Discover Canyonlands National Park’s jaw-dropping vistas with a personalized half-day hike from Desert Highlights in Moab. Tailored for comfort and immersion, these tours unlock Utah’s wild beauty in a morning or afternoon adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a basic level of fitness to handle uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes.
Wildlife
History
Canyonlands was designated a national park in 1964, preserving ancient rock art and evidence of Native American habitation.
Conservation
Desert Highlights practices low-impact guiding to help preserve the park’s fragile landscape for future visitors.
Desert Highlights
Discover Canyonlands National Park’s jaw-dropping vistas with a personalized half-day hike from Desert Highlights in Moab. Tailored for comfort and immersion, these tours unlock Utah’s wild beauty in a morning or afternoon adventure.
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.
Tours Offered
22
Private hiking, canyoneering, climbing options
Longest Rappel
165 ft
Mail Slot rappel up to 165 ft
Private Groups
Private Only
Tailored tours for families and teams
Trip Lengths
Half & Full Day
Five- to nine-hour options and sunset tours
Reserve a full-day or half-day guided tour, canyoneering combo, or packrafting float with easy online booking.
Start early in the day
Arriving in the morning helps you beat the heat and crowds, especially during peak seasons.
Wear sturdy footwear
Trail surfaces can be rough and uneven—good shoes will keep you comfortable and safe.
Bring plenty of water
Hydration is key in the desert climate—carry enough for the duration of your hike.
Check weather conditions
Sudden storms or high temperatures can affect trail safety—review forecast before setting out.
Hiking shoes
Good footwear provides stability and protection on rocky, uneven paths.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses shield you from intense desert sun exposures.
Light backpack
Carry water, snacks, and extra layers comfortably during your hike.
Layered clothing
Bring layers for warmth in cooler months or mornings, and lighter options for warmer weather.
spring|fall|winter