Half day guided hike
Four hours in Arches or Canyonlands with a naturalist guide, transport and snacks included.
Guiding southern Utah since 2010
Eight people maximum, and we handle the permits
Day hikes, technical canyons and sunrise photography trips with guides who live here. Permits, gear and a real lunch included, in vehicles that can reach the trailheads that matter.
8guests maximum
15 yrsguiding here
11full time guides
Permitshandled by us
Our trips
Half days to five day backcountry routes
All trips include permits, transport from Moab, gear, water and food, with no hidden add ons.
Full day canyoneering
Technical descent with rappels up to 120 feet, all ropes and harnesses provided, no experience needed.
Sunrise photography trip
Pre dawn departure to a location chosen for that week's light, with a guide who shoots professionally.
Two day Needles overnight
Backpack into the Needles district, permits secured, tents, pads and all meals carried and cooked.
Five day Escalante traverse
Remote route with a caching vehicle, satellite communicator and a two guide team throughout.
Private group booking
Your party only, on your date, on any of our routes, for up to eight people.
About Basin & Rim
Guides who live here and get out on their days off
Basin & Rim was started in 2010 by two guides who wanted to run trips with eight people rather than the twenty five a van holds. All eleven guides are full time employees who live in Moab year round, hold current Wilderness First Responder certification, and are permitted by the National Park Service and BLM for the areas we operate in.
•Guides hold current Wilderness First Responder certification, verified annually
•Permitted operator with the National Park Service and BLM for every route we run
•Group size capped at eight, and we do not combine bookings to fill a van
Reviews
From people who came out with us
“Our guide changed the route that morning because of heat and took us somewhere better. That judgment is exactly what you are paying for.”
Hannah W., Full day canyoneering, May
“I am 61 and had never rappelled. They were patient, the gear was in good shape and I did a 120 foot drop. Best day of the trip.”
Terry M., Canyoneering, October
“The permit for the Needles overnight would have taken me months to figure out. They had it sorted and we were the only party at the camp.”
Owen and Ines D., Needles overnight, April
FAQ
Fitness, weather and what to bring
How fit do I need to be?
Half day hikes suit anyone comfortable walking three to four miles on uneven ground. Full day canyoneering involves scrambling, downclimbing and rappelling and needs a moderate fitness level, though no technical experience. The Escalante traverse carries a full pack for five days and is genuinely strenuous. We will be straight with you on the phone rather than letting you book the wrong trip.
What happens if the weather turns?
Guides make the call and we move or cancel. Slot canyons are cancelled outright for any flash flood risk, and in July and August we shift start times earlier for heat. If we cancel you choose between a full refund or a credit, and we never run a canyon because the trip is already paid for.
What is included and what should I bring?
We provide permits, transport from Moab, all technical gear, helmets, water and food including a proper lunch, not a granola bar. Bring sturdy closed toe shoes with grip, sun protection, a hat and layers. Full gear lists go out with your booking confirmation and we have loaner packs if you flew in light.
Can you accommodate children or a private group?
Children eight and up on half day hikes, and twelve and up for canyoneering because harnesses and rappelling need a certain size and judgment. Private bookings for your party only start at 520 dollars and are available on any route, which many families and photography groups prefer.
Contact
Call us before you book
Tell us your dates, your group and how much you want to be pushed, and we will point you at the right trip even if it is a shorter one.
Phone(435) 555-0172
Address82 E Center St, Moab, Utah
HoursDaily 6am to 8pm March to November, by appointment in winter
AreaArches, Canyonlands, San Rafael Swell and the Escalante