Kanab via ferrata: three guided climbs on private land
A Kanab via ferrata is a guided climb on fixed iron rungs, usually followed by rappelling. The three routes sit on private land around East Zion, and the operator provides all the gear, so you do not need any climbing experience.
Two of the routes take climbers from 8 years old, and the one-hour climb starts at 10. Prices run from $69 to $179 per person, and the length of the outing explains most of the difference.
Our picks: Kanab via ferrata
Our take: the one-hour climb suits a first try, the Cave Lakes Canyon trip sets the climb in a private canyon, and the three-hour route has the most ascent and the longest rappel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Elk Heart Cliffs via ferrata and rappelling
- All the gear needed for the activity
- Bottled water
Two climbing sections, about 700 ft of ascent and rappels up to 220 ft. From 8 years, up to 265 lb, no climbing experience needed.
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Via ferrata and rappel trip in Cave Lakes Canyon
- Canyoneering equipment
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
Meet at the Moqui Cave parking lot, drive into the neighbouring canyon and shuttle to the climb start. From 8 years, up to 265 lb.
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One-hour via ferrata and rappelling in East Zion
- All the gear required for the activity
- Bottled water
About one hour on private land with an iron ladder climb and rappelling. From 10 years, moderate fitness.
Check availability →Via ferrata climbs near Kanab
Three guided climbs with rappelling: a one-hour first try, a trip into a private canyon and a three-hour route with a 220-foot rappel.
One-hour climb: the short way to try a via ferrata
You check in at the operator's East Zion storefront, sign the waivers and meet your guide. Then you follow the guide in your own car for half a mile up Highway 89 to the start. The climb itself takes about one hour on private land, with an iron ladder section and rappelling.
Climbers must be at least 10 years old and have a moderate level of fitness. The operator does not recommend it with back problems, pregnancy, heart problems or other serious conditions. Gear and bottled water are included, and the climb needs good weather. Wear hiking-style shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
Cave Lakes Canyon: a climb in a private canyon
This trip meets at the north end of the Moqui Cave parking lot at 4581 US-89 in Kanab. From there the group drives in convoy into the neighbouring Cave Lakes Canyon, and a shuttle takes you to the start of the via ferrata and back to the meeting point afterwards. Published durations differ: the activity page gives 2 hours, while the booking offer lists 2.5 hours.
The route is rated beginner to intermediate. Climbers must be at least 8 years old and weigh no more than 265 lb. Wear sturdy shoes and, ideally, long trousers. Transport, safety equipment and water are included.
Elk Heart Cliffs: 700 feet of ascent and a 220-foot rappel
The three-hour route has two climbing sections, about 700 feet of vertical ascent and several rappels. The longest drops 220 feet into a white mini slot canyon, and the climb looks out over the Orderville Valley. Check-in and the drive to the start are the same as for the one-hour climb.
Climbers must be at least 8 years old and weigh no more than 265 lb. The operator states that no climbing experience is needed, and all the gear is supplied.
How the prices compare
Prices as of November 2026: the one-hour climb costs $69 per person, the Cave Lakes Canyon trip $139 and the Elk Heart Cliffs route $179. The one-hour option is the shortest outing; the three-hour route includes two climbing sections and the 220-foot rappel.
Choose the one-hour climb for a first try or a tight schedule, Cave Lakes Canyon when you want a canyon setting with the transport handled, and Elk Heart Cliffs for the most climbing and the long rappel. For a child of 8 or 9, the two longer routes are the ones that accept them.
Season, heat and wet rock
For climbing around Zion, the National Park Service names March to May and September to early November as the favourable windows. Summer brings heat above 100°F and monsoon storms. Wet sandstone is noticeably weaker, and after rain it can need two days or more to dry, so a climb after a storm is a poor bet.
If bad weather cancels the one-hour climb, the provider offers a new date or a full refund. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Bring bug spray and a secure phone pouch or a phone case worn close to the body.
Prefer to stay on the ground? Our Kanab tours page compares the 4x4 and UTV day trips, and the Kanab weather guide shows the heat by month.
Kanab via ferrata: questions and answers
Do I need climbing experience?
No. The operator requires no experience for via ferrata and rappelling and supplies all the gear. The Cave Lakes Canyon route is rated beginner to intermediate.
What are the age and weight limits?
The Cave Lakes Canyon and Elk Heart Cliffs routes take climbers from 8 years old up to 265 lb. The one-hour climb starts at 10 years old and asks for a moderate level of fitness.
What does it cost?
$69 per person for the one-hour climb, $139 for Cave Lakes Canyon and $179 for Elk Heart Cliffs, as of November 2026. Gear and bottled water are included on all three.
What should I wear and bring?
Hiking-style or sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty, plus long trousers on the two longer routes. Bring bug spray and a secure phone pouch. Dogs are not allowed on these tours.