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Seeking Moab canyoneering advice

Original Post
Bryan H · · Redwood CIty, CA · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 77

I'm heading out to Moab for some climbing at the end of April with a friend and we'd like to check out some canyoneering. We're solid climbers but canyon newbs and therefore will be going with one of the guide services. It seems like the various outfitters have access to different spots but it's hard to know which may be the most bang for the buck. Can anyone recommend a canyon that has beautiful colored slots, some water/swims (pending rain), and interesting technical sections? Big raps don't matter that much to us as climbers. 

The guide services offer the following (excluding easier family-type canyons): 

-Chamisa Canyon aka Entrajo Canyon - seems good? 

-Hypatia - supposedly has a bit of everything? 

-Zero Gravity - definite water, maybe fewer slots/narrows?

-Little Sinbad - 1.5h drive from Moab, slots and water? 

-Pritchett

-Cedar Mesa/Irish - 2h drive from Moab, cool slots     [EDITED per comment below]

-Alcatraz - 2h drive from Moab

Thanks!

Jordan Lister · · Moab, UT · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 16

If you're looking for slots specifically, I would go with the Irish canyons even though they're dry canyons. I am a little confused by your pairing them with Cedar Mesa though, as the two are in opposite directions of travel from Moab.

 A lot of the canyon routes right around Moab are more adventure hiking, i.e. not a lot of slot sections, but navigating canyon drainages with rappels. They also often have several names due to different guide services/guidebooks/internet sites which is confusing. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing Pritchett is the same as Hypatia, which is also known as Pool Arch or Rock of Ages. Super fun, but only about 30 meters of slot travel.

Alcatraz you rap off your car. I mean, that's pretty cool.

Entrajo - seems good, is good. Short, but a great beginner canyon and a short drive from downtown. The pools might be a little chilly in April, but they're short and you'll dry off fast.

Zero G - many people's favorite, and a nice introduction to the Swell.

Kevin S · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 0

Hey Bryan, I work for a guide service here in Moab and would be happy to answer any of your questions. Alcatraz and the Irish are definitely great options! Send me a dm.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern Utah Deserts
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