Backpacking & Rappelling: Neon Canyon

Duration

2 Nights, 3 Days

Group trip dates:

Published dates are for mixed groups. Please inquire about private trips.

May 19-21, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
*Pre-trip meeting at 7pm on May 18, 2026 in Kanab, UT

September 17-19, 2026
Pre-trip meeting at 7pm on September 16, 2026 in Kanab, UT

Prefer a private group? Don't see your preferred date? Special request? Trouble booking just one person? Please call.

Highlights

• Difficulty: Hard
• Ages 16+
• 14+ miles hiking
• Must be comfortable swimming in pools of stagnant canyon water (pond-like)
• Must be able to backpack over rugged, off-trail terrain with a 35lbs+ pack. In addition to your personal gear, you will also be responsible for packing in a shared portion of group gear.
• Camp among starry skies at a remote, unimproved camp
• Rappels up to 80ft
• Scenic 4wd access
• Slot Canyon

Description

Neon Canyon is a world-class canyoneering adventure like no other, where our expert guide(s) leads you off the beaten path, crossing rugged landscapes and fording the majestic Escalante River to reach the elusive Neon Canyon.

Over three days you'll delve into the heart of canyon country, navigating through challenging terrain featuring lengthy swims, intricate potholes, and tricky rappels. At the final rappel through the famous Golden Cathedral, marvel at nature's unbelievable architecture as you descend through a massive stone archway into a fresh water spring below. Finally, lace up for a punishing hike back to the vehicles where smiles, high fives, and cold beverages await!

Logistics

• Day 0: Meet at All Ways Adventure HQ in Kanab, UT at 7pm for a pre-trip meeting and gear distribution.

• Day 1: 4x4 out to Egypt Trailhead. Shoulder packs and hike cross country to the mouth of Fence Canyon on the Escalante River. Set up camp, and then spend the afternoon in one of the neighboring canyons: Ringtail Canyon (time permitting).

• Day 2: Neon Canyon; including an epic rappel through the world famous Golden Cathedral. You just have to see this for yourself.

• Day 3: Break camp, shoulder packs and hike back to the Egypt Trailhead, typically done through Fence Canyon to create a "loop" hike. 4x4 back to civilization and try in vain to explain this experience to your friends and family!

Pricing includes meals, technical gear including: harnesses, devices, helmets, drysuits/wetsuits (seasonally), camping equipment, and a 4:1 guest to guide ratio. A packing list and menu will be provided after booking is complete.

We recommend trip protection (see options during checkout) if the trip dates need to change or itinerary modified/canceled due to weather, logistics complications, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Plan to lodge in Kanab the night before your Neon trip begins. Consider lodging in Kanab an additional night after the trip is complete. If you have time to stick around for a few days after your Neon trip is over, consider post-trip lodging in Escalante, UT and bring a 4WD vehicle to explore Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions. There are lots of logistics that go into pulling off a smooth Neon trip and we are eager to make sure your experience is seamless!

Published dates are for mixed groups. Please inquire about private trips. Please note that due to the presence of potholes in the canyon, we require at least 2 guests to book in order to run the trip. Singles are welcome, but may have to call to book if there are no other reserved guests on the trip yet. If a single reserves and no additional teammates add on, the single will be refunded in full 1 week prior to the trip departure date and the trip will be cancelled. Please plan accordingly.