Rappelling: A Unique Zion National Park Experience

Trips to National Parks have sky rocketed in the past few years. What started out as people trading their loungewear and Netflix binge sessions for hiking boots and socially distant adventures during covid, has now carried on well into 2024. What can I say, outdoor adventure is where it's at, and in Zion National Park, there's no shortage of it.

We did a few great hikes in Zion, which you can read about here, but I always love to find a unique activity to really get the adrenaline going. Then I stumbled across a canyoneering adventure tour. First thought: What the hell is canyoneering?! Second thought: I'm intrigued. Turns out canyoneering is basically doing multiple outdoor activities in canyons like hiking, climbing, and rappelling. Hm. Well, after watching the bad asses in Special Forces, I've always wanted to rappel. So I ended up booking a canyoneering/rappelling tour in East Zion through Roam Outdoor Adventure co. (formerly known as East Zion Experiences).

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When we arrived, they fit us for a helmet, harness, and gloves, then loaded us up into a UTV for a short drive to the bottom of a hill. We only had one other couple in our group, so a total of 4 people plus a guide and helper. It was perfect.

From the bottom, we huffed and puffed our way up the steep hill to get to our first rappel. No worries though, we took breaks on the way up so it really wasn't a bad hike. It was probably 15-20 min.

Our guide hooked up the rope and taught us the basics on how to descend safely. The first rappel was outside the canyon and a little intimidating. I had never rappelled before, so it was very foreign to me. Not to mention you can't see the bottom of the canyon where you'll end up. But I took a deep breath, took it slow, and put my trust in the guides.

I got the groove of it quickly and once I got to the sandy bottom of the canyon, I was all smiles and itching to do it again.

The inside of the slot canyon was something out of a computer screensaver. Very Antelope Canyon-like.

We ended up doing about 4 rappels, all different heights throughout our time in the canyon. Each one I got more and more comfortable. What can I say, I was learning the ropes. Literally.

By the time we were done, I didn't want to leave the canyon, but unfortunately they forced me to. ha.

I can't recommend this tour enough. We had a blast and our guides were hilarious. You can tell they really love what they do.

And after the tour consider eating at "Archies Food to Die For" Food truck right in the same parking lot. It hit the spot and is owned by our guide's mom!