This review is for a last-minute trip in August of ’23. We had an active packed trip to Southern Utah. Moab, Canyonlands, rafting, Capitol Reef, Bryce, Zion and this might have been the highlight for our entire family. We did a family canyoneering trip to Lambs Knoll and Josh H was our guide. My wife and our 3 boys 15, 12, 10. Josh was great! Chill, confident, patient, and funny and it all helped instill some confidence and trust for one of my boys. He really needed someone to be able to speak to and guide him the way Josh did. It was perfect! None of use have ever rappelled outside of a climbing gym, so it was exciting for everyone. We would have done it again if we had the time. So until next time, but we’ll definitely be back and hope to see Josh again. Thanks again Red Desert Adventure. This excursion and company is highly recommended. OH, I almost forgot! We met another person from a different guide service and his hands were blistered and tore up because he didn’t have gloves. Well, guess what? Red Desert provides all gear including gloves! Nice touch and please don’t ever not provide gloves. Thanks again!!! – via
Melissa made this so much fun! We’re in our 50’s and not hard core in any way but by the time we were done we were already talking about the next time we go rappelling. Our slot canyon was totally empty which was a welcome relief after taking a crowded tour at Antelope Canyon days before. No matter what your level of confidence is go ahead and book the tour – YOU WILL LOVE IT!! A little side bonus was that Melissa took us on a fun 4WD ride and spent a lot of time explaining all the different types of Cottonwood trees on our hike back to the truck. – via
Awesome experience – I did a 1:1 private canyoneering full day adventure. I was hesitant to do something as a single traveller/private, but now I am happy I did. Worth the $ for an awesome experience, and not being with a group made it easier to do a lot of stuff and have a flexible experience. My guide was Josh and he was really friendly and beyond competent – I felt safe with all the adventures we went on in and out of slot canyons, and all kinds of technical gear/activities, and driving around the wilds of the greater Zion area. – via
Booked a full day canyoneering trip for two after having to reschedule with a different company and was very happy with Red Desert! Jack was our guide, and we went to Yankee Doodle Canyon and Lambs Knoll – a fun balance of hiking, rappelling from various heights, and some scrambling. Jack was very friendly, super experienced, a clear communicator, and made us feel safe. The routes were beautiful, and we only saw one other group the entire day. I definitely recommend!!!
FYI take seriously the recommendation to not wear your favorite clothes or at least something you don’t mind getting a hole because you will be seriously scraping against sandstone! – via
We went out on a half-day rappelling adventure with Jake in September – it was such an awesome experience! Jake was phenomenal as a guide and planned an exciting day for us! Overall, I would go out with Red Desert and Jake every weekend if I could afford it!! These guys are the best in the Zion area – via
We did the half-day canyoneering (family) tour with Andy. My kids are 12 and 9 years old. We loved it. It was the highlight of our time in Zion National Park, and we’ve had a lot of highlights. I was nervous if we would like the rappelling, but Andy is such a calm, gentle kind guide. He did such a great job talking my kids through how to rappel, and any fears/worries that they had. Andy helps people to feel empowered and confident, and to make the tour a really fun experience. He never acted annoyed or impatient, even when my kids were dawdling with snacks, or I was asking for a picture. I liked not feeling rushed.
We went to Lambs Knoll for a half-day tour. We hiked up, did some scrambles, and four rappels. We had so much fun. My kids were nervous to do the first practice rappel, and then they voted to do a 100 foot rappel over a 75 foot one for the last rappel. I loved getting to see the canyons up high and learn how to maneuver through the spots. I really appreciate how calm, gentle, funny and kind Andy was. If only kids’ soccer coaches acted like that!
Andy was also really great about taking pictures for us, which is really important for me. Now we have such great momentos from our wonderful tour! Thank you Andy! – via
Had a great time with Andy as my guide! Did Eye of the Needle canyon that always has running water. I believe it was 5 or 6 repels? The water cut a hole through the rock that you repel through. They supplied a dry suit. The tour ended with via ferrata to climb back out. I was told Eric the owner of Red Desert did all or most of the work installing the via ferrata footings. Then you do a zip line back across the Canyon.
I also did a tour with Red Desert maybe 12 years at Water Canyon in Hillsdale that was great. That one is around 10 or 11 repels, but a big hike up is required. Still worth it! Both canyons are different. Eye of the Needle is up in the Kolob area with pine trees, while Water Canyon is in the desert area. Both unique. – via