Is prior rappelling experience required?

Yes, participants should have some familiarity with rappelling techniques.

Can children join this hike?

This trip is not recommended for children due to its technical difficulty.

Bring technical gear, water, snacks, and sun protection.

No, permits are provided as part of the guided tour.

Weather is usually dry; in rare cases of rain, the tour may be modified or canceled.

How long does the trip take?

Plan on 4 to 6 hours for the full adventure.

Canyoneering & Hiking at Zig Zag Canyon | Desert Highlights | Guided Tour | Hiking

Zig Zag Canyon, located in the heart of the desert landscape, offers an adrenaline-fueled day for outdoor enthusiasts. This private loop hike showcases stunning sandstone formations carved by eons of wind and water, creating intricate ridges and towering walls that beckon adventurers. The star of the trip is the trio of rappels, with the most daring being a 220-foot drop that provides a precipice view over the canyon floor. Navigating moderate to challenging terrain, trekkers will encounter narrow passages, jagged rocks, and slick surfaces, requiring focus and agility. What makes Zig Zag Canyon stand out is not just its geological beauty but its seclusion; it remains comparatively free from the crowds, providing a more intimate wilderness experience. A successful outing here demands good physical condition and some rappelling experience, making it ideal for seasoned hikers and climbers. The canyon's vibrant sandstone hues shift with the sunlight, creating picture-perfect moments at every turn. Local legend speaks of this canyon as a sacred site used by indigenous peoples centuries ago, adding a layer of cultural depth to its natural marvels. The surrounding desert also teems with wildlife like bighorn sheep and canyon wrens, adding to its wilderness charm. Proper preparation, including technical gear and water, is essential. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, bring harnesses, and be comfortable with rappelling techniques. Photographers will love the dramatic vistas at each rappel and the contrast of the red rock against clear desert skies. Visiting Zig Zag Canyon promises a hands-on, physically demanding adventure that rewards with breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement. It remains a flagship destination for thrill-seekers seeking a true desert challenge.

About Desert Highlights

Desert Highlights operates private guided outdoor adventures focused on Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and nearby canyon country. Desert Highlights offers customizable hiking tours, canyoneering, packrafting, and rock climbing designed for private groups, families, and small teams.

Tours include half-day and full-day hikes in Arches and Canyonlands, sunset hikes, multi-rappel canyoneering routes such as The Mail Slot, technical descents like Cow Swim Canyon with rappels of 85 and 155 feet plus a scenic 5-mile packraft float, and combined canyoneering and packrafting options in Moab.

Guides from Desert Highlights lead private hikes tailored to group pace and interests, providing route selection, interpretive geology, and safety-focused instruction. Several hiking options are listed with specific durations, including approximately nine-hour full-day Arches tours and five-hour half-day Arches tours. Rock climbing and half-day climbing options are also available, with routes such as Looking Glass Rock and Full Day Rock Climbing experiences.

Desert Highlights supports online booking for convenience and schedules departures that accommodate sunrise, daytime, and sunset experiences. Private groups can select easy, moderate, or challenging itineraries where available. Safety measures emphasize experienced guide supervision and appropriate technical skills for canyoneering and rappels. Desert Highlights maintains a focus on small-group private experiences to maximize solitude, landscape access, and personalized interpretation. The company’s publicly listed offerings document a range of adventure levels, from family-friendly packrafting floats to advanced multi-rappel canyoneering trips. Booking is available online for specified trips, and private guided hiking, canyoneering, packrafting, and climbing itineraries are offered year-round where conditions permit by request.