Established in 1997, Desert Highlights is Moab’s original canyoneering, rock climbing and packrafting guide service. Still proudly small and locally owned, the crew has mapped and pioneered many of the red-rock routes they now sha...
This Moab-based outfit has earned an incredibly strong reputation for their canyoneering, rappelling, and national parks tours. What stands out most in the feedback is the exceptional quality of their guides. Jacob, Jake, Preston, Madison, and owner Kai all get praised repeatedly for being patient, knowledgeable, and skilled at adapting to different comfort levels and abilities. Multiple families mention nervous kids who ended up having a blast thanks to guides who took extra time to build confidence without any pressure. The private tour approach seems to be a real differentiator here. Reviewers love having guides focused solely on their group, which allows for personalized pacing and more thorough instruction. People rave about the variety of experiences offered, from beginner-friendly rappels to slot canyons and packrafting combos. The attention to detail impresses too—guides handle all the logistics, bring snacks, cook meals on overnight trips, and even snap photos so everyone gets in the shot. Several families have returned multiple times over the years, which speaks volumes about consistency. If you're looking for a reliable, safety-focused operation that genuinely cares about creating memorable adventures for all ages and experience levels, this comes highly recommended.
Had an amazing canyoneering experience with Desert Highlights! Our guide was extremely responsible and professional, with excellent safety measures throughout the tour. She explained everything patiently and adjusted to our pace with great flexibility. The Zigzag tour was fantastic — a perfect way to truly immerse yourself in Moab nature and appreciate the stunning scenery. It combined physical adventure and breathtaking views in the best possible way. Truly reliable and highly recommended!
Ivy
November 30, 2025
Had an amazing canyoneering experience with Desert Highlights! Our guide was extremely responsible and professional, with excellent safety measures throughout the tour. She explained everything patiently and adjusted to our pace with great flexibility. The Zigzag tour was fantastic — a perfect way to truly immerse yourself in Moab nature and appreciate the stunning scenery. It combined physical adventure and breathtaking views in the best possible way. Truly reliable and highly recommended!
Ivy
November 30, 2025