This 4-mile Moab canyoneering adventure, best known today as Medieval Chamber or Morning Glory Arch and more traditionally referred to as Ephedra’s Grotto, is only made possible by doing two of the area’s best rappels and a bit of scrambling. It’s a step up from your typical hike, yet doable by almost anyone with the help of our incredible Moab canyoneering guides. Moab canyoneering guides.
A short hike across petrified sand dunes will get us to the first of our two rappels (90 feet / 27 meters), a stunning drop into a classic, water-carved sandstone chamber and the very heart of the Colorado Plateau. From here, we exit this amazing room through a small slot, with a short section of scrambling and a brief walk to our second spectacular free-hanging rappel (120 feet / 36 meters). This rappel affords us an up-close and personal look at the 243-foot-long Morning Glory Arch, which is only a few steps away from our rappel station.
A downhill hike out to the Colorado River along a cool, spring-fed stream gives your canyoneering guides an opportunity to discuss wildlife, plants, geology, local history and more.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Half-Day
Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km (approx.)
Number of Rappels: 2 (90 feet / 27 meters; 120 feet / 36 meters)
Minimum Age: 8
Meets: 7:30 AM
Our family had a great time canyoneering. We rappelled twice and hiked through some amazing landscapes. The biggest drop was Morning Glory at 120 ft. Nate, at Red River, was a terrific guide, made it fun and took good care of us. Our rappels are something we’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’re looking for a fun adventure in Moab, we’d highly recommend Red River Adventures.
August 2025
Google Reviews
Our family of five had such a great time on the Morning Glory Canyoneering excursion. Mary was such a fabulous guide and helped us get over our nerves. Highly recommend.
August 2025
Google Reviews
My family and friends (6 of us total) had an amazing time with Red River Adventures. We went canyoneering with Nathan— who was an *excellent* guide. He was methodical, patient, and great company. We felt 100% safe the whole time— and we ran into the competition out on the route so we have some context. We are very glad we chose this company and can’t wait to go back out with them (& Nathan!) next year for another adventure.
June 2025
Google Reviews
If you’re thinking of booking an adventure in Moab, check out Red River first! I booked a repelling and rafting trip for my family and me and the guides and staff are really really excellent. Charbo was our repelling guide and he is a kind hearted ROCK STAR! I dropped my phone down the canyon and this man climbed down into the cavernous depths of Morning Glory to retrieve my phone! I couldn’t believe it. He kept us all safe and promoted confidence in everyone. Kelly was our guide for rafting and she was absolute sunshine. Knowledgeable, kind, encouraging and eager to make sure we were safe and having fun. I was very impressed with this operation. I would recommend them to anyone.
June 2021
Trip Advisor
Awesome excursion from start to finish. Extremely knowledgeable and funny guides, scenery on the hike was beautiful, and the 2 rappels were just amazing. Trip started a little earlier than others in Moab, and as a result, we were first to the rappel sites, so no waiting. Worth every penny! Highly recommend them.
April 2021
Trip Advisor
First-time canyoneers and adventurous families who want the thrill of big rappels and a front-row view of Morning Glory Arch.
Red River Adventures will provide all of the technical equipment required to guide our canyoneering routes: AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructors and all technical equipment: helmet, harness, and gloves. Due to insurance and liability regulations, guests are required to use the technical equipment provided by Red River Adventures. In some instances there may be a required gear list; if applicable, this list will be distributed prior to your date of departure.
What you should pack:
