Looking for an adventure beyond the usual hikes in Zion? If you’ve already done the Narrows and Angels Landing — or just want a new way to explore Southern Utah’s red rock country — canyoneering and rock climbing near Zion National Park offer a whole new perspective on this iconic landscape.

We spoke with the team at Zion Rock and Mountain Guides, who have been helping visitors explore the area for over 20 years. From guided rappels into narrow slot canyons to climbing soaring sandstone towers, here’s what you need to know to plan your next adventure.

Canyoneering Near Zion National Park

Most visitors to Zion know about The Narrows, but the park (and surrounding public lands) are home to dozens of slot canyons you can explore — many accessible only with the right gear and know-how. That’s where a guided trip comes in.

What Is Canyoneering?

Canyoneering combines hiking, scrambling, rappelling, and sometimes stemming (using your hands and feet to climb between canyon walls) to explore narrow sandstone canyons carved by water over millions of years. The canyons range from a few feet wide to 20+ feet wide, with towering walls rising 200 feet overhead.

Unlike rock climbing, where you start at the bottom and climb up, canyoneering often begins at the top — hiking into the backcountry and then rappelling down a series of drops to exit through the canyon floor.

Why Go With a Guide?

Exploring Zion’s slot canyons isn’t like a typical hike — you’ll be using ropes, friction devices, and anchors, and weather conditions like flash floods can pose real risks. A guide helps with:

• Safety: Proper knots, anchor checks, and flood-aware route selection.
• Access: Knowing which canyons are legal, safe, and suited for your group.
• Skills: You’ll learn rappelling techniques and navigation so you can build confidence for future trips.

Zion Rock and Mountain Guides offers everything from one-day intro trips to five-day courses where you’ll practice knots, rappels, and lead skills.

Where to Go Canyoneering Near Zion

Some of the top guided canyoneering routes include:

• Lamb’s Knoll (West of Zion): An easily accessible area with short rappels, hiking, and beautiful sandstone walls — perfect for beginners or families.
• Birch Hollow (Northeast of the park): A two-mile hike leads to a 120-foot rappel and a walk through a stunning slot canyon just a few feet wide, with walls rising 500–600 feet.
• Williams Canyon and Other East Side Slots: Less crowded than the main park, these canyons deliver classic Zion scenery without the foot traffic.

Trips range from half-day adventures to multi-day backcountry team-building experiences, where guides handle logistics, camping, and even campfire meals.

Rock Climbing Near Zion National Park

For those who prefer scaling cliffs rather than rappelling down them, Zion’s sandstone towers and walls make for unforgettable climbs.

What Is the Climbing Like Around Zion?

Unlike the slot canyons, climbing here focuses on sandstone cliffs and freestanding monoliths. Climbers can expect mostly trad (traditional) routes, with crack systems, moderate faces, and some big exposure.

A Must-Climb: Tooele Tower

One of Zion Rock and Mountain Guides’ signature trips is Tooele Tower — a 1,000-foot sandstone spire near Eagle’s Crag, visible from Springdale. Despite its size, the climb is surprisingly approachable:

• Most sections feel like climbing a giant staircase.
• Only a few moves require extra effort.
• Even climbers in their 70s have summited with guides.

The reward? Sweeping views over the valley and Zion’s towering cliffs.

Why Hire a Guide for Climbing?

Even experienced climbers benefit from a guide in Zion due to:

• Route Knowledge: Local guides know the safest, best-quality routes and anchors.
• Efficiency: Avoid long approaches to the wrong wall or route.
• Gear and Anchors: Sandstone can be fragile; guides know which fixed gear is reliable and how to protect climbs properly.

Tips for Beating the Crowds in Zion

Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., drawing over 4 million visitors annually. But there are ways to find solitude:

• Explore outside the main canyon: Many guided canyoneering and climbing routes are on BLM land or park peripheries, where crowds thin out.
• Visit in the off-season: Winter can be magical in Zion, with empty trails, snowy red rocks, and the Narrows offering surreal ice-sculpture views (drysuits available for rent).
• Go with a guide: They’ll know which routes and areas are least impacted by crowds.

Recreate Responsibly

To keep Zion’s landscapes pristine:

• Pack out everything — avoid disposable bottles and litter.
• Respect the rock: Don’t carve or graffiti; share your memories on social media, not the canyon walls.
• Be weather-aware: Flash floods are a real danger in slot canyons, so always check conditions (or let your guide handle it).

Plan Your Zion Adventure

Whether you’re descending narrow slot canyons or climbing sandstone towers, canyoneering and climbing near Zion National Park offer a way to see this iconic region from a completely new perspective.

To book a guided trip or gear rental, check out Zion Rock and Mountain Guides — their experienced team can customize adventures for beginners, families, and seasoned explorers alike.