I’m so excited to share all the information you’ll need about Utah’s family-friendly ride and rappel slot canyon tour with Roam Outdoor.
We visited Utah over our spring break in March. Most of our trip was centered around hiking, so I really wanted to add in a unique experience for our boys, because hiking is not their favorite pastime! This adventure was epic for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.
- The tour we booked was the Ride + Rappel Slot Canyon Adventure.
- You will be with an experienced guide during your entire tour.
- This is great for beginners and for kids as young as four!
- Our tour was about 2.5 hours long.
- We hiked through a slot canyon and rappelled during the hike.
- Each rappel ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet. The rappels started off small at 10 feet and then the last rappel was the longest at 45 feet.
- Be sure to wear hiking shoes and pants.
- You can bring your own backpack with snacks, extra layers, water, and your camera.
- Your guide will be happy to take photos along the way!
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can continue to enjoy this amazing trail for years to come!
The Ride & Rappelling Adventure
Ladder Canyon – Distance: 2 miles | Time: 2.5 hours | Level: Moderate (with rappels)
Our adventure started at the Roam Outdoor business in Orderville, Utah at 10:00 am. First, we were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. From here, it was a short climb to begin our hike and rappel tour!
As you can see from the photos, it was an adventure every step of the way! But we always felt very safe and comfortable while riding, hiking, and rappelling!
To enter the slot canyon, we actually had to rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We alternated between hiking though the slot canyon and rappelling down to the next section. And, we gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went along, and finished with a 45 foot rappel!
We had a fantastic adventure “learning the ropes” as we hiked and explored Ladder Canyon! It was a little chilly, so we did need jackets and two layers of gloves. I suggest bringing along hand warmers and extra layers just in case the weather is colder than you’re used to.
Highlights
- This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!
- Our guide was so patient with our boys!
- There are many photographic opportunities along the entire hike through Ladder Canyon.
- Safety was the number one priority!
Once we finished rappelling, we were able to explore more of the canyon and then we enjoyed the ATV ride back to Roam Outdoors. Again, I was so impressed with our guide and his willingness to take our family photos and tell us the history of the canyon during our tour. It was a fantastic day and both of the boys agreed it was the best of adventure of the entire trip!
More Utah Adventures!
If you are planning a trip to Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!
