Explore the stunning Chamisa Canyon in Moab—a thrilling slot canyon adventure featuring hiking, scrambling, and refreshing swims. Perfect for summer escapes under Utah’s sandstone cliffs.
Explore the stunning Chamisa Canyon in Moab—a thrilling slot canyon adventure featuring hiking, scrambling, and refreshing swims. Perfect for summer escapes under Utah’s sandstone cliffs.
Book with Red River Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Red River Adventures · Moab, Utah
Discover Chamisa Canyon, one of Moab's most exciting slot canyon adventures, offered by Red River Adventures. This 2.5-mile walking tour takes you through a water-carved sandstone marvel where every turn reveals intricate formations shaped by nature. The hike involves technical walking, easy scrambling over rocks, and optional rappelling for those seeking an extra adrenaline rush. What truly sets Chamisa Canyon apart is its combination of hiking and water exploration—with wading pools and swimming spots making it an ideal escape during warm Utah summers. The cool canyon waters offer a refreshing contrast to the desert heat, making this trip perfect for hot days. You'll trek alongside narrow canyon walls, through crystal-clear pools, and under dramatic rock overhangs, all while surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. Whether you're an experienced canyoneer or a fit nature lover wanting a unique summer adventure, Chamisa Canyon blends physical challenge and breathtaking scenery. Red River Adventures provides expert guidance and gear to ensure your safety and enjoyment on this private experience. This unforgettable journey taps into the wild beauty of Moab’s lesser-known side and is perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers seeking a private, immersive outdoor experience.
challenging.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for fit individuals with good stamina and balance, comfortable with scrambling and swimming in natural water.
Rappelling is optional and can be skipped for a less technical hike, but it adds an exciting element for experienced participants.
The trail is moderately challenging with technical walking and scrambling, so a good fitness level is recommended.
Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals for wet sections, quick-drying clothes, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Children over age 10 who are physically capable and comfortable with wading and scrambling can usually join; check with Red River Adventures for specifics.
Yes, swimming in the canyon pools is generally safe, but always follow your guide’s instructions and be cautious of water depths and currents.
Winter trips are available but require extra preparation for cold water and potential ice; the experience is quieter but more challenging.
Chamisa Canyon was formed over thousands of years by flash floods carving through Navajo sandstone, revealing layered geological history.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and preserve water quality in the canyon.
Red River Adventures is a Moab, Utah–based outfitter featured on The Adventure Collective that specializes in guided canyoneering, rock climbing, rafting, and instructional courses. The company leads distinct Moab canyoneering trips such as Morning Glory (Ephedra’s Grotto), a roughly 3-mile route with guided rappels of about 90 feet into a sandstone chamber and 120 feet near Morning Glory Arch, and Chamisa Canyon (Entrajo Canyon), a water-carved slot canyon of roughly 2.5 miles with wading, scrambling, optional rappels, and summer swimming. Guided rock climbing offerings include private one-day guided rock climbing with AMGA-certified instructors, multi-pitch climbing instruction, classic introductory and advanced tours, Crack Camp programs, and iconic climbs such as Castleton Tower and Indian Creek. Instructional and professional development courses listed include AMGA SPI exam and course offerings, AIARE avalanche courses, avalanche rescue, and backcountry mentorship. Red River Adventures also lists ice climbing programs (half-day to multi-pitch and full-day), backcountry ski and heli-ski options, international trips such as Ski Hokkaido and Ski - Chamonix, and river options including Moab half-day rafting and a full-day Fisher Towers rafting trip. All trip descriptions indicate guided experiences and technical elements appropriate to the route. Prospective participants should review specific trip summaries for distance, technical difficulty, and equipment requirements. Trip choices cover day trips, full-day guided adventures, multi-day instruction, certification exams, and specialty international offerings. Several canyoneering and climbing routes are described as guided by experts, and trip pages list mileage, rappel heights, technical grades, and water exposure where applicable for accurate trip planning. Online.
Book with Red River Adventures