moderate
4–6 hours
Participants should be in good physical condition comfortable with hiking moderate distances and swift rappelling techniques.
Descend into the dramatic Medieval Chamber and rappel beneath the immense Morning Glory Arch with Desert Highlights in Moab, Utah. This private half-day adventure brings hiking and technical rappelling together in a stunning high desert setting.
Private Half Day Canyoneering | Difficulty: Easy
Embark on a thrilling private adventure featuring beautiful hikes and dramatic rappels! Experience the awe of descending into a hidden grotto and marvel at the stunning Morning Glory Arch. With breathtaking views and a unique free-hanging rappel, this unforgettable journey promises excitement and memories for adventurers of all ages.
Morning and afternoon tours available
We can often be flexible with our departure times. Please call 435-259-4433 or email info@deserthighlights.com to inquire about alternate start times.
4 - 6 hours
After a short hike from the trailhead we reach the route's namesake feature, a deep vertical shaft of sandstone creating the first drop. Indeed, from above it looks ominous and, you're now thinking, well named.
After a few minutes of discussing gear and technique you'll clip into the rope and peer over the edge, the light of day obscures your view of what awaits at the bottom. You immerse yourself into its darkness. The overhanging walls and smooth sandy floor of this well-hidden grotto become apparent once your eyes adjust.
At the bottom you'll probably think you're in a different world than the others still at the top. You'll probably also think that the rappel wasn't as terrifying as you thought it'd be! Behind you, the Keyhole, a subtle and narrow passageway, provides escape from the Chamber's seemingly exitless confines.
Once all down, we continue on and are soon presented with the massive Morning Glory Arch. Despite being the seventh longest arch in the world , it is discreetly shoehorned into the canyon and we quickly find ourselves level with the top of the 243' long span. The canyon floor plummets 100 feet below.
Since we've just pulled our ropes at the Chamber, there's no way out but to rappel and this rappel is quite spectacular. We begin our rappel on the wall with the huge arch spanning behind. As you begin your descent to the canyon bottom, the wall sweeps away and leaves you free-hanging.
Be sure to look around and down into the lush green canyon below! While on rappel, you can turn to see the arch behind you - this is a view of the arch that you're sure not to forget.
The terrain includes slick sandstone and uneven canyon floors; footwear with solid traction is a must for safety.
Carry at least 2 liters of water, especially during warmer months where temperatures can soar.
Morning starts can be chilly, but afternoons warm up quickly; layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Early departures reduce heat exposure and often provide better lighting for photos of Morning Glory Arch.
The sandstone formations in this area date back over 150 million years and have been shaped by natural forces into unique desert structures.
Desert Highlights promotes Leave No Trace ethics, ensuring minimal impact on fragile desert ecosystems during private tours.
Provided by guides but good to know these safety essentials form the core of the technical descent.
Provides traction and protects feet on slickrock and rocky terrain.
Vital to guard against intense UV rays on exposed canyon landscapes.
spring|summer|fall specific
Ensures adequate hydration through dry, hot conditions typical of the Moab region.
spring|summer|fall specific