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Irish Slot Canyons (North Wash) - Private Canyoneering

Guided ·
5.0
(315)
See all canyoneering guided trips in Hanksville
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Private
Instant Book
Duration: 7 hours

Pricing

1 Person - Private Tour
$670
2 People - Private Tour

Priced Per Person | All Ages

$335
3 People - Private Tour

Priced Per Person | All Ages

$305

All Prices

1 Person - Private Tour
$670
2 People - Private Tour

Priced Per Person | All Ages

$335
3 People - Private Tour

Priced Per Person | All Ages

$305
4 or more people - Private Tour

Priced Per Person | All Ages | Call for groups of 14 or more

$295

Description

Customizable Canyoneering Trip - North Wash Slot Canyons

Nestled in the North Wash canyon system near Hanksville, UT, the Irish Canyons are an excellent choice for those looking to get into more narrow, technical slot canyons. Many options exist, whether you’re looking for an introduction to navigating slot canyons, or an experience that will challenge you both physically and mentally. Featuring short approach hikes, long sections of narrows and many fun obstacles, these canyons are sure to deliver!
We’ll choose a canyon that fits your group's abilities and meets your goals.  Though typically dry with no flowing water, these canyons have been carved from several millions of years of infrequent flash floods.
Blarney Canyon and its nearby “big brother” Leprechaun Canyon, showcase some of the narrowest slots in the deserts of Utah. This is a fantastic network of slots for those wanting to get started on a lifetime of exploring technical slot canyons. While these cracks can be serious work – they are serious fun!

Duration

  1. Duration: 5–7 hours (canyon time)
  2. Meeting Time: Morning departure (exact time confirmed upon booking - typically 6:30 AM if driving from Moab)
  3. Drive Time: ~2 hours from Moab or ~25 minutes from Hanksville
  4. Season: Year-round (best conditions typically spring and fall)

Location / Where to Meet

Desert Highlights
Due to the distance from Moab (about two hours) guests have the choice to drive from Moab with our guides or meet guides in Hanksville, the nearest town (this option is great for those coming from Capitol Reef National Park!)

Ages & Requirements

  1. Minimum age: 9 
  2. Fitness level varies depending on route selected
  3. No prior canyoneering experience required
  4. Participants should be comfortable with tight spaces, uneven terrain, and full-body movement
Technical Difficulty: Easy to Difficult (Customized)
  1. Technical Difficulty: Easy to Difficult (customized per group)
  2. Rappels: Typically a few, often ranging from 20 ft to 80 ft
  3. Climbing: Frequent downclimbing, stemming, chimneying, and slot navigation
  4. Total Distance: 3–4 mi / 5–6.5 km

What’s Included

  1. All required canyoneering and safety gear (helmet, harness, ropes, rappel devices, carabiners, etc.)
  2. Durable technical canyoneering daypack (provided for each guest)
  3. Professional, AMGA or state-certified guide
  4. Transportation to and from the trailhead
  5. Private tour – just your group and your guide
  6. Seasonal gear as needed (e.g., wetsuits, drysuits, gloves)
  7. First aid and emergency equipment carried by your guide

What’s Not Included

  1. Food and snacks
  2. Water (recommend at least 2–3 liters per person)
  3. Transportation to the meeting location
  4. Guide gratuity (customary 15–20%)

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Daypack (provided, but you may bring your own if preferred)
  2. 2–3 liters of water (more in hot months)
  3. Lunch and high-energy snacks
Clothing:
  1. Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hiking and scrambling
  2. Quick-dry materials recommended; avoid heavy cotton in cooler months
  3. Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip (must be able to get wet)
Sun & Weather Protection:
  1. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  2. Light layers for changing conditions (fleece or lightweight jacket)
  3. Windbreaker or rain jacket (especially spring, fall, and monsoon season)
Optional:
  1. Gloves for rappelling (for comfort)
  2. Small dry bag for personal items
  3. Warm hat and gloves (colder months)
Please note: Weather in the desert can change quickly. We recommend bringing a variety of layers and leaving extras in your vehicle so you can adjust as needed on the day of your trip.

Video

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Desert Highlights

FAQs

Why is this canyon considered easy to difficult?

We rate our canyoneering trips based on physical difficulty. The Irish Canyon complex has a lot of different canyons to choose from. In general, these canyons feature many narrow sections where we’re turning sideways and scooting between walls to make progress downstream. Some have more downclimbs than others, more rappels than others, and some cover more distance than others. Therefore, we can choose a canyon that is appropriate for your group’s experience and abilities.

What makes the Irish Canyons different from Moab canyons?

The focus here is on sustained slot canyon movement rather than big rappels. You spend more time inside narrow sandstone corridors, navigating obstacles and using your body in creative ways.

How tight do the slot canyons actually get?

Very tight in places. Some sections require turning sideways, shuffling, or even removing your pack to move through narrow corridors. These tight spots are part of what makes the experience so unique and memorable.

How do you choose which canyon we'll do?

Your guide will select a route based on your group’s fitness, comfort with heights and tight spaces, and overall goals. Whether you want something introductory or more challenging, the day is tailored to you.

Is this a good option for beginners?

Yes, especially since the route is customizable. There are beginner-friendly options, but even easier routes will include some tight spaces and physical movement.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

This may not be the best fit. The narrows can feel quite confined at times, and there are sections where you cannot easily turn around. If you’re unsure, a more open canyon near Moab may be a better option.

Will we be rappelling a lot?

There are usually a few rappels, but they are not the primary focus. The highlight of this experience is the movement through the slot itself.

How physical is this trip?

It varies by route, but expect full-body movement. You’ll use your hands, feet, and core to navigate obstacles, making it more interactive than a standard hike.

Will I get dirty or damage my clothes?

Very likely. These canyons involve sliding, squeezing, and contact with rough sandstone. Wearing durable clothing you don’t mind scuffing is highly recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

Groups of less than 10 people: All of your money will be refunded if you cancel prior to two weeks before your trip date. If you cancel within two weeks of your trip, but outside of 48 hours, you’ll be charged a $20/person deposit. Cancellations made within 48 hours of your trip will not be refunded.

Groups of 10 or more people: A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking. This is non-refundable, unless our guides cancel due to weather. The remaining balance is due within 48 hours of the trip date.

Late Arrivals: Although our tours are private, and we will accommodate late arrivals as we can, occasionally a late arrival can cause tours later in the day and/or shuttle logistics to be affected. Because of this, we reserve the right to cancel your tour if you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled reservation time. If a tour is canceled because of a late arrival, a refund will not be issued.

Weather: Full refunds are given if your guide cancels your trip due to bad weather. Our guides will make the final "go/no go" decision based on the safety of your group. If you decide to cancel because of uncomfortable weather, our standard cancellation policy will apply.

Travel Insurance: If you believe there is a chance that you will have to cancel your tour within the non-refundable 24-hour cancellation period, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. We are not affiliated with any insurance companies, but can recommend www.travelexinsurance.com.

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Availability

October 2026

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Reviews

5.0
(315)
5.0 (315)

Location

Address

16 South 100 East

Moab, UT, 84532

US

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