[vc_row entrada_row_bgcolor=”bg-white”][vc_column][bartag entrada_heading=”Who We Are”]

Moab’s Original Canyoneering, Packrafting and Rock Climbing
Guide Service, Est. 1997

[/bartag][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][entrada_services_block entrada_service_block_title=”We Are Desert Highlights – Small & Locally Owned” entrada_service_block_icon=”icon-link” entrada_service_block_short_desc=”Being a small, locally owned company means our priorities stay where they belong—on quality, authenticity, and the guests we guide. If you want to run through the trade routes smushed into a large group with strangers, look elsewhere! We love canyoneering because we believe it can be done by any age at any ability level. In fact, we often say that a sense of adventure is more important than age and/or ability. However, if you have a “curiosity for the unknown“ and value personalized attention, then allow us to give you a canyoneering experience you’re sure not to forget!”][entrada_services_block entrada_service_block_title=”We Are Explorers And Pioneers” entrada_service_block_icon=”icon-europe” entrada_service_block_short_desc=”In 1997, Desert Highlights began as Moab’s first and only canyoneering guide service. Most of the routes that we guide in the Moab area are Desert Highlights original routes. We love putting forth the work to discover a new route and explore the options of descending an unknown canyon. This can mean using unique tools such as packrafts, mountain bikes, and highly specialized canyoneering equipment. As canyoneering has become more popular over the last 20 years, we have remained passionate about finding new and remote canyons as a way to provide our guests with a solitary experience. “][entrada_services_block entrada_service_block_title=”We Are Passionate Stewards Of The Land” entrada_service_block_icon=”icon-link” entrada_service_block_short_desc=”Exploring the Desert Southwest is our passion, and canyoneering is a huge part of that. When we’re not out guiding, we’re out in the desert discovering new ways to access seemingly impossible terrain. We’re constantly learning new things about our surroundings, allowing nature to be our teacher. Keeping all of our trips private allows us to travel in small groups, ensuring that we are minimizing our impact and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. We are fortunate to have a huge backyard with endless amounts of public land. We strive to care for this environment, educating our guests about low impact travel in canyon country. This often means “ghosting“ a canyon – leaving nothing behind, including anchors, so that future groups have a similar experience of discovery and exploring pristine canyons.”][entrada_services_block entrada_service_block_title=”We Are Accommodating” entrada_service_block_icon=”icon-culture” entrada_service_block_short_desc=”All of our canyoneering, climbing, packrafting, and hiking trips are private. This is the best way to get the most out of your guided adventure. We want your trip out with us to feel like a day out with your friends and we understand that different people have different abilities and goals. Let us customize a trip that meets the goals and desires of your group. We’ll go at your pace, in your style, with your people!”][entrada_services_block entrada_service_block_title=”We Are Teachers” entrada_service_block_icon=”icon-link” entrada_service_block_short_desc=”Sure, it’s our job to get you and your group through a technical canyon safely, but our job doesn’t stop there. We want your trip with us to be a learning experience for you, leaving you with a deeper understanding of and connection to the landscape that you’re visiting. We love talking about the flora, fauna and natural history of our area – a value added component that is often lacking with other companies. We’ll also “teach you the ropes“ (literally!), giving as much detail as you’d like, so that you can gain trust in your guide and and understanding of the systems you’ll be using to safely descend the canyon.
Our guides hold current certifications in all of our areas of expertise – AMGA SPI (minimum), Wilderness First Responder, and ACA Level 4 Swiftwater.”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][bartag entrada_heading=”Meet Your Guides”][/bartag][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”5241″ primary_title=”Jake Palmer” hover_title=”Jake Palmer” css=”.vc_custom_1763670129335{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]”I’m originally from Salt Lake City and grew up hiking and climbing around the Wasatch mountains as well as visting the desert with family and friends. I gained my love for wandering through the red rock about 10 years ago when I moved just outside of Zion National Park, which is where Kai and I fell in love with Canyoneering and began our guiding career. We spent two years guiding clients in technical slot canyons outside of Zion which is where I realized how much I loved showing people these special places and teaching them how to navigate them.

We moved to Moab in 2019 to explore new canyons and live in a world class climbing destination. We quickly picked up on what a special place Moab is and grew a new love for packrafting all the rivers and ephemeral creeks that carve their way through the desert. ”

Jake is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, and maintains his Wilderness First Responder. Guests rave about what a patient and fun guide Jake is!

