About Us | Desert Highlights | Private Guided Canyoneering in Moab, UT

Who We Are

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

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!

Meet Your Guides

Jake Palmer

“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.”

Herb Crimp

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, and continues to guide with Desert Highlights.

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.

Melissa Crimp

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!

Ed Oak

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.

Jacob Brunette

“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!”

Kai Palmer

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.”

Preston Henning

“I grew up on the Colorado Front Range and discovered the outdoors through family camping trips. I couldn’t get enough and joined Scouts to spend as much time as possible climbing, backpacking, and biking. My first trip to Southeast Utah was on a roadtrip through the national parks as a teenager and I couldn’t wait to go back! After many return trips, a summer of guiding in New Mexico, and a short stint living in Northern Utah, I moved to Moab in 2020. When I’m not climbing on the cliffs or scrambling through remote slot canyons, I’m sewing the backpacks and gear to make those trips possible. I love guiding to share the experiences and landscapes that have had a huge impact on me with others!”

Desert Highlights is proud to have Preston join the team as a patient, kind and all-around fun guide! If you’re interested in his super awesome, locally-made backpacks, check out Mindset Packs.

Kiera Mason

“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!

Michelle Leber

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!

Matt Moore

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.

Mark & Sue Wiggins

Shuttle Drivers & Behind-the-Scenes Support

While you may not see them on your guided trip with Desert Highlights, Mark and Sue are an integral part of our day-to-day operations. If you’ve ever done a trip with us where the vehicle magically ended up at the end of the canyon so that you’d have a ride back to town, you can thank them for making it happen! Shuttle drivers, dog-sitters, moral support during the busy season, loving parents (to Melissa) and in-laws (to Herb) and all around wonderful people – Desert Highlights is grateful to have the Wiggins’ as part of the team.

On his days off, you might see Mark wandering around the desert with his dogs Moose & Scooter. He loves canyoneering when he gets the chance – usually during the off-season when crowds are low and guides are available.

Sue has become a wonderful addition to the Moab community, supporting locals and visitors by volunteering at the St. Francis Episcopal Church’s food bank and soup kitchen and always searching for ways to help those in need. She has a huge heart and a kind spirit, and will occasionally get a hankering for some good ole canyoneerin’!

What Our Guests Say About Us

I had an absolutely wonderful time with Desert Highlights! This was my first time using the company, but it won't be my last! I spent 2 days with the company. I love that all of the tours are private. They even provide water and snacks. I have a chocolate allergy and they made sure to have non-chocolate snacks available. The 1st day was a half-day hiking in Arches with Herb. He was great - friendly, a pleasure to be around & very helpful for navigating the terrain! He also took plenty of pictures of me with the arches in the background! Prior to the hike(s), he gave me options on whether to do 1 longer hike or multiple shorter hikes. We ended up doing multiple shorter hikes so I could see more arches. Herb's wife, Melissa, is the one that answers all of the emails. She was wonderful as well! Prior to the my next tour, I emailed Melissa last minute to see if I could add a sunset hike to Delicate Arch to my half-day hiking tour and thankfully they were able to accommodate! The 2nd day was a half day hiking in Canyonlands Island in the Sky district in the morning with a short afternoon break and then a hike to Delicate Arch for sunset. Both of these hikes were with Kai. Kai was wonderful! She was friendly, helpful, and a pleasure to be around! For Canyonlands, we did a few shorter hikes as I didn't want to wear myself out too much before our Delicate Arch hike. The Delicate Arch hike was wonderful! I'm a hobbyist photographer and was going to limit my equipment in order to keep my bag light, but Kai was kind enough to offer to carry my tripod and one of my lenses in her bag. The sunset at Delicate Arch was beautiful! I definitely plan to return to the area and do other adventures and plan to use Desert Highlights again!

Aspen Blackmon January 7, 2024

Amazing day! Amazing company! We had such a fun day. Our guide ,Ed, was great. Patient with my kids (11 and 13) and so knowledgeable. Just all around good guy the shop helped us figure out our dog problem and they were incredibly nice and down to earth as well. I’ll definitely do more trips with them!

Melissa Shaw November 21, 2023

Me and my 13 year old son had a wonderful experience rock climbing for 2 full days with Desert Highlights. Working with Kai to make our reservation was very easy. Kai was friendly, answered our questions and followed up with us as promised. After reading other reviews, we requested Jake for our guide and thankfully he was available both days. Jake was amazing. Me and my son are both beginner outdoor climbers with intermediate climbing skills from time spent at the climbing gym. Jake was very personable, professional and patient with us. Safety was always first and fun was a close second. Jake quickly assessed our climbing abilities and put us on challenging climbs that were not above what we could do. He was constantly assessing our energy level and asking about our climbing terrain preference. He is an excellent teacher making suggestions to improve our technique and helping us be better climbers. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Moab area as well. Since we're interested in learning how to climb outdoors on our own, Jake provided lots of advice on how to get to that level safely. It's obvious that Jake loves climbing, guiding, teaching and being outdoors. I would not hesitate to climb with Jake again and we look forward to doing more challenging crack climbs with him in the future. Thanks Jake, Kai and Desert Highlights for a great two days of rock climbing.

Prosper Wang November 9, 2023

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 !

