
Water Canyon Adventure
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Water Canyon Adventure worth booking?
Water Canyon Adventure is a 6-hour experience in Scottsdale, United States, from $280 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (24)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $280 per person
Looking over the edge of a vertical cliff get ready to shout, 'ON RAPPEL!' Join up to nine other fellow adventurers on a six hour tour into the heart of an Arizona high country canyon. This 'choose your way' adventure will have you wading through a pine forest, rock hopping down a slippery wet wonderland, swimming under waterfalls, leaping into deep pools, sliding down natural waterslides, and taking a leap of faith over a 40ft foot jaw dropping rappel.
What you get
About this experience
Looking over the edge of a vertical cliff get ready to shout, 'ON RAPPEL!' Join up to nine other fellow adventurers on a six hour tour into the heart of an Arizona high country canyon. This 'choose your way' adventure will have you wading through a pine forest, rock hopping down a slippery wet wonderland, swimming under waterfalls, leaping into deep pools, sliding down natural waterslides, and taking a leap of faith over a 40ft foot jaw dropping rappel.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Professional guide
- Technical gear for the adventure
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food
- Water
What you'll see and do
Adventure On Purpose
Rise with the sun to meet your guide in the Home of the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo, Payson, AZ for a 7AM start time. Your six-hour canyon tour begins with an easy drive along the Mogollon Rim with high country mountain views all around. Keep your eyes open for antelope, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, turkey, black bear, or the newly re-introduced Mexican gray wolf. Buckle on your helmet and bow your head, praying for a fun filled day full of fellowship and safe adventures. Leaving the van behind to head out cross-country, you will be navigating your way through a pine tree forest. Once in the canyon bottom your swimming and rock hopping skills will be tested. The route continues to become more adventurous as slides, waterfalls, down climbs create fun obstacles to decipher. At times the best way may be sliding, jumping, being lowered, or rappelling to continue the journey. The adventure culminates as your group reaches the edge of a waterfall. With no where to go, but down, everyone gears up for a thrilling rappel into the deep pool below. The adventure is not over yet though as more full body exercise continues until the trip abruptly leaves the water behind and cuts out cross country once more. Your hard work is done as you pile into the shuttle vehicle. Enjoy the smooth drive back into civilization, exhausted and happy en-route to Payson.
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Scottsdale
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventure On Purpose
Know before you go
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Must be in good physical shape to enjoy this adventure
- Minimum age is 8 years
Photos

What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Water Canyon Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing adventure!
Be willing to push your limits and have fun! It is a total body without. Thrilling and active. The guides were supportive and kind.
Response from the operator: What a great day! Thanks for choosing us for an adventure.
via Viator
This was the perfect...
This was the perfect activity to celebrate a 10-year anniversary. Our tour guide Brian made each of part of the activity feel safe and do-able, despite my fear of heights! We could not be more thankful for this experience.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the review! We had such a great day with you enjoying the canyon fun together.
via Viator
You don’t want to miss this tour!
This was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. The tour was such a blast and I would highly recommend anyone visiting Arizona to go. Brian and his family are extremely kind, professional and knowledgeable. This is an experience you won’t want to miss. The repelling, jumping off a few rocks, sliding down natural water slides and walking through/swimming through water in the middle of canyons was surreal. Amazing company, owner and tour!
Response from the operator: We had a great day in the canyon with you. Thank you for choosing us to make a memory!
via Tripadvisor
Canyoneering is rad
If your looking for some fun and adventure you found it. Tired of eating and drinkin your face off in Scottsdale. I was. Get out and see what canyoneering is all about. Brian and his family are amazing people. Im not in any sort of peak physical shape other than round( lol)and i was a lil nervous after signing up. It was 111 degrees in Scottsdale but Payson,AZ was only 94 and you'll be swimming through the most majestic natural made canyon pools and slides ive ever seen. Water is cold, i'd guess 60's, but it is so refreshing and exhilirating. The wet suