Desert Highlights — Local services in Moab

On our first trip to Moab Utah, and Utah in general, we were not really sure what to expect. However, knowing that we wanted to get the most out of our time that we were there, we knew that a guide would definitely help us maximize our time yet also tell us about things and/or show us things and answer our questions that would have otherwise remained answered questions (did that make sense? 🤣). The contact and booking process is extremely easy. You reach out to them either phone call or email, and arrange the details. A very small deposit to hold your spot is all that is needed. We decided to do a Fisher tower's hike, which we had pretty much on our radar from day one. We had no idea what to expect therefore knowing it was probably not a very busy hike and also knowing that we are hiking novices, we wanted to have someone who was very experienced yet also someone who, due to that experience, would push us a little outside our conservative bubble to climb things or experience things we probably would not have climbed or experienced on our own. We were set up with Kiera, who turned out to be an amazing guide. From the very first hike, we had a little bit of trepidation about one spot on the Fisher hike that turned out really not being anything really at all to be worried about. However, retrospectively we don't know if it was that we really didn't need to be worried or that we had a confident guide who was able to instill in us a sense of confidence as well. Fisher Towers hike was incredible. Highly recommend to someone that wants to experience a little bit of all that Utah has in one six mile hike. Second day, Arches. Kiera efficiently navigated us around the park. We were able to see Delicate, Sand Dune, Windows, Double Arch, and Balanced Rock all in a half day. Although an exhausting day, Kiera's confidence in knowing the trails and our physical maximums gave my wife the confidence to push well outside her comfort zone and receive an experience that she had no idea she was going to be able to experience with a fear of heights. Plus, always nice to have someone take pictures of you at places where there was no one else to take pictures of you! 🤣. Overall, I highly recommend Desert Highlights to anyone who knows more or less what they want to do but really needs help with the logistics of setting up the dominos and knocking them down. If we are ever back in the Eastern Utah area, we will definitely be...

Lucky & Greatness!

I have done rappelling at many different places around the world, but never Utah. I have never squeezed my body through slots or narrows. I had some free time in early Feb. I decided Utah was closer than Australia or Costa Rica...so I decided to give it a try. I googled guide services. I settle on 2 based on photos, reviews, etc. What we all do. I talked to one (before talking to Desert Highlights). They seemed a little curt and not very flexible. On the other hand, I had a very pleasant and accommodating experience via text, email and phone with the owners of Desert Highlights. I wanted to visit the first week of Feb. They were very honest. They said that it would probably be too cold, but if I was up for it they would open up early...and me on a 'journey.' I was...and I glad (& lucky) I did. The weather the week before was exactly what they knew. Freezing. It probably would have been 'less fun & harder', but the cloud broke and the sun came out for my trip - 50s/60s, sunny. Lucky/Amazing. However, I also really thought it was amazing that DH was so honest it what to expect...even at the risk of my not going at that time. That was the 1st of many 5 stars they received. After many conversations of what to bring, suggestions on where to stay and how they would they pick me up from the airport...the trip was set. I arrived at the Moab and the picked me up, took me shopping for food and finally to my lodging. 2nd set of 5 stars for accommodating me and my pre-canyon requests. And finally to the good stuff. I don't want to force any of the canyons on anyone...because the were ALL so good and different. My recommendation - tell Jake exactly what you want to do/think you can do...and he will find magic. NOTE: if you are willing/able to go a little further - to Hanksville - and explore the Irish Canyons - Awesome & and very different. Another 5 stars for Jake's recommendations (listened to me and give me exactly what I was looking for + more). I could go on for a few more paragraphs, but not sure if anyone is still reading this, but...the the last 5 STARS go to Jake (great leader, listener, guide, enabler, pushed me to excel & not fail). Certainly check the weather (you might not get as I lucky as I did), but put this area and guide service on your list...

First, the short version, then I’ll expand. I had a bucket list dream to take my family canyoneering in Utah. The personnel at Desert Highlights are incredibly professional, easy-going, and I felt truly dedicated to making my experience with them the best possible. My wife and I are planning another canyoneering trip and would only work with Desert Highlights again. Melissa was meticulous in helping us plan this epic family vacation, and Jake, our guide treated us like gold every minute of our 2 days together. Please read on...: I decided to plan a 2-day canyoneering trip for my family. I sent out 8 emails and interviewed 8 different companies/guides. Melissa at Desert Highlights was quickly the first to respond. I was immediately struck by the enthusiasm in her voice. She was as excited to help me plan this trip for my family as I was to take them. After interviewing the 7 other candidates, I called Melissa back to discuss what other companies had promised. We had a very frank discussion and, at the end, she was clearly the one who seemed most personally invested in making my vision of this canyoneering trip a reality. Let me take a moment to expand on Melissa’s personal investment in our trip. The day before we were to fly out, the weather forecast turned badly toward rain. Melissa was clearly distraught. She made every effort to save our vacation. She emailed me a big list of all the sites we could safely visit in her area and pushed our canyoneering trip back a day to work around the weather. We ended up having a great day anyway based on Melissa’s suggestions. There was never a feeling of “oh well, that’s what happens sometimes”. She showed she was personally invested in our happiness, and clearly loves, and knows the area well. Then Jake, our guide. Soooooo patient with ALL of us!! Guiding us carefully though difficult passages, teaching us multiple rock-climbing techniques, and ALWAYS ensuring we were safe, comfortable, and having a great time! He is engaging, absolutely professional, and just delightful to hang-out with as well. He made up our camp at night, and cooked our dinner and breakfast. Please feel free to ask Desert Highlights to forward any other questions to me. You will not be dissatisfied if you plan a trip with...