Elizabeth Kilty November 2, 2023

Our canyoneering outing with Kiera was outstanding. She was knowledgeable, totally prepared, and extremely engaging. Strong focus on safety, while still providing a good physical test. I Strongly recommend Desert Highlights.

Tim Sheehy November 2, 2023

Our experience with Desert Highlights was fantastic beginning to end. We were a group of four looking for an adventurous trip doing canyoneering (our first times). It started with talking to Melissa on the phone who helped answer questions and got a feel for what we were looking for. She followed up our call via email with a ton of information and helped us pick the perfect excursion. Recommend talking to them to pick the right one for your group, they are super helpful. The day of the adventure was super convenient. We had a private group since it was four of us and we met our tour guide, Jake. We rode in a private vehicle to the starting point where we did a super intense hike with stunning views, scrambling, and even some rock climbing maneuvers (it was so cool and what we asked for!). Jake was the best. He was cool to talk to, very knowledgeable, and supportive and helped us feel totally safe throughout the entire trip. He even took amazing pictures and gave ski recommendations for Utah for our next visit! Cannot recommend Desert Highlights enough! Will absolutely book with them again. Thank you DH!

Greg Cavanaugh November 1, 2023

My adult son and I did the Medieval chamber rappel and hike with Kiera on 10/17. It was unbelievable. Kiera radiated competence and inspired confidence. I'm a 55-year-old granny with no previous experience, but she made it easy. Also, the hike out from Morning Glory arch was one of our prettiest hikes during our week in Moab.

Randi Eastland October 23, 2023

Ed was an excellent guide for the Medieval Chamber/Packraft trip for me and my husband. We had a fantastic day. Thanks also to Kai and Herb for shuttling! Highly recommend this company!

Chris Gavlin October 14, 2023

I did a solo canyoneering and hiking morning with Kai and could not have been happier! I had never rappelled before and her calm, confidence and simple but thorough instructions made me completely comfortable. And the hike itself was one that had been recommended by several people, including a park ranger and it did not disappoint. I recommend anyone wanting to explore beyond the national parks to book and adventure with Desert Highlights!

Cindy Talmadge October 11, 2023

Our guide Jake took us out to Indian Creek as well as to the Ancient Art tower and the entire trip was spectacular. He is an excellent teacher (about climbing and the surrounding area/rock formations) and a truly kind person. Cannot recommend enough!

Margo Ruby October 9, 2023

My wife and I had a fantastic time canyoneering with Desert Highlights. We had never done it before and the guide was wonderful at explaining everything and patiently helping us. She made it possible for us to push ourselves to do this new experience that was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend Desert Highlights to any and all!

Justus Hedeen October 1, 2023

We were a group of 5 50ish women from NY who had never done canyoneering, Quite honestly we didn’t realize what we were signed up for (LOL). We met Kai at the meeting place and she immediately began to describe the day’s activities at Entrajo canyon. We were stunned that she thought that we were capable of climbing up a gully and then repelling into a canyon and ultimately repelling down a 90 foot cliff side. Well, she was right!!! She was so patient and her instructions were so thoughtful and detailed that we all conquered all the above! BEST DAY EVER!! I definitely recommend the full day Entrajo canyoneering and pack rafting tour!

Janice Parise September 20, 2023

Our group had an incredible experience. I’m an avid traveler and I can tell you from lived experience, this is a legit outfitter. 10/10

Josh Myrick September 10, 2023

We had a great full day trip with rappelling, and packaging. Our guide Kai was great. This was definitely a highlight of our trip.

nick September 9, 2023

I had an amazing time with Desert Highlights on a guided rock climbing and also a canyoneering trip this past spring. It was one of the best experiences of my life! Herb was my guide on both trips and he was extremally patient, knowledgeable and easy going. He answered endless questions about the technical skills used on the trip as well as questions pertaining to the local area. Herb is awesome! Another thing that I really appreciate is they are a small company that really worked with me to tailor the experience so I could get the most out of it. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this place! If I end up in Moab again I will be booking another adventure with them! If you are looking for a great way to explore the beauty and wonder of Moab, you should definitely book a trip with Desert Highlights. You will not regret it!

Anthony Castro September 8, 2023

They are an amazing guide service Very professional and friendly Incredibly knowledge about the local flora, fauna, and history

Daria Indeck September 7, 2023

Eric Wagner August 26, 2023

My best friend was visiting me in Moab and we have the BEST time ever canyoneering. Our guide Kiera was so calm and relaxed in explaining to us on what to do which made us a lot more confident throughout the entire trip. I loved it so much I went and did Medieval Chamber a couple of weeks later! Herb was our guide and so knowledgeable about the area. Such an amazing experience and I couldn't recommend Desert Highlights enough!

Corinne Lewis August 9, 2023

We had such a fun morning with Kai on the Entrajo Canyon tour. She is such an easy and calm person to be with, you forget she is actually expertly guiding you safely through the canyon. If you are in Moab, you MUST book a tour. It’ll be your highlight!

melissa rust July 29, 2023

If you are in Moab and want to take an adventure, go with Desert Highlights! Our guide Kiera was so great with my two daughters. She patiently encouraged them and made them feel confident the entire time. The business itself is organized and well-run. Could not have asked for a better time! Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Desert Highlights!

Nate Smith July 26, 2023