After completing his 6th season guiding for Herb, in 2025, Jake and Kai purchased Desert Highlights from Herb. “I hope to build on the great work that the Crimps have put into Desert Highlights and keep the culture vibrant and thriving.”[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5032″ primary_title=”Jacob Brunette” hover_title=”” hover_align=”justify”]”I grew up in Washington state and spent my childhood hiking and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest. I discovered rock climbing as a teenager and became more and more obsessed as the years went by until I was spending every free weekend climbing throughout the Cascade mountains. I got a degree in computer science from the University of British Columbia and spent several years working an office job before realizing I would go crazy if I spent the rest of my life indoors, so I pivoted to guiding. Over the years, I had taken many climbing and backpacking trips to Moab and had slowly fallen in love with the desert, so I took the leap to leave the rain behind and move here full time. I love canyon country, and I’m excited to show others just how special it can be!”[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5273″ primary_title=”Eliza Nelson” primary_align=”justify” hover_title=”Eliza Nelson”]

Eliza grew up at the base of Millcreek Canyon in Salt Lake City. Thanks to her parents, she started exploring the Wasatch Range at a young age, but she really fell in love with the mountains in college, when she started solo hiking, trail running, backpacking, and climbing. Eliza graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in both English Literature and Spanish. Outside of guiding she works as a freelance writer.

Even though she moved to Moab recently, Eliza considers the desert home. She enjoys guiding clients through canyon country’s grandeur, and is thrilled to be working for Desert Highlights—a company she trusted to take her on her first canyoneering trip in 2020 (shout out Jake & Kai for making the experience so wonderful she had to come back)!

Eliza is genuinely interested in getting to know new people, and is gentle and encouraging.

[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5278″ primary_title=”Kele Ramsay” primary_align=”right” hover_title=”Kele Ramsay”]

Kele grew up in the rolling hills of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin. He started climbing before he could walk, but without access to mountains or canyons, he started climbing anything he could find: trees, buildings, bluffs. It wasn’t until he attended the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) that he started to pursue rock climbing. Kele joined the climbing team and soon after started rock climbing outdoors on the north shore of Lake Superior. He started working for the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program at UMD as a rock climbing guide. After graduating with a BS in Physics and a BA in Spanish, he wanted to continue helping people connect with nature, so he moved out west to pursue guiding.

When Kele isn’t taking other people into the outdoors he enjoys big days out adventuring. His patience and good attitude, no matter the weather or situation, will help you keep your spirits up on those long days out.

Kele is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and a NOLS certified Wilderness First Responder.

[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_hoverbox image=”4387″ primary_title=”Kiera Mason” hover_title=”Kiera Mason” css=”.vc_custom_1690924497729{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]

“Growing up, I spent many summers working on farms and exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, and backpacking. While pursuing an accounting degree, I discovered the rock climbing world through a PE class, and realized that a desk job was never going to satisfy my constant desire to be outside. After graduating, I opted to manage a small market farm for a season. My world was further expanded when I decided to enter a bachelor’s degree program in International Rescue & Relief. While spending many school breaks in Moab, I was exposed to the guiding world, and soon found myself leading trips in the incredible landscape surrounding the Colorado river. Although a North Idahoan at heart, Moab quickly became my desert home. I love sharing the amazing topography of this region and helping others safely adventure into new places!”

Kiera’s love for the desert, experience on rope, calm demeanor and positive energy makes her a great addition to the Desert Highlights team!

[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”5196″ primary_title=”Kai Palmer” hover_title=”Kai Palmer” css=”.vc_custom_1770069125774{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]Born and raised in Salt Lake City, I was fortunate to have the Wasatch mountain range right in my backyard. My parents taught me to love the outdoors early. They got me on skis at age 2! Our family vacations were always down south to Lake Powell or Lake Mead to boat camp. I fell in love with canyoneering in college when a family friend took me out to run a few canyons in the North Wash. I was hooked!

After graduating college I took a big road trip around the U.S. – it was exciting to adventure through the states but I missed the desert! I moved to southern Utah and after briefly pursuing a career in dental hygiene, decided to take a different route and go for what I was truly passionate about. I started guiding just outside of Zion National Park and I loved every second of it! Moving to Moab was an easy decision for me because of all the outdoor adventures this area has to offer!

