Zion National Park’s eastern side offers a thrilling adventure for the daring outdoor enthusiast – the Powells Way Full-Day Canyoneering tour. This exhilarating excursion immerses participants in the backcountry’s remote canyons, where they’ll tackle six heart-pounding rappels and traverse uneven terrain. Yet, this tour isn’t for the faint of heart; a strong fitness level and the ability to handle strenuous activities are a must. While those with physical limitations should steer clear, the brave who take on this challenge will be rewarded with an unforgettable exploration of Zion’s hidden wonders.
Key Points
- A full-day canyoneering tour in the East Zion area of Zion National Park, featuring six rappels down canyon walls.
- Explores the backcountry of Zion National Park through off-road cruising and hiking to access remote canyons.
- Includes specialized canyoneering equipment like helmets and ropes, as well as a provided picnic lunch.
- Not recommended for those with physical limitations, as it requires a strong fitness level and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
- Meets at Zion Mountain Ranch in Mt Carmel, Utah, with an 8:00 AM start time and a return to the ranch at the end of the tour.
Tour Overview
The Powells Way Full-Day Canyoneering tour in East Zion, Utah, provides adventurous travelers with the opportunity to explore the backcountry of Zion National Park through a full day of canyoneering activities, including six rappels.
This tour, which boasts a Badge of Excellence and 27 reviews, takes participants off-road and on hikes to access the stunning canyons.
Throughout the experience, canyoneering equipment like helmets and ropes are provided, and a picnic lunch is included.
However, this adventure isn’t recommended for those with certain physical limitations, as it requires a strong fitness level.
Ultimately, the Powells Way tour offers a thrilling way to take in the natural beauty of Zion’s rugged terrain.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Utah
Activities Offered
During the Powells Way Full-Day Canyoneering tour, participants can expect to engage in a range of exhilarating activities, including rappelling down stunning canyon walls and embarking on off-road cruising and hiking to access the remote canyons.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to traverse 6 different rappels within the Powell’s Way canyon, offering adventurers a thrilling descent into the heart of East Zion’s backcountry.
The tour also includes:
- A picnic lunch provided to fuel explorers during their day-long adventure
- Specialized canyoneering equipment such as helmets and ropes for a safe and enjoyable experience
- Ample bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the physical activities
What’s Included
Canyoneering equipment like helmets and ropes, as well as bottled water, are all provided for participants during the Powells Way Full-Day Canyoneering tour.
Gratuities are also included in the tour price, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The tour provider takes care of all the necessary gear, allowing adventurers to focus on the thrilling descent through Powell’s Way canyon.
With six exciting rappels, explorers will have the chance to safely navigate the backcountry of Zion National Park.
The inclusion of essential equipment and other amenities makes this full-day canyoneering excursion a seamless and worry-free experience for those seeking an adrenaline-filled outdoor adventure.
Requirements and Limitations
This tour isn’t recommended for certain travelers due to its physical demands. Individuals with back problems, pregnant women, and those with heart or other medical conditions may be unable to safely participate. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a strong level of physical fitness from participants.
The canyoneering adventure in East Zion’s Powell’s Way includes:
- Navigating uneven terrain and natural obstacles while hiking and accessing the canyons
- Performing multiple rappels, some over 100 feet, which requires upper body strength and stamina
- Enduring a full day of strenuous outdoor activities in a remote backcountry setting
Travelers must carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking this challenging yet rewarding experience.
Meeting Information
The tour meets at the Zion Mountain Ranch, located at 9065 West Highway 9 in Mt Carmel, Utah, with a starting time of 8:00 AM.
Participants will return to the same meeting point at the end of the full-day canyoneering adventure.
Guests should arrive at the ranch with enough time to check-in and prepare for the day’s activities.
From the meeting point, the group will embark on an off-road journey to access the remote Powell’s Way canyon, where they’ll spend the day exploring the backcountry of Zion National Park.
At the conclusion of the tour, the group will return to the Zion Mountain Ranch, bringing an end to this exciting canyoneering excursion.
Accessing the Canyons
From the meeting point at the Zion Mountain Ranch, the group embarks on an off-road journey to access the remote Powell’s Way canyon, traversing rugged terrain to reach the backcountry of Zion National Park.
