There’s something electric about an all-women’s adventure—laughter echoing through sandstone walls, hands extended without hesitation, and that unspoken understanding that together, we’re unstoppable. This July, I joined up with the Canyoning Chicks Coalition for a weekend escape into the wild and wonderful world of Moab canyons.
Though I’ve danced through slots in North Wash, dangled into the depths of Zion, and rappelled the hidden corners of Colorado’s Western Slope, this would be my first time canyoning in Moab. And with 23 other bold, bad-ass women by my side, I was more than ready.
I first started adventuring with the Canyoning Chicks Coalition back in 2022, and since then, I’ve joined them for several unforgettable trips, including a few co-ed outings. But this weekend felt different—only my second all-girls canyoning adventure with the crew. As soon as I rolled up to base camp nestled in the La Sal Mountains, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Day 1: Pleiades Canyon – Seven Waterfalls & a Slice of Heaven
Our adventure kicked off beneath the cool pines of the La Sals. Morning light filtered through the forest as we circled up to brush off the rust—reviewing anchor systems, playing with friction variations, and tying knots like muscle memory had never left us. The scent of damp earth and alpine wildflowers was a refreshing break from Moab’s usual scorched sandstone.
Then it was time to descend.
Pleiades Canyon is a rare gem—a wet canyon tucked in the mountains just above the desert floor. It felt like slipping into a secret oasis. The approach was short and sweet, winding through a lush forest trail until we reached a dry riverbed, the canyon walls beginning to rise around us. Following the winding wash down, we soon found ourselves surrounded by sculpted sandstone and the sound of trickling water. Once we reached the first flow—cold, clear, and rushing over polished stone—the real magic began.
We dropped into a sequence of seven cascading waterfalls, each more thrilling than the last. The water was icy and exhilarating, a full-body wakeup call as it roared over ledges and plunged into crystal-clear pools. Every rappel had its own flavor—mossy rock, polished slides, curtain veils of water, and one section that ended in a small natural waterslide straight into a little splash-worthy pool.
The final stretch of Pleiades Canyon was pure magic. The canyon walls narrowed into sculpted stone corridors, worn smooth by centuries of rushing water. Sunlight filtered through the narrow gaps above, creating a spotlight effect as we prepared for the last few rappels.
The final rappels were some of the most striking. We descended beside slender waterfalls spilling over mossy rock, their sound echoing in the chambered canyon. Each drop delivered us deeper into a cathedral of wet stone, with green-veined walls glistening under the water’s steady touch. Ropes disappeared over polished ledges as teammates cheered and spotted one another through the cascade. It was equal parts technical and beautiful—the kind of canyon where every rappel feels like a reward.
After the last pool splashdown, we peeled off our soaked wetsuits, unclipped harnesses, and took a moment to just breathe it all in. But the day wasn’t quite over.
A short hike brought us to Brumley Arch, a massive sandstone span tucked above a lush, fern-covered hollow. The arch framed the sky like a window into another world. Surrounded by towering pines and the scent of damp moss and sun-warmed granite, it felt like a hidden sanctuary—one last surprise tucked into the tail end of a perfect day.
That evening, I was still buzzing from the day’s adventure—but Utah wasn’t done with me yet. As the sky began to shift, it delivered one more show: a sunset so stunning it stopped me in my tracks. Golden light spilled through the trees, danced across camp, and slowly faded behind the desert horizon. I relaxed on a cozy blanket, popcorn in hand, as the sky melted from fire to dusk and an acoustic playlist drifted through the still air.
Day 2: Entrajo/Cluster Canyon – Slickrock Scrambles, Canyon Swims & Team Triumphs
We kicked off Day 2 buzzing with energy and anticipation as 24 women piled into four trucks, ready for another round of desert magic. Fueled by coffee and layered in sunscreen, we rumbled down classic Moab roads—dusty, winding, and flanked by wide-open skies and rust-colored sandstone that stretched toward the horizon. When we finally pulled up to the trailhead and shouldered our packs, the La Sal Mountains rose in the distance like familiar old friends, quietly standing guard.
Our hike began with a climb—a steep scramble up a narrow, rocky chute that demanded both hands and a bit of grit. The sandstone radiated warmth beneath our boots, and with every step upward, the views became more expansive. Behind us, a mosaic of domes and winding canyons stretched endlessly beneath a brilliant blue sky. Waves of slickrock rippled across the horizon, broken only by pockets of desert vegetation clinging stubbornly to the cracks.
Just before entering the canyon, we came upon a stunning keyhole arch carved naturally into the red rock. Sunlight streamed through its opening like a spotlight, and we paused soaking in the moment. Some features don’t just catch your eye—they invite you to linger.
Once inside the canyon, we were immersed in nature’s sandstone playground. The canyon narrowed quickly, drawing us into its water-carved corridors. Smooth curves and sculpted walls wrapped around us like an earthen embrace. Pools of cold water waited around corners, reflecting the high desert light. Some swims were chest-deep, requiring us to float our packs and wade through with chilled determination (and a lot of joyful shrieks).
We moved gracefully through the technical sections, each obstacle offering a chance to practice partner assists and embrace the spirit of teamwork. Every rappel told its own story—whether it was a smooth slide, a careful downclimb, or a splash landing into a chilled, waiting pool.
The final rappel was one of the most memorable—a dramatic two-stage drop that delivered us into a wide, echoing chamber with sheer walls and a murky pool waiting at the bottom. The first stage eased us down a sunlit wall, but the second part launched us straight into the water. Cheers rang out as one by one, we touched down in the pool—some gracefully, others with an enthusiastic splash. We stripped off gear and lounged on the sandy ledges, taking in the grandeur of the chamber and the red sandstone walls rising around us. It became our canyon lounge: packs scattered, laughter echoing, photos snapped, and friendships sealed with muddy water and pure joy.
Weekend Reflections: Skill Building & Soul Fuel
This weekend wasn’t just about ropes and rappels—it was about sisterhood and strength, pushing through nerves, sharing beta, and celebrating each other’s triumphs. I sharpened old skills, picked up new ones, and finally added Moab to my canyoning map with style.
But more than anything, it was about connection—the kind that forms when women come together in wild places. There’s a certain magic in that: laughter echoing through sandstone walls, hands extended without hesitation, and that fierce sense of camaraderie forged under the desert sun. Whether we were hauling ropes over slickrock, swimming through narrow canyon slots, or watching the sky melt into firelight, each moment stitched itself into the fabric of something unforgettable.
Final Thought
Canyoneering has a way of stripping things down to the essentials—trust, teamwork, and the rhythm of movement through stone and water. This trip reminded me that adventure doesn’t just build confidence—it reveals it. With every rappel and splash, we carved out space for courage, connection, and joy.
And if you ask me, there’s nothing more powerful than women cheering each other on in a canyon echoing with laughter.
And let’s be real—any weekend that includes waterfalls, arches, and canyon queens is bound to be legendary.
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 
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