In 2025, Kai and her husband Jake purchased Desert Highlights from Herb. “I’m honored to carry the torch of Desert Highlights and to be part of the journey that Matt, and the Crimps have created. It’s been a dream of mine to run my own guide shop, and I’m grateful to be doing that with Desert Highlights. I’m excited to help it grow and stay grounded in the values and traditions that have shaped Desert Highlights as a guide service.”[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5268″ primary_title=”Joe Stern” hover_title=”Joe Stern”]Joe grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and started climbing during high school. He took his first climbing trip to the Moab area in 2002 and instantly fell in love with the surrounding landscape and community. After making regular visits for a dozen years, Joe moved to Moab in 2014 and has been guiding climbing and canyoneering trips since then. He is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and spends summers guiding climbs in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Joe studied geology at Ohio University, then spent three years teaching climbing and mountaineering courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He then went back to school and got a PhD in Earth Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Joe is a geology instructor for Science Moab, where he helps to educate local guides about the geology of the area and how to communicate this science to visitors and guests. He loves to share insights about the geologic story of the Moab area while climbing and canyoneering.
Joe recently finished writing his first guidebook, The Little Book of Moab Area Rock Climbs, and is actively working on additional climbing guidebooks to the area. He is an active route developer with first ascents of several dozen climbing routes near Moab, ranging from 5.4–5.12 in difficulty. Joe’s intimate knowledge of the Moab area and his patient, calm demeanor are sure to help you feel more confident as you experience the magic of climbing or canyoneering in this awe-inspiring desert landscape.

[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5028″ primary_title=”Michelle Leber” primary_align=”right” hover_title=””]

Born and raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, Michelle spent her formative years out in nature. As an adult, Michelle realized the weekend warrior life wouldn’t cut it and she left a more mundane job to become a guide. Her current passion is helping others achieve outdoor goals and challenge themselves.

Michelle spends most of her time in Moab, exploring the hidden treasures and perfect splitter cracks of the desert. She also guides big mountains, including Denali, Rainier, and the Grand Teton. In addition, she’s an Advanced EMT working with the local ambulance service.

Michelle’s philosophy is to enjoy every moment, to be a supportive and positive adventure partner, and to seek new challenges and learning experiences. With her patient and friendly style, she is here to help you meet your climbing dreams and have an amazing desert experience!

[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”5276″ primary_title=”Skyeler Congdon” primary_align=”right” hover_title=”Skyeler Congdon”]

Skyeler first visited canyon country at age four—and promptly fell into the river and almost floated away. Somehow the desert still let him stick around, and he’s been coming back ever since. With a dad obsessed with canyoneering, Skyeler grew up exploring the Colorado Plateau and descending classic slots like Little Wildhorse, Spooky Gulch, and the infamous Black Hole.
Skyeler has been guiding in the outdoors since 2001 and climbing for over 20 years. His background spans desert canyons, rivers, and technical rock terrain, and he’s led outdoor education and expedition programs in 13 countries across five
continents—including multiple seasons in the Andes/Amazon and expeditions to the Himalaya. In 2016, he helped lead the first river-and-mountain expedition to the Himalaya by an American Outward Bound School, combining time on the Ganges River with high-altitude trekking.
What drives Skyeler’s approach to guiding is the belief that the best days come from
clear systems, good judgment, and helping clients understand why things matter—not just what to do. He holds a BA in Adventure Education and has worked extensively in desert environments where preparation, discretion, and stewardship are essential.
Moab has always been one of Skyeler’s “home landscapes.” He’s excited to spend the 2026 season with Desert Highlights, guiding small, thoughtful trips that honor both the people and the place. He believes quality adventures require restraint as much as boldness—knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to simply let clients absorb the landscape. (For a little local lore: one of his favorite climbing memories is a first ascent on Sunflower Tower.)
When he’s not in the canyons, Skyeler practices yoga, studies ethnobotany and
herbalism, grows medicinal plants, ferments vegetables, and plays ukulele just well
enough to be dangerous

[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][bartag entrada_heading=”Desert Highlights Legacy”][/bartag][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_hoverbox image=”3784″ primary_title=”Matt Moore” hover_title=”Matt Moore” css=”.vc_custom_1690924594837{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]

Matt Moore is the founder of Desert Highlights, opening the doors of Moab’s first canyoneering company in 1997. He is the pioneer of many of the classic Moab canyoneering routes that are still enjoyed today, and he is a true desert wanderer at heart. His knowledge of the Colorado Plateau is unmatched and we’ve been so fortunate to pick his brain over the years. His passion and excitement for exploring the Utah landscape is contagious, and we hope to carry the Desert Highlights torch and keep the flame bright by showing you our backyard with the same enthusiasm that Matt always has.