The adventurers pile into sturdy 4×4 vehicles, ready to explore the untamed landscape. The off-road cruising portion of the tour allows them to cover ground efficiently, navigating winding roads and rugged paths that lead deep into the canyon systems.
Upon reaching the trailhead, the group disembarks and continues on foot, hiking through the stunning natural environment to reach the entry point of Powell’s Way. This multi-faceted approach ensures participants can fully enjoy the canyoneering experience.
Canyoneering Experiences
Once adventurers reach the entry point of Powell’s Way, they embark on an exhilarating canyoneering journey, descending into the rugged terrain through a series of thrilling rappels. Donning their specialized gear, they navigate the canyon’s natural rock formations, carefully maneuvering down steep walls and navigating through narrow passages to explore the hidden wonders of this backcountry landscape.
The canyoneering experience offers a range of challenges and rewards. Participants can expect to encounter:
| Challenge | Reward |
|---|---|
| Steep Descents | Stunning Vistas |
| Narrow Passages | Immersion in Nature |
| Technical Maneuvers | Sense of Accomplishment |
| Physical Exertion | Unforgettable Memories |
| Environmental Conditions | Deepened Appreciation for the Outdoors |
Picnic Lunch
After a morning of physically demanding canyoneering, participants can look forward to a well-deserved picnic lunch provided by the tour operators. The nutritious meal, which includes a selection of sandwiches, fresh fruits, and hydrating beverages, offers a restorative break and opportunity to refuel before the next phase of the adventure.
The picnic setting allows adventurers to:
- Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the East Zion wilderness
- Swap stories and share experiences with fellow canyoneering enthusiasts
- Recharge their batteries in preparation for the upcoming rappelling sessions
This midday respite is a welcomed respite, ensuring participants have the energy and enthusiasm to fully enjoy the remainder of the thrilling Powells Way excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Any Prior Canyoneering Experience?
No prior canyoneering experience is required. The tour operator provides all necessary canyoneering equipment and guides participants through the activities. However, a strong physical fitness level is mandatory to participate in this full-day canyoneering excursion.
Can I Bring My Own Canyoneering Equipment?
Participants can’t bring their own canyoneering equipment for this tour. The tour provider supplies all necessary gear, including helmets and ropes. Using the tour’s provided equipment ensures proper safety and functionality for the canyoneering activities.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no specific age restrictions, but the tour isn’t recommended for young children. Participants must be physically fit and able to handle the challenging canyoneering activities. Minors should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Can I Customize the Tour to My Fitness Level?
Yes, the tour can be customized to a participant’s fitness level. The tour operator is flexible and will work with each guest to ensure they’re comfortable and able to participate safely based on their individual physical capabilities.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?
If inclement weather occurs, the tour operator will evaluate the safety conditions and may adjust or cancel the tour. They’ll work with participants to reschedule or provide an alternative activity if the canyoneering portion can’t be safely completed.
Recap
The Powells Way Full-Day Canyoneering tour in East Zion, Utah, offers an exhilarating adventure for adventurous travelers.
With specialized equipment, a picnic lunch, and expert guidance, participants can explore remote canyons, navigate uneven terrain, and experience thrilling rappels.
However, the tour’s physical demands make it unsuitable for those with limitations, ensuring an unforgettable challenge for the fit and enthusiastic.
More Tour Reviews in Utah
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Utah we have recnetly reviewed
- Best Full-Day Tours In Utah
- Moonscape Overlook Factory Butte and Bentonite Hills
- Salt Lake Specialties Pass
- Junior Snowboard Rental Package for Snowbasin and Powder Mountain
- Demo Ski Rental Package for Snowbasin and Powder Mountain
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Tooele UT
- Private Wild Horse Photo Safari From Tooele
- Ice Fishing in Park City
- Private Goblin Valley State Park Audio Guided Tour
- Hells Hole Extreme UTV Red Rock Adventure
- Capitol Reef Half Day Temples of the Sun and Moon
- Rocky Mountains and Red Rocks, Utah Adventure Motorcycle Tour