Canyoneering · Medieval Chamber
Medieval Chamber: Rappel Into a Sandstone Cathedral
Two rappels of roughly 100 feet each — the first into a shadowy chamber carved by ancient water, the second alongside Morning Glory Natural Bridge, one of the longest rock spans in the country. If you're only going to rappel once in your life, this is the rope to do it on.
- No experience needed
- All technical gear provided
- Moab's best tour for first timers
- Creek side hike out
Suggested: guest rappelling beside Morning Glory Natural Bridge, span visible overhead
Why Medieval Chamber
Two Drops, Zero Filler, One Unforgettable Bridge
Most canyoneering routes make you work through a series of small rappels to reach the good stuff. Medieval Chamber skips straight to the highlights: both of its rappels are showstoppers, and the hike between them runs through some of the prettiest terrain in Moab.
The Chamber Itself
Your first rappel drops you out of the bright desert into a cool, echoing sandstone chamber sculpted by thousands of years of flowing water. Standing on the floor looking up at the light pouring in is a moment cameras never quite capture.
Morning Glory Natural Bridge
The second rappel descends alongside one of the longest natural rock spans in the United States, stretching over 240 feet. Day hikers walk an hour up Grandstaff Canyon just to look at it — you'll arrive on a rope from above.
A Desert Oasis Hike Out
After the rappels, the route follows a spring fed creek down Grandstaff Canyon — a rare ribbon of cottonwoods and running water in the red rock. It's the gentlest, greenest finish of any Moab canyon tour.
What to Expect
How Your Half Day at Medieval Chamber Unfolds
Gear Up and Hit the Trail
Meet your guide in Moab, get fitted with your harness and helmet, and start the approach — about a mile of hiking over petrified sand dunes with big views the whole way.
Find the Hidden Canyon
The desert floor seems to simply open up ahead of you. Most guests' first words at the edge are some version of "wait, we're going down there?" Yes. Yes, you are.
Rappel Into the Chamber
Your guide teaches you everything at the anchor, then you descend roughly 100 feet into the Medieval Chamber. You control your own speed, backed up by a safety rope your guide manages.
Descend Beside Morning Glory
The second rappel drops another 100 feet or so with Morning Glory Natural Bridge soaring beside you — the single most photographed moment of the trip.
Hike Out Along the Creek
Follow the spring fed stream down shady Grandstaff Canyon back toward the road, trading adrenaline for cottonwoods, birdsong, and a well earned sense of accomplishment.
Suggested: looking up from the floor of the Medieval Chamber, or the creek in Grandstaff Canyon
Local tip: Expect wet feet. The hike out crosses the Grandstaff Canyon creek several times, and on warm days that's a feature, not a bug. Wear closed toe shoes you don't mind splashing in, and stash a dry pair of socks in the car for afterward.
The Most Requested Rappel in Moab
Morning Glory is the trip guests ask for by name, and small group sizes mean each departure has only a handful of spots. Spring and fall dates regularly book out weeks ahead.
Check Dates & Reserve Your SpotFree cancellation available on most bookings — reserve now, decide later.
The Canyon
What Medieval Chamber Looks Like
Rappeller beside Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Light beams inside the Medieval Chamber
Guest starting the first rappel from the rim
Grandstaff Canyon creek and cottonwoods
Family celebrating at the bottom of the bridge 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 you don't mind getting wet
- 2+ liters of water per person
- Sunscreen and a hat that fits under a helmet
- Snacks and a small backpack
- Dry socks waiting in the car (trust us)
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 Medieval Chamber
Between the shady chamber and the creek fed exit canyon, this tour handles Moab's seasons better than almost any other route.
| Season | Conditions | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar – May) | Mild temps, flowing creek, busiest season | Prime time — book 3 to 4 weeks ahead |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Hot, but the chamber and creek offer real relief | The best hot weather canyon in Moab — go early and enjoy the splashes |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | Golden cottonwoods, warm days, ideal temps | Grandstaff Canyon in October is flat out gorgeous |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Cool and quiet; creek crossings are chilly | Doable on milder days — dress for cold feet |
Common Questions
Medieval Chamber Tour FAQ
Do I need any rappelling experience?
How much hiking is involved?
Is 100 feet a scary height for a first rappel?
Can kids do this tour?
Will I get wet?
Do I rappel off the bridge itself?
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Ready to Meet Morning Glory From Above?
Check live availability for the Medieval Chamber 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.
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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.