Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour

If you’re looking for a taste of adventure tucked just outside Zion National Park, the Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour offers a compelling mix of scenic off-road riding and exhilarating canyon descents. Priced at $169 per person and lasting about 3.5 hours, this experience promises a good dose of Utah’s signature red rock beauty with manageable thrills for those new to canyoneering.

What we love about this tour is how it combines adventure with scenic beauty — the UTV ride alone can be a highlight, offering sweeping views of the rugged backcountry. Plus, the canyoneering portion includes three rappels, with the highest reaching 100 feet, making it a perfect introduction for beginners eager to try rappelling without feeling overwhelmed. But, a potential consideration is the physical requirement—participants need to hike about 2 miles with some steep uphill sections, so those with mobility issues or back problems should think twice.

This tour is well-suited for families with older children (age 8 and up), outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quick but memorable adventure, and curious travelers wanting a manageable intro to the thrill of canyoneering. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to combine off-road exploration with spectacular canyon scenery in one half-day outing.

Key Points

• Balanced adventure: Combines UTV riding and canyoneering for a well-rounded experience.
• Beginner friendly: Designed to be accessible, with manageable rappels and a scenic hike.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and enrich the story of the landscape.
• Stunning scenery: Private access to a beautiful slot canyon offers photo-worthy views.
• Physical requirements: Participants must be able to hike 2 miles with some steep sections.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 10) provide a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Elkheart Half-Day Adventure

This half-day tour offers an excellent introduction to Utah’s striking red rock landscapes, perfect for travelers seeking adventure without a full-day commitment. You’ll start with a thrilling UTV ride—a customized vehicle that takes you deep into the backcountry, away from crowded trails, offering spectacular views of Zion’s surrounding cliffs and canyons.

Soon after, the tour shifts gears. You’ll hike to the top of a private slot canyon—a natural, narrow passage carved by water, featuring stunning red rock walls and sometimes waist-deep water. Then, the real excitement begins with three rappels, including a descent of up to 100 feet. All of this is guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts who prioritize safety while making the experience approachable, even for first-timers.

The tour ends with a scenic UTV return, providing a comfortable way to reflect on the canyon’s beauty. The entire outing is designed to be accessible for beginners, but still packed with enough adrenaline to satisfy thrill-seekers.

What Makes This Tour Special

A Stunning UTV Ride with Privacy and Views

The UTV ride is one of the highlights. These custom vehicles are built to handle Utah’s rugged terrain comfortably, and the ride to the canyon is anything but boring. You’ll enjoy sweeping vistas, red rock formations, and perhaps some wildlife sightings. Many reviews praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge, which adds a storytelling layer to the adventure.

The Canyoneering Experience

Once at the canyon, the focus turns to canyoneering—a manageable but exciting descent into a natural slot. The three rappels, with the tallest at 100 feet, are considered beginners friendly but still deliver an adrenaline rush. The experience of descending into a narrow canyon, with glowing red walls towering above, is genuinely memorable.

One reviewer mentioned: “We loved the way the guides explained everything clearly and made us feel safe even though we were rappelling down a 100-foot cliff.” The combination of scenery and physical activity makes this a well-rounded adventure.

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Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is designed for small groups—limited to 10 participants—which ensures that everyone receives attention and safety is prioritized. It’s suitable for ages 8 and up, making it family-friendly, provided your kids are comfortable with hiking and heights. The weight limit of 250 lbs and physical requirements—hiking 2 miles with some steep sections—are important considerations.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Check-in

The adventure begins at the meeting point inside the Sinclair gas station in Orderville. It’s a straightforward spot, and arriving early is advisable since the tour departs promptly. Check-in is simple, and the staff is friendly and well-organized.

The UTV Ride

Once everyone is suited up, the group hops into customized UTVs. The ride lasts about an hour, depending on the terrain and group pace, and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding rugged landscape. The guides narrate local history, share stories of the area, and point out notable geological formations, making the journey both scenic and educational.

