without going too big.

Link: Read the Moonflower guide

U Turn Canyon

Microcopy: Compact, efficient, and fun from start to finish.

Link: Read the U Turn guide

Hypatia Canyon

Microcopy: A bigger day feel for parties that want more rope time and a stronger objective.

Link: Read the Hypatia guide

Cable Arch Canyon

Microcopy: A memorable Moab canyon day that feels like a true mission.

Link: Read the Cable Arch guide

Great Wall, Bighorn Route

Microcopy: A more committing style day for capable groups who move well.

Link: Read the Great Wall guide

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Browse all route guides

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Planning basics that apply to every route in Moab

Weather is the first filter

If storms are possible, pick a safer plan. Flash flooding is not theoretical here.

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Weather and flash flood safety

Water can surprise you

Even usually dry routes can hold cold potholes after storms or in shade. Pack for a wet moment.

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What to expect with water in Moab canyons

Anchors can change

Treat every anchor like it is new to you. Evaluate, back up when appropriate, and move conservatively.

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Anchor basics and canyon ethics

Start earlier than you think

Most “long day” stories start with a late start.

Link

One day Moab canyoneering plan

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Want to pair canyoneering with other Moab classics

A great trip mixes canyon days with something that uses different muscles.

HikingMoab.com

RaftingMoab.com

OffRoadingMoab.com

EatingMoab.com

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Still deciding

If you tell us your group size, experience level, and the vibe you want, we will point you to the best fit routes and tours.

Help me choose a canyon