Canyonlands: 127 Hours Canyoneering Adventure offers a chance to step into the wild and rugged beauty of Utah’s Robbers Roost wilderness, exploring the same canyons made famous by movies like 127 Hours and Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. For $340 per person, you’ll spend a full day—about 8 hours—clambering through narrow slots, rappelling down cliffs, and learning about the area’s geology and history, all with a knowledgeable guide by your side. The tour is limited to small groups of no more than 12 participants, ensuring personal attention and safety.
What makes this adventure stand out? First, the guides are experienced and committed to making sure everyone feels safe and confident, no matter their skill level. As one traveler noted, “Tyler was an amazing guide! I never would’ve made it without his guidance and patience.” Second, the natural scenery is stunning—you’re not just walking through a canyon, you’re experiencing a landscape that feels both remote and dramatic. On top of that, the story behind Bluejohn Canyon—the real-life setting of Aron Ralston’s dramatic rescue—adds a compelling layer of adventure and history.
That said, this isn’t a tour for everyone. It’s physically demanding, requiring at least some hiking and climbing, and you need to be comfortable in tight spaces and willing to get a bit muddy or wet. If you’re not in good shape or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. But for those with a sense of adventure and a desire to see one of Utah’s most iconic canyons, this trip offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences.
Who should consider this tour? It’s ideal for active travelers looking for a challenge, nature lovers eager to see where Hollywood filmed, and anyone curious about canyoneering with expert guidance. Be prepared for a full day of adventure—and remember, you won’t be stuck for 127 hours; the guides prioritize safety and fun.
Key Points
- Authentic adventure in a remote Utah wilderness area.
- Expert guides ensure safety, learning, and fun.
- Beautiful, cinematic scenery with a legendary story behind it.
- Physical challenge suited to active, fit travelers.
- Small group size enhances the experience and safety.
- Includes all necessary gear for canyoneering.
In-Depth Review of Canyonlands: 127 Hours Canyoneering Adventure
Setting the Scene: Utah’s Rugged Landscape
This tour takes you deep into Utah’s Robbers Roost wilderness, a landscape that looks like it belongs in a movie—because it does, quite often. Bluejohn Canyon, the star of this adventure, is known for its spectacular narrow slots, exciting rappels, and challenging down-climbs. It’s a landscape that’s both beautiful and demanding, requiring agility and nerves of steel at times, but offering rewards in the form of stunning scenery and a sense of achievement.
Meeting Your Guides and Getting Ready
Your adventure begins at the meeting point near Goblin Valley State Park, a scenic area itself worth a quick visit. The guides from Get In The Wild Adventures are friendly and knowledgeable, ready to brief you on what to expect and review safety procedures. The tour includes canyoneering equipment—helmets, harnesses, ropes—and a brief orientation to make sure everyone is comfortable with the gear and the plan.
While the cost is $340, that includes all the gear you’ll need, which adds to the overall value—no hidden expenses for equipment rentals. The guides will also provide live commentary in English, sharing fascinating insights into the geology, the history of the area, and the story of Aron Ralston, whose harrowing ordeal in Bluejohn Canyon is part of the legend.
What the Day Looks Like: Canyoneering Through Time and Space
The core of the tour involves physically navigating three separate forks of Bluejohn Canyon. You’ll be scaling, scrambling, and rappelling through narrow slots and potholes, a technical challenge that’s as rewarding as it is demanding. The canyoneering route includes daring down-climbs and awe-inspiring rappels, meaning you’ll get to experience the thrill of controlled descents and tight squeezes through rock formations.
Each step of the way, your guide will support and instruct you, making sure you’re comfortable with each move. For many, the highlight is the rappelling—a controlled descent down a canyon wall, with breathtaking views of the canyon floor below. If you’re new to rappelling, don’t worry: guides are experienced in coaching beginners and ensuring everyone is safe.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Views and the Stories
The scenery here is nothing short of stunning. The narrow slots carve through layered rock, showcasing colors and formations that seem almost surreal. As one reviewer noted, “You get to soak in canyon country at its finest,” an experience that’s both visually spectacular and deeply grounding.
The area has a rich Hollywood connection, having appeared in films like 127 Hours—the story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped and eventually amputated his own arm to escape. Your guide will fill you in on these stories, adding an emotional layer to the adventure.
The Challenges and Considerations
This trip is physically demanding. You’ll need to be able to hike for about 2.5 miles (4 km) over uneven terrain, and you should be comfortable with climbing and rappelling. Participants must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds and have a good level of fitness. Specifically, children under 7, those with mobility issues, or anyone under 66 lbs (30 kg) or over 250 lbs (113 kg) should consider whether this is suitable.
The tour doesn’t include transportation, meals, or drinks, so plan accordingly. The meeting point is about 25 miles south of I-70, accessible by a well-maintained dirt road—an SUV is recommended but not strictly necessary.
Authentic Reviews and Real Experiences
We loved the way guides like Tyler were praised for their patience and expertise, with one traveler saying, “Tyler was an amazing guide! I never would’ve made it without his guidance.” This personal touch makes a big difference, especially in a physically demanding activity.
Another reviewer highlighted the stunning views and called the experience “epic,” emphasizing how the landscape and the story of the canyon make it more than just a technical challenge. The small group size ensures that everyone gets personalized attention, which adds to the confidence and enjoyment.
The Sum Up: Who Will Get the Most Out of This Tour?
This canyoneering adventure is perfect for travelers who crave a hands-on, physically engaging experience and are eager to see a landscape made famous by Hollywood and adventurers alike. It’s best suited for those in good shape, comfortable with heights and tight spaces, and ready to challenge themselves in a remote, beautiful setting.
If you’re interested in stories of survival, love dramatic landscapes, or just want to test your limits with expert guidance, this trip offers incredible value. The combination of beautiful scenery, expert instruction, and the thrill of technical canyoneering makes this a memorable Utah adventure.
It’s not for everyone—those with mobility issues, small children, or low fitness levels might want to look elsewhere—but for active, adventure-minded travelers, this tour hits all the right notes. With safety as a priority and guides dedicated to making sure everyone has fun, it’s a compelling way to experience Utah’s dramatic canyon country.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 are not allowed, and participants should be comfortable with hiking and some climbing. It’s best for active kids or teenagers with good fitness levels.
Do I need prior canyoneering experience?
No, but you should be comfortable with hiking, and guides will provide instructions on rappelling and other technical skills. It’s suitable for beginners with no previous experience.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes (closed-toe shoes are required), sunscreen, water, and a daypack. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, which is near Goblin Valley State Park.
How long is the hike?
The tour involves about 2.5 miles of hiking over uneven terrain, along with technical canyoneering sections.
What’s the best time of year to go?
While not specified, typical canyon trips are best in cooler months, avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What is the group size?
Limited to 12 people to ensure a personalized and safe experience.
This canyon adventure provides a wonderful blend of natural beauty, physical challenge, and storytelling—a real highlight for any traveler looking to experience Utah’s wild side.
You can check availability for your dates here: