Experience is not required, but be mindful of the strenuous climbing required to access this canyon, and be prepared for the 100 ft rappels.

Guides are state or AMGA licensed. Gear is replaced regularly, and inspected carefully before use.

 This canyon is named for the petrified sand dunes and sharp sandstone fins surrounding it, giving an otherworldly feel to the area.

All tours are private, so it’s just your group and your guide. This allows for a more personalized pace, extra instruction if needed, and a more intimate experience in the canyon.

Please leave your technical gear at home. Due to insurance policy, all guests must use the outfitter-provided materials.

Think of this as a natural playground in the desert. You’ll hike, scramble, and explore your way up through sandstone fins before gearing up for a series of rappels into a hidden canyon. The experience is equal parts adventurous and awe-inspiring, with big views, quiet moments, and adrenaline-pumping descents all woven together.

Yes! This trip is designed with beginners in mind. Your guide will walk you through everything step-by-step and set up redundant safety systems for each rappel. You’ll control your own descent, but your guide is always there as backup, so you’re never truly “on your own.”

It’s more thrilling than scary for most people. The first rappel (130 ft through Pool Arch) is the biggest, but also the most scenic and gradual. By the time you reach the final free-hanging rappel, most guests feel confident and excited. If you’re nervous, that’s totally normal and part of the fun.

It’s active, but very doable for most reasonably fit people. Expect about 4 miles of hiking with some uphill sections, light scrambling, and navigating uneven terrain. You don’t need technical experience, just good balance, mobility, and a sense of adventure.

We rate our canyoneering trips based on physical difficulty. Pool Arch Canyon is a loop hike and requires some uphill, off-trail scrambling. There are places where we’ll use our hands and feet for progress and your guide will coach you through a few easy climbing moves. This canyon also offers the opportunity to use different techniques such as downclimbing, using a handline and “chimneying” (your feet on one wall, your back on the other). The hiking here is doable for anyone that is reasonably fit, but it is more adventurous than your run of the mill hiking trail.

Most likely, yes - at least your feet. Depending on recent weather, you may wade through shallow pools or narrow sections with water. Quick-dry clothing and shoes that can get wet are key to staying comfortable.

Pool Arch offers a little bit of everything—big rappels, narrow slot sections, and incredible hidden views—without the crowds. The rappel through the arch itself is a standout moment you won’t find on most routes, making it feel like a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Yes, for active families with kids 12 and up who are comfortable hiking and trying new things. It’s a great bonding experience and a memorable way to introduce teens to adventure travel.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer trips are still available but can be hot, so early starts and extra water are essential. Cooler months are great with proper layers.