Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour

If you’re looking for a combination of adrenaline and jaw-dropping scenery near Zion National Park, the Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour offers just that. For $169 per person, in about 3.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a thrilling ride in a customized UTV and a descent into some of the most scenic slot canyons Utah has to offer. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a fun, beginner-friendly way to experience the wild beauty of southern Utah.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it balances high-energy adventure with stunning views. The UTV ride alone is a highlight, offering a taste of Utah’s rugged backcountry, while the canyoneering section provides real excitement with three rappels, the tallest of which reaches a solid 100 feet. Another plus? This tour is especially suited for those new to canyoneering, as it’s designed with beginners in mind — no previous experience required.

A single consideration is that you’ll need to be comfortable with some hiking and steep uphill sections, as the tour involves about 2 miles of hiking overall. Also, since water can sometimes be waist-deep, you’ll want to dress accordingly. This tour is perfect for adventurous families with kids aged 8 and up, outdoor lovers seeking an authentic Utah experience, or anyone eager to combine a scenic UTV ride with a dash of canyoneering.

Key Points

• Scenic adventure combining off-road UTV riding with canyon descents
• Beginner-friendly canyoneering with three rappels, tallest at 100 feet
• Expert guides ensure safety and share local history and insights
• Private access canyons offer a more secluded, authentic experience
• Includes all necessary safety equipment and UTV ride, plus guide expertise
• Best for active travelers aged 8+, physically able to hike 2 miles, with a weight limit of 250 lbs

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

The day kicks off at the adventure desk inside a cozy coffee shop in Orderville, where you’ll check in, get fitted with gear, and meet your guide. From there, the fun begins with a thrilling UTV ride through Utah’s rugged backcountry. We loved the way the vehicle handled uneven terrain — it’s built for adventure but still smooth enough so you can enjoy the views without feeling jarred.

The UTV ride itself is a highlight, offering panoramic vistas of red rock formations and distant mountains, making you understand why Utah’s landscape is so iconic. The guides are quick to point out interesting local history and geology, enriching the experience rather than just shouting directions.

Once at the canyon access point, the tour transitions into a hiking section. We found this part quite manageable, though it involves about 2 miles of hiking with some steep uphill sections. The guides will help you navigate tricky spots and ensure everyone stays safe. We appreciated how they explained the unique features of the slot canyons — their formations, the water’s role, and how they carve such intricate shapes.

Next, the canyoneering begins. You’ll descend into the slot canyons via three rappels, with the tallest dropping a dramatic 100 feet. The rappelling is designed to be accessible for beginners, but it still delivers a real thrill. The guides, like Sarah and Mike, are attentive, friendly, and eager to share their knowledge, making even first-time rappellers feel at ease. Multiple reviews praised their professionalism, describing guides as “knowledgeable and friendly,” which is reassuring if you’re new to rappelling.

During the descent, you’ll encounter waist-deep water in some parts of the canyon, so wearing appropriate clothing and shoes is crucial. The water adds an extra element of adventure, and guides will advise on suitable gear — sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Many reviewers noted that while the water was a surprise, it added to the fun, and the guides’ tips helped everyone stay comfortable.

The scenery inside the slot canyons is truly stunning — narrow walls towering overhead, sunlight filtering through cracks, and the vibrant colors of the rocks. We heard from travelers who called this “the most scenic of all canyoneering tours,” and it’s easy to see why. The privacy of the backcountry access means fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate encounter with nature.

After the rappelling and hiking, it’s back into the UTVs for the ride out. The return journey is just as exhilarating and offers more opportunities to snap photos of Utah’s wild landscape. The tour wraps up at the original meeting point, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and plenty of stories to tell.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $169 per person, which we find to be a fair value considering what’s included: safety gear, a knowledgeable guide, three rappels, and a UTV ride. The small group size — limited to 10 participants — guarantees personalized attention, and the flexible booking options (reserve now, pay later, or cancel up to 24 hours in advance) offer peace of mind.

While the tour’s duration is only 3.5 hours, it packs in a full adventure experience. Most trips are scheduled in the morning or early afternoon, fitting well into a Zion-area itinerary. The tour departs from a convenient location in Orderville, and advance planning is simple with clear instructions on what to bring: snacks, water, hiking shoes, and a camera.

Safety is a priority — all equipment is provided, and guides are trained to ensure everyone’s well-being. The weight limit of 250 lbs. and age restriction of 8+ means the tour is accessible to many families and active travelers, but not suitable for those with back problems, mobility issues, or vertigo.

Why Choose This Tour?

We believe this experience is perfect for families with older children, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a scenic, beginner-friendly introduction to canyoneering. If your goal is to see Utah’s famous slot canyons without the technical complexity of full-on canyoneering or the noise of crowds, this tour offers a quiet, authentic adventure.

The combination of off-road excitement and canyon exploration makes it a standout option for those seeking a balanced, memorable half-day. The expert guides go out of their way to make safety fun and educational, adding value for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike.

Final Thoughts

The Orderville: Elkheart Half-Day Canyoneering and UTV Tour is a well-rounded adventure that delivers spectacular scenery, accessible thrill, and expert guidance. It’s a fantastic way to experience Utah’s red rock landscape with a manageable level of difficulty and an emphasis on safety and fun. Whether you’re visiting Zion National Park or exploring nearby areas, this tour offers an authentic, engaging slice of Utah’s wild side.

For those who want a scenic, action-packed excursion without needing advanced skills, it’s a terrific choice. The combination of guided storytelling, scenic views, and adrenaline makes for a memorable half-day that will leave you craving more of Utah’s stunning outdoors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and up can participate, provided they are comfortable with hiking and outdoor activity. The tour involves about 2 miles of hiking and some steep uphill sections, so consider your child’s physical ability.

What should I wear for the tour?
Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Since you might encounter waist-deep water in the canyon, dress accordingly — quick-drying clothes and possibly a change of dry clothes afterward are advisable.

Will I need to bring water or food?
Water is not provided, so bring enough to stay hydrated during the tour. Snacks are also recommended, especially if you want energy for the hike and rappelling.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexible planning.

What is the maximum weight allowed?
The weight limit for participants is 250 lbs. This is important for safety and comfort during rappelling and gear handling.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are not recommended due to the physical demands and safety considerations involved in rappelling and hiking.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is operated in English, with guides speaking English as well as local knowledge and history sharing.

What if I’m afraid of heights or have vertigo?
Rappelling can be intimidating if you have vertigo, so this tour may not be suitable for you. The guides are experienced at helping first-timers, but safety and comfort are priorities.

This tour offers a memorable blend of scenic views and adventure, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore Utah’s remarkable landscape in a safe, fun, and authentic way.

You can check availability for your dates here: