We are explorers and pioneers
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. Click here to learn more about what it takes to create and officially guide a new canyoneering route.
We are passionate stewards of the land
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.
We are accommodating
All of our canyoneering and packrafting 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!
We are teachers
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.
We are Desert Highlights
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. If you want to run through the trade routes smushed into a large group with strangers, look elsewhere! 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!
