Explore Chamisa Canyon: Moab's Water-Carved Slot Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with scrambling, wading, and optional rappelling.
Overview
Discover the thrill of Chamisa Canyon’s water-carved slot walls in Moab, Utah. This 2.5-mile walking tour offers technical hiking, scrambling, and cool wading adventures.
Chamisa Canyon aka Entrajo Canyon
Ages 8+ • 4 hours • Canyoneering Route with Potholes, Wading, and Scrambling!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of Chamisa Canyon, a stunning water-carved slot canyon in Moab. This unique adventure features wading, scrambling, and optional rappelling, making it perfect for a hot summer day. Explore its beautiful twists and turns while enjoying the refreshing water, creating unforgettable memories in Utah's natural wonder.
A Classic Example of a Water-Carved Utah Canyon! Moab's all-natural obstacle course.
Duration
2.5 miles / 4 km | 4 hours (approx.)
Meets: 7:30 AM
About
Tight and technical, this route has potholes, some easy scrambling, rappelling, and sometimes wading and a short swim. This trip is a favorite of our guides. Exploring this water-carved sandstone slot canyon is a “cool” thing to do for summer fun.
Morning Glory may have the BIG rappels, but Chamisa’s draw is the “interesting” nature of the hiking and its beauty! This is a great option for a hot day and a classic example of a water-carved Utah canyon, with twists, turns and slides among the sandstone.
NOTE: The 90-foot (27-meter) rappel is OPTIONAL! Spring rains and summer monsoon thunderstorms may result in pools of cold water that require wading and/or swimming. Wear clothes that can get wet! The canyon may be dry in the summer, depending on conditions.
Includes
- Expert Guides
- Harness
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Transportation
- Plenty of parking
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Number of Rappels
2 (10 feet / 3 meters and 90 feet / 27 meters); NOTE! The 90-foot rappel can be skipped.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy water shoes
The route involves wading through pools and scrambling over slippery rock, so protective shoes are essential.
Carry plenty of water
Even though you’re swimming and wading, staying hydrated is critical in the dry Utah desert climate.
Use sunscreen and wear sun protection
Open canyon sections mean strong sun exposure, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing.
Be prepared for rappelling
Optional rappels require comfort with basic technical skills and following guide instructions closely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Collared lizards
History
Chamisa Canyon lies within ancestral lands historically used by the Ancestral Puebloans for hunting and gathering.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile slot canyon environment and sandstone formations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protects feet while wading through water and scrambling on slippery rocks.
summer specific
Helmet
Important for safety during technical sections and rappelling.
Quick-dry clothing
Keeps you comfortable when wet and helps regulate temperature.
summer specific
Hydration pack or water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout this physically demanding hike.
all specific