A DH exclusive! A maze of sandstone fins with unparalleled views and a huge rappel!
During this canyon tour, we enjoy easy climbing, big views and a 220-foot rappel – the longest guided rappel in Moab!
This adventure is a winding, circuitous loop hike that has us gaining and losing several hundred feet of elevation over three miles of exploration. Like most DH routes, this is an original Moab canyoneering route that we have developed in response to the increasing difficulty of getting off the beaten path and immersing oneself into solitude and sandstone majesty. We travel through beautiful terrain that has not been seen by many, and we end the day with a spectacular 220-foot rappel that is sure to leave you feeling proud, accomplished and full of bragging rights!












Kjersit –
We had an amazing trip to Zig Zag Canyon yesterday with Melissa and Kai, and I recommend it highly! The scenery is spectacular, and hanging mid-air in a canyon is just an incredible way to take in the views. We’re a group of 6 – 2 mamas and 4 kids aged 12 and 14, pretty fit but not ‘superathletes’ and our first time canyoneering (except my friend, who runs marathons). The hike up was moderately hard, and it was fun, with some scrambling and climbing with a rope in one section. The 2 first rappels were a good introduction, and the 3rd was absolutely spectacular. Melissa and Kai were excellent guides, with a good sense of humor and a very calming demeanor for anyone who is a bit nervous. My daughter (12) was very nervous, but Kai and Melissa calmly guided her through the steps. She left wanting to do more canyoneering:) Me too:)
Alyssa –
My husband and I did the full day Zig Zag canyoneering trip. It was our first time ever rappelling, and it was awesome! Jake was a fantastic tour guide, always explaining how to navigate through the obstacles, and making sure we were getting the most of our experience. We loved that we were able to have a private tour without paying any additional costs. Before booking the trip, I had emailed several questions, and Melissa was very responsive and helpful in her replies. I highly recommend Desert Highlights!
Mike –
Absolutely amazing experience!! It was definitely a highlight of my daughter (19) and my (50) time in Moab. Our hike and repel in and down Zig Zag Canyon was incredible. A once in a lifetime experience!! Our guide was very patient, kind and very knowledgeable of the surrounding land and its history. Highly recommend, worth every penny!!!
Brianna M –
Unforgettable experience!! My partner and I booked the Zig Zag canyoneering trip with Kai. We had been emailing back and forth a few weeks before our trip out to Moab. Kai answered all our questions and ultimately helped us pick Zig Zag canyon! Kai was extremely knowledgeable on climbing and even taught us a lot about the desert ecosystem. My partner and I had little to no experience climbing or rappelling. Kai explained everything to us very thoroughly and made us feel so safe even while scaling down a 220ft wall. 10/10 experience! Will definitely book again when we come back to Moab!!
Elizabeth K –
We did the zigzag canyon with Ed and this was a highlight of our time in Moab. He was so encouraging and well versed in the landscape and history of the area. He showed us some rock art while we were out hiking around that was very cool. He really taught us what to do, explained all the steps well and gave a lot of encouragement and gentle corrections as we went. Would love to come back and do more tours with desert highlights. They also have wonderful swag in their shop, some of which sales go to local charities, really a wonderful company to support !