Canyoneering · Bow and Arrow Canyon
Bow and Arrow Canyon: Four Rappels, Ten Minutes From Town
Moab's most popular canyoneering tour earns its reputation the honest way. In one half day, you'll pass ancient petroglyphs and fossilized dinosaur tracks, stand beneath a hidden natural arch, and descend four rappels — including a free hanging drop of around 110 feet that you'll be talking about for years.
- No experience needed
- All technical gear provided
- Great for families
- Minutes from downtown Moab
Suggested: guest on the ~110 ft free hanging rappel, rope and canyon floor visible below
Why Bow and Arrow
The Most Adventure Per Hour of Any Moab Canyon
Some canyons make you earn one big moment with a long day of hiking. Bow and Arrow stacks its highlights back to back — history, geology, and four rappels of building intensity — all within a short drive of your hotel.
Four Rappels That Build Your Confidence
You start with a short, gentle warmup drop, then work up to the star of the show: a roughly 110 foot free hanging rappel where your feet leave the wall and you float down through open air. By the final rappel, first timers are moving like veterans.
Petroglyphs, Dinosaur Tracks, and a Hidden Arch
The approach hike is a museum with no walls. You'll pass rock art panels left by the Ancestral Puebloans, fossilized dinosaur tracks pressed into the sandstone, and Longbow Arch — a massive span most Moab visitors never find.
Big Adventure That Fits Your Itinerary
The trailhead sits just off Potash Road, about ten minutes from downtown. Do the canyon in the morning and you'll be back in town for lunch, with the whole afternoon left for Arches, the river, or a well earned patio beer.
What to Expect
How Your Half Day in Bow and Arrow Unfolds
Gear Up and Head Out
Meet your guide in Moab, get fitted with your harness and helmet, and take the short, scenic drive down Potash Road along the Colorado River to the trailhead.
Hike Past History
A gradual mile of uphill hiking climbs above the river corridor, passing petroglyph panels and fossilized dinosaur tracks before reaching Longbow Arch and the high point of the route.
Warm Up on the First Rappel
The canyon opens beneath you, and your guide walks you through rappelling step by step on a short first drop. You control your descent; your guide manages a backup safety line.
Take On the Big One
The signature rappel drops roughly 110 feet, much of it free hanging — nothing but rope, air, and red rock all around you. It's the moment every guest remembers.
Descend to the Finish
Two more rappels and some fun scrambling carry you down through the canyon. The final drop lands you nearly back at the road, just steps from your ride to town.
Suggested: guide coaching a guest at the anchor above the big rappel, or the group at Longbow Arch
Local tip: Bow and Arrow is typically a dry canyon, which makes it one of the most dependable tours in Moab — it runs beautifully in months when wetter canyons are cold or closed. If you're visiting outside peak season, this is the canyon that's almost always in play.
Small Groups Mean Limited Spots
Bow and Arrow tours run in small groups so every guest gets real coaching on the rope — and that means each departure sells out fast, especially in spring and fall. Grab your date while it's open.
Check Dates & Reserve Your SpotFree cancellation available on most bookings — reserve now, decide later.
The Canyon
What Bow and Arrow Canyon Looks Like
The 110 ft free hanging rappel from below
Longbow Arch
Petroglyph panel along the approach
Fossilized dinosaur tracks in sandstone
Smiling group at the final rappel
Trip Details
What's Included and What to Bring
Included in Your Tour
- Professional local guide
- Harness, helmet, and all rappelling gear
- Ropes, anchors, and safety systems
- Step by step instruction for beginners
- Permits and logistics — all handled for you
What You Should Bring
- Closed toe shoes with good grip
- 2+ liters of water per person (3 in summer heat)
- Sunscreen and a hat that fits under a helmet
- Snacks and a small backpack
- Clothes you don't mind getting dusty
Exact inclusions, meeting point, and departure times are confirmed on the booking page. Always check the listing for the most current details.
Timing Your Tour
Best Time to Do Bow and Arrow Canyon
As a dry canyon close to town, Bow and Arrow runs nearly year round — but each season offers a different experience.
| Season | Conditions | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar – May) | Mild temps, wildflowers, busiest season | Prime time — book 3 to 4 weeks ahead |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Hot, with little shade in the canyon | Go with the earliest morning departure and extra water |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | Warm days, golden light, ideal canyon temps | Our favorite window — dates fill fast |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Cool and quiet; tours run on milder days | Empty canyons and a totally different kind of magic |
Common Questions
Bow and Arrow Canyon Tour FAQ
Do I need any rappelling experience?
How much hiking is involved?
Is the big rappel scary?
Can kids do this tour?
Will I get wet?
Do I have to do all four rappels?
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Ready for the Free Hang?
Check live availability for the Bow and Arrow Canyon half day canyoneering tour, pick your date, and book in about two minutes. Most bookings include free cancellation, so there's no risk in reserving your spot now.
Book the Bow and Arrow TourBooking is handled securely through our trusted tour partner.
Disclosure: Moabing may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend tours we'd send our own friends and family on.
Looking for a different adventure? Compare all five of our favorite canyons on the Moab canyoneering guide.