Pool Arch Canyon (aka Rock of Ages)

Pool Arch Canyon, also known locally as Rock of Ages, delivers a rugged canyoneering experience that stands out among Moab’s extraordinary landscapes. Located in southeastern Utah, Moab is a mecca for outdoor adventurers, and Desert Highlights elevates this offering with intimate, private tours designed to highlight the raw beauty and technical challenges of this unique sandstone labyrinth. Pool Arch Canyon combines adventurous hiking, climbing, rappelling, and water navigation into one full-day experience, suitable for both fit beginners and seasoned canyoneers.

The journey begins with a demanding ascent up a 700-foot gully dotted with near-vertical rock sections requiring short climbs that sometimes use ropes for safety. Once atop the slick sandstone fins and dunes, the route descends into a water-carved maze of narrows and pools. Three rappels punctuate the trip, including a striking 130-foot drop alongside sheer rock walls, adding vertical excitement amid the canyon’s sculpted red rock.

Geologically, Pool Arch Canyon is rich with Navajo sandstone formations shaped by eons of wind and water, creating tight corridors and dramatic arches rarely seen on standard hikes. The canyon’s name honors a massive natural arch within the maze, a hidden vantage point delivering panoramic views of the surrounding desert basin. What sets Desert Highlights apart is their private, guide-led format allowing focused instruction and personalized pacing.

Their knowledgeable guides ensure visitors navigate technical challenges safely while absorbing the natural and cultural history of this land, originally inhabited by indigenous peoples who left petroglyphs and trails still visible nearby. With an emphasis on safety, thrill, and immersive wilderness, Pool Arch Canyon under Desert Highlights offers an unforgettable descent into Moab’s sandstone heart, perfect for those searching for a less trodden path rich with geological wonder and physical challenge.