[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”3781″ primary_title=”Melissa Crimp” hover_title=”Melissa Crimp” css=”.vc_custom_1738886287610{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]Melissa spent her formative years between Southern Maryland and Gulf Shores, AL, breaking free from the south in 2007 when she made the life changing move west to Denver, CO. It was here that she was introduced to rock climbing and eventually canyoneering during her first visit to Moab in 2008. Although most of her days were spent adventuring outdoors, she found time to attend UC Denver and receive a bachelors degree in Environmental Science. She gave the 9 to 5 lifestyle a chance and quickly learned that sitting behind a computer was not the life for her. She has traveled and worked throughout the US and Central America, finally landing in Moab in 2013.

She has spent time canyoneering in the slots of Zion, the Grand Canyon and the Moab area and climbing all over Colorado and Southern Utah. On her days off, she can be found exploring remote areas of Southern Utah, whether it be in a deep, narrow canyon or on top of a tall, skinny desert tower – her favorite way to experience desert rock climbing. She feels at home in the desert and truly enjoys sharing this special place with visitors. As a guide, she finds great reward in coaxing the fearful over the edge of a cliff – on rope, of course!

In 2025, Melissa took her love for numbers and problem-solving and opened her own bookkeeping service, Blue Sage Bookkeeping. Her services have been absolutely invaluable to us at Desert Highlights, and we can’t recommend her highly enough![/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column_inner][vc_hoverbox image=”4480″ primary_title=”Herb Crimp” hover_title=”Herb Crimp” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1768936079035{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]Herb grew up in Virginia hiking and climbing in the Appalachians. He got his first taste of southern Utah during a thirty day Wilderness Leadership course through his alma mater, Radford University. He received his bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

After graduating, Herb worked as an environmental education teacher in Alabama. The lure of the West is strong, however, and in 2005 he returned to live in northern Utah and work as a counselor for a wilderness therapy program. The challenges of work had him seeking solace on his days off in the breathtaking backcountry of southern Utah. In 2007, Herb began guiding for Desert Highlights. Herb has also been a climbing and backcountry snowboard instructor for NOLS since 2011. His enthusiasm for traveling through remote canyons is contagious. In 2015, Herb purchased Desert Highlights from Matt to become the sole owner. In 2025 he sold the business to guides, Jake and Kai Palmer. If you’re lucky you might spot him climbing or fishing around town, or hangin in the shop!

Herb is certified as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician and a Wilderness First Responder. He has trained with NOLS as a climbing Instructor. Herb has also completed a Level 1 Avalanche course through NOLS.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_hoverbox image=”4097″ primary_title=”Ed Oak” hover_title=”Ed Oak” el_width=”50″ css=”.vc_custom_1768936003610{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-right: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]

Ed has been guiding with Desert Highlights off-and-on for the last 20 years. This free-spirited Gemini started his wilderness explorations with an ascent of Mt. Katahdin in Maine at the age of 8, and by 14 he was leading multi-pitch rock climbs at the spectacular Seneca Rocks in West Virginia. With this kind of youthful introduction to the backcountry, one can see why Ed enjoys helping people of all ages and abilities discover breathtaking, high-angle adventures. He has a degree in outdoor education from Prescott College in Arizona and has spent over 14 years leading trips for some of America’s leading wilderness schools, including the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School. Of course, his climbing resume also includes an ascent of Yosemite’s formidable El Capitan! All of these experiences and more have given Ed the personal and practical skills that will enrich and ensure the safety of your canyon explorations with Desert Highlights.

[/vc_hoverbox][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][bartag entrada_heading=”What Our Guests Say About Us”]

[wp_social_ninja id=”4748″ platform=”reviews”][/bartag][/vc_column][/vc_row]