Hiking to the Canyon

After the UTV ride, it’s time for a hike—about 2 miles with some steep uphill sections. This part is crucial to reach the canyon’s top, where the rappelling begins. The trail is natural and somewhat rugged, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential. The hike provides a chance to enjoy up-close views of the canyon walls and listen to guides’ insights.

Rappelling and Canyoneering

At the canyon, guides help you gear up with canyoneering safety equipment—harnesses, helmets, and ropes. The three rappels are spaced out, with the highest descent at 100 feet. For beginners, this is often the most challenging part, but guides are attentive, offering thorough instructions and reassurance.

One reviewer shared: “The guides’ patience and professionalism made even the tallest rappel feel safe and exciting.” Participants descend one at a time, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the view from within the canyon.

Return via UTV

After completing the rappels, you hike back to the starting point and hop back into the UTVs for the ride out. This is a chance to relax, enjoy the landscape, and reflect on the canyon’s beauty, with guides pointing out details you might have missed during the hike.

What Travelers Say

The tour has garnered favorable reviews, consistently praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. Many mention that the beginners-friendly approach makes it accessible, even for those new to rappelling or canyon exploration.

A typical comment: “This was the perfect mix of adventure and scenery — I felt safe and supported throughout, and the views were breathtaking.” Some guests appreciated how the tour checked all the boxes for a memorable half-day outing—adventure, education, and stunning visuals.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

Cost and Value

At $169, this tour offers a balanced price point considering the included UTV ride, safety gear, expert guides, and multiple rappels. It’s a good value for a half-day adventure with professional guidance and private canyon access.

What to Bring

Travelers should come prepared with snacks, water, and hiking shoes. If visiting in cooler months, warm clothing—hats, gloves, coats—is recommended. Don’t forget your camera—the views are photo-worthy.

Physical Requirements

Participants should be able to hike 2 miles with some steep uphill sections. The weight limit of 250 lbs and age restriction of 8+ are important to ensure safety and comfort.

Safety and Accessibility

Given the nature of the activity, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back or mobility issues, or anyone with vertigo. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and all guides are experienced in safety procedures.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with older children, outdoor lovers, or anyone wanting to try canyoneering in a manageable way. It’s perfect for those who want adventure combined with scenic beauty without committing to full-day or more strenuous expeditions. If you’re eager to tick off a bucket list activity, this tour offers a memorable taste of Utah’s natural grandeur.

In The Sum Up

The Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour combines the best of Utah’s rugged landscapes with a well-organized, beginner-friendly approach. The scenic UTV ride sets the stage for the thrill of rappelling into a beautiful slot canyon, all guided by friendly experts. The tour’s manageable length, reasonable price, and small group size make it a smart choice for travelers seeking an authentic, adventure-packed experience.

For anyone wanting a quick but memorable taste of Utah’s canyons, this tour delivers stunning views, safe adventure, and a chance to learn about the area with knowledgeable guides. It’s a perfect fit for those wanting scenic exploration paired with light adrenaline—a true highlight near Zion.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and up can participate, provided they are comfortable with hiking and heights. The tour is designed to be beginner friendly.

What should I wear?
Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Bring water, snacks, and suitable clothing for the weather—warm layers in winter and sun protection in summer.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How long is the UTV ride?
The UTV segment lasts about an hour, taking you into the backcountry with scenic views en route to the canyon.

What safety equipment is included?
All canyoneering safety gear—helmets, harnesses, ropes—is provided, and guides thoroughly instruct you on their use.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the hike to the canyon and some steep sections mean it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or back problems.

What is the highest rappel?
The tallest rappel is 100 feet, providing an exciting but manageable descent for beginners.

Where does the tour depart from?
The meeting point is inside the Sinclair gas station in Orderville, UT. Arriving early is recommended.

This tour strikes a fine balance between adventure and accessibility, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience Utah’s stunning terrain without overextending physically. Whether you’re a family, a solo traveler, or a small group of friends, the scenic views, expert guides, and manageable thrill make it a memorable half-day outing that captures the essence of Zion’s surrounding wilderness.

You can check availability for your dates here: