ORDERVILLE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
UTV Into the Crimson: A Private Slot‑Canyon Hike from Orderville
A two‑hour guided UTV ride and guided hike from Orderville into a privately accessed red sandstone slot canyon — this guide lays out what to expect, what to bring, and the key route highlights.
UTV Into the Crimson: A Private Slot‑Canyon Hike from Orderville.
From Orderville, East Zion Adventures shuttles small groups in customized off‑road UTVs deep into remote redrock country to the mouth of a private slot canyon. Towering sandstone walls — more than 100 feet high in places with just a 6–10‑foot gap to squeeze through — frame a short, guided hike that includes rock‑scrambling moves, local history from a guide, and distinct photo opportunities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A private slot canyon with towering crimson walls
This is private‑access slot country: red sandstone walls rise to more than 100 feet, and the corridor narrows to roughly 6–10 feet in spots, creating intimate light and striking photo compositions.
A customized UTV to reach a roadless canyon mouth
The tour begins with a thrilling ride in a customized off‑road machine that carries guests far from paved roads to the canyon’s mouth—making access possible where standard vehicles cannot go.
Hands‑on scrambling and guided interpretation
Guides lead the walk through the slot, pointing out Native American history and geological context. Expect short climbs of about 3–6 feet over boulders with guide assistance; there is rock scrambling but no rappelling.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The two‑hour outing moves at a compact, energetic pace: a bumping UTV approach into remote redrock terrain, a drop at the mouth of a narrow slot, then a guided walk between sheer crimson walls. The route threads past boulders that require short climbs and occasional hands‑on scrambling; guides will pause for stories and photos before the group retraces its route back to the vehicle and returns to Orderville.
THE ROUTE
A private slot canyon with towering crimson walls
This is private‑access slot country: red sandstone walls rise to more than 100 feet, and the corridor narrows to roughly 6–10 feet in spots, creating intimate light and striking photo compositions.
THE RIDE
A customized UTV to reach a roadless canyon mouth
The tour begins with a thrilling ride in a customized off‑road machine that carries guests far from paved roads to the canyon’s mouth—making access possible where standard vehicles cannot go.
THE HIKE
Hands‑on scrambling and guided interpretation
Guides lead the walk through the slot, pointing out Native American history and geological context. Expect short climbs of about 3–6 feet over boulders with guide assistance; there is rock scrambling but no rappelling.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour is approximately 2 hours long. Guests should arrive early at the meeting point in Orderville to ensure on‑time departure.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring a water bottle and a camera. If you have an infant, bring your own car seat. After heavy rain, bring a change of socks and shoes.
The tour may not operate in severe weather. Sections of the canyon can hold pools after heavy rain, but guides typically advance through these obstacles with appropriate precautions. Note there is rock scrambling required; there is no rappelling on this tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Crimson Canyon tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Is rappelling required?
No — there is rock scrambling and short climbs, but no rappelling is involved.
Do I need to bring special gear?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a water bottle, and a camera. Families with infants must bring their own car seat. After heavy rain, a change of socks and shoes is recommended.
Will the tour run after rain?
Sections of the canyon may contain pools after heavy rain; the operator typically continues the tour in these conditions but recommends bringing spare socks/shoes. The tour may be canceled in severe weather.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is in Orderville.
How technical is the hike?
The hike is rated moderate and requires rock scrambling and short climbs of roughly 3–6 feet with guide assistance.