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.
What a great experience due to our guide. We had scheduled for 2 half days and were able to extend one day into a full day. She paced the hiking and selected trails that fit our abilities. Led us in directions that avoided crowded pathways. Made sure we were safe and saw everything we hoped for. She brought extra water and snacks to be on the safe side. You should totally do this guided experience!
Diane Marie Kessler
April 14, 2026
What a great experience due to our guide. We had scheduled for 2 half days and were able to extend one day into a full day. She paced the hiking and selected trails that fit our abilities. Led us in directions that avoided crowded pathways. Made sure we were safe and saw everything we hoped for. She brought extra water and snacks to be on the safe side. You should totally do this guided experience!
Diane Marie Kessler
April 14, 2026