Irish Canyons – Hanksville Canyoneering

• Duration: 5-7 hours (canyon time)
• Difficulty: Easy – Difficult, depending on canyon choice
• Total Hiking Distance: 3 – 4 miles
• Rappels: Dependent on chosen route, usually a few between 20 and 80 feet
• Minimum Age: We suggest a minimum age of 9 for Irish Canyon trips. Exceptions are sometimes made, so please give us a call or shoot us an email to discuss your options.
• Distance from Moab: 2 hours, one-way; Option to add scenic flight instead of driving (one-way)
• Distance from Hanksville: 25 minutes. Ask us about this option if you’re traveling to or from Capitol Reef National Park
• This canyon can be part of a Multi-day tour
• Season: All year, best in spring and fall
• All trips are private – just your group and your guide!
  • 2024 Prices:
  • 1 Person – $650
  • Group of 2 – $328/person
  • Group of 3 – $295/person
  • Group of 4 or more – $273/person
  • Please call for availability if your group has 14 or more people in it

For some folks, squeezing through narrow “slot canyons” is the ultimate in Canyoneering. Though typically dry with no flowing water, these canyons have been carved from several millions of years of infrequent flash floods. Blarney Canyon, and it’s nearby “big brother” Leprechaun Canyon, showcase some of the narrowest slots in the deserts of Utah. Here you can explore the stunning sandstone hallway of “Belfast Boulevard.”

The approach hike consists of easy walking over ancient sand dunes. As we work our way up to the top of the canyon, distant views towards Lake Powell and the Henry Mountains become more dramatic. We’ll talk about the interesting geology and history of the area, or just gaze in awe at the jaw-dropping scenery.

Upon reaching the head of our chosen canyon, we’ll don technical canyoneering gear and body armor (knee pads!) We’ll spend some time talking about rappelling, down-climbing technique and offering pro-tips for descending the canyon in style. Once we’ve made our way into the slot, chimney after chimney is encountered, all of which are great fun with plenty of problem solving. There are even a few rappels buried somewhere in the midst of this madness! Similar to – but much longer than – Entrajo Canyon, this is a fantastic slot for those wanting to get started on a lifetime of exploring technical slot canyons. While these slots can be serious work – they are serious fun!