I was provided this experience by Zion Guru in exchange for sharing my honest review.
If you’ve ever visited Zion National Park, you know the crowds can rival a rock concert. So, when my partner John and I started planning our weekend adventure, we wanted something a little more… exclusive. “Ever wanted to rappel down a slot canyon?” I asked John. The look on his face gave me the answer.
We found Zion Guru to see if they could book us on short notice, and they were more than happy to create a private, tailor-made experience away from the busy trails.
Our adventure began on a call with Tonya from Zion Guru. She made booking a breeze, helping us pick a private tour tailored to our skill level, schedule, and even our preferred side of Zion. We decided on a full-day adventure, starting at a civilized 8 am—early enough for cool canyon air but not so early that we’d need a headlamp for breakfast. Most importantly, we booked for a Saturday, knowing the park itself would be packed. Our plan: skip the shuttle lines and selfie sticks and find our own slice of red rock paradise.
A couple of nights before our trip, our guide, Shawnee, called to chat about our experience level and what kind of adventure we wanted. After researching the best conditions for the week’s weather, she recommended Diana’s Throne on Zion’s east side. I loved that flexibility and personal touch—it felt like we were planning an adventure with a friend, not just booking a tour.
Meeting Our Guides
We met Shawnee and her co-guide Paige at the White Mountain Trading Post, where their energy and friendliness set the tone for the day. They made sure we had all the gear we needed. Forgot your boots? No problem. Need a backpack? They’ve got you covered. I half expected them to pull out a portable espresso machine, but alas, some things are still BYO.
We walked across what looked like flat, arid land—scrubby sagebrush, the occasional lizard darting underfoot, and distant red cliffs glowing in the morning sun. One minute, we were hiking in a wash; the next, we were peering into the narrow, sculpted slot canyon of Diana’s Throne. It was like stumbling onto a secret world hidden in plain sight.
At the canyon’s entrance, Shawnee and Paige helped us gear up—helmets, harnesses, gloves—and gave us a thorough safety talk.
Canyoning in Diana’s Throne
Diana’s Throne is a perfect introduction to canyoneering. The canyon is a natural playground, with vibrant red sculpted walls and a series of 10 rappels ranging from 10 to 60 feet. Shawnee and Paige coached us through each one, letting us choose whether to rappel or, for the shorter drops, try our hand (and feet) at downclimbing. I’ll admit, my first rappel was more “awkward shuffle” than “graceful descent,” but by the end, I was starting to feel like a pro.
A few small pools of water lurked at the bottom of some drops—remnants of recent rains. Our guides taught us clever techniques to avoid a soggy landing—bridging across with hands and feet or swinging out on the rope like a low-budget Indiana Jones. Some sections could be tackled by carefully free climbing—using natural footholds and a bit of nerve—or, in one case, sliding down a smooth chute like a slide. Paige demonstrated the “canyon butt scoot,” a move I somehow still hadn’t mastered by the end of the day.
The canyon walls were a photographer’s dream—swirls of red and gold, with beams of sunlight slicing through narrow openings. Our guides were patient as we took photos. We must have taken a hundred pictures, none of which quite captured the magic of being there.
Bonus Round: The Hunted Canyon
After the last rappel, we emerged from the slot canyon into the bright midday sun. We found a shady spot for lunch and ate as we swapped stories. As we finished our sandwiches, Shawnee asked: “Do you want to call it a day, or keep going?” John and I looked at each other, still buzzing with energy. “Let’s keep going!” we said in unison.
The afternoon had warmed up, but we were undeterred. We slowly hiked up a hill to the start of The Hunted Canyon. Along the way, Paige and Shawnee pointed out local flora—juniper, desert sage, and the occasional wildflower braving the desert sun.
The Hunted Canyon was next level. Though shorter, the slot was narrower here, with walls so close you couldn’t fit without turning sideways. The air inside was cool and still, a welcome contrast to the warm desert above. The canyon featured 4-5 rappels, the tallest around 80 feet. The drops were steeper and the landings tighter, but by now, we were feeling confident.
Between rappels, we tackled a series of downclimbs—some easy, some requiring a bit of creative problem-solving. Paige demonstrated a new technique for us, bracing her back against one wall and her feet against the other to inch down a narrow chute. I gave it a try, and while I won’t be starring in any action movies soon, I made it down in one piece.
By the time we emerged from The Hunted, we were a little tired, very dusty, and completely fulfilled.
Why Go Guided?
If you’re considering a canyoneering adventure in Utah, do yourself a favor and book a private guided tour. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to level up your skills, the right guides make all the difference. What surprised me most was how accessible the adventure felt. Every obstacle had an option, and Shawnee and Paige were masters at reading our comfort level. They weren’t just there to keep us safe (though they did that flawlessly); they were enthusiastic teachers, patient coaches, and all-around awesome adventure buddies. They gave us control over our experience, encouraged us to try new things, and made sure we had fun every step of the way.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Zion’s slot canyons are not to be missed. With the right guides, even a beginner can feel like a true adventurer. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the magic of Zion, this is it.
The best part? We only saw one other party the whole day. Meanwhile, the main trails in Zion were packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Sometimes, it pays to take the road—or canyon—less traveled.
You can find more information and book with Zion Guru at their website.