Utah Via Ferrata & Rappelling with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co

Read the full experience

ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co invites thrill-seekers to test their nerves and strength with the "Tallest in Utah" Via Ferrata & Rappelling tour, located near the quaint town of Orderville, Utah. This 4-hour climbing expedition scales nearly 1,000 feet up dramatic red and white rock faces characteristic of the region’s rugged geology. The route winds through three challenging pitches, secured by fixed cables and iron rungs that allow guests without any climbing background to safely ascend vertical walls. One of the tour’s signature moments is the adrenaline-pumping 220-foot rappel into a white rock mini slot canyon, a rare geological feature that snakes through the sandstone, offering a thrilling descent amid sculpted curves and natural light shafts. Upon reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of Orderville Valley and the eastern edges of Zion National Park—an iconic backdrop of towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and deep green pockets of desert vegetation. ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co has established itself as a standout operator in southern Utah’s outdoor community by blending technical adventure with accessibility. The company's commitment to safety and immersive experiences without prerequisite skills means families, beginners, and seasoned outdoor fans can all tackle this unique route. Being one of the longest and highest Via Ferrata climbs in Utah, it bridges the gap between traditional scrambling and full-on rock climbing. Orderville lies just north of Kanab, a hub for Southwest Utah’s outdoor scene. Known for its proximity to Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante region, the area attracts visitors chasing big sky views and rugged terrain. ROAM’s Via Ferrata tour offers an active way to engage deeply with the landscape’s dramatic vertical relief, connecting participants physically and visually with this stunning corner of the American Southwest.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

challenging.

Duration

4 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should have moderate fitness, comfortable with sustained physical activity and heights.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need previous climbing experience?

No experience is necessary; all gear and instruction are provided to make the tour accessible for beginners.

What age can participate on this tour?

The tour is open to climbers age 8 and up, making it family-friendly with appropriate supervision.

How physically demanding is the climb?

This tour is rated challenging and requires moderate fitness, including comfortable movement on vertical terrain.

What safety equipment is included?

ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co provides helmets, harnesses, via ferrata kits, and full safety briefings before the climb.

Are there restroom facilities nearby?

Basic facilities are available at the meeting point in Orderville before departure; none are on the route.

What should I bring with me?

Dress in layers, bring sturdy shoes, gloves if desired, and carry water especially in warmer months.

Local insights

Wildlife

Desert bighorn sheep occasionally traverse rock ledges nearby.
Colorful canyon wrens and ravens are frequently spotted overhead.

History

Orderville lies within a region settled in the late 19th century as part of Utah’s Mormon pioneer expansion, with the landscape heavily sculpted by ancient river systems.

Conservation

ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert flora and minimize trail erosion in this sensitive park-adjacent environment.

About ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co

ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co is a Kanab, Utah-based outdoor activity provider specializing in guided UTV rides, jeep tours, slot canyon rappelling, sand dune excursions, and guided hikes. The company offers a variety of experiences that deliver hands-on canyoneering instruction, scenic off-road travel, and opportunities to explore iconic Southern Utah landscapes. Trips include short, family-friendly activities like the Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep Tour and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Cruise & Surf Tour, as well as extended adventures such as the Ultimate Ride & Rappel Slot Canyon Tour and a full-day Buckskin Gulch Guided Hike. Several tours—like the 4 Hour Ride & Rappel Slot Canyon Tour—operate near Zion National Park and include rappels that range up to 110 feet. Equipment and experienced guidance are provided for canyoneering-focused tours, and many itineraries are described as suitable for all skill levels. ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co emphasizes safety, local knowledge, and immersive access to the region’s red rock canyons and dunes. The operation provides guided fly fishing outings in private canyon ponds near East Zion and Kanab, as well as sunset rides that combine UTV access with campfire experiences, like s’mores and stargazing at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Each tour listing includes duration, activity type, and highlights to help travelers select the best Kanab adventure.

Base locationOrderville, Utah

Tours offered37+

Specialtyclimbing-mountaineering

Stewardship

Adventure tips

Dress in layersTemperatures can fluctuate quickly during the climb; breathable, moisture-wicking layers keep you comfortable.

Wear sturdy closed-toe shoesTrail or approach shoes with good grip are required for navigating rocky terrain and the via ferrata route.

Hydrate wellBring water and drink before and after the climb—there is limited access to water on the route.

No climbing experience neededThis tour is designed for beginners; all technical gear and instruction are provided onsite.

Recommended gear

Helmet: Protects your head from falling debris and bumps during vertical climbs.
Gloves: Comfort and grip for handling cables and ropes during ascent and rappel.
Hydration pack: Keeps you hydrated on sun-exposed climbs where water sources are scarce.
Approach shoes: Sturdy footwear with grip suitable for rocky terrain and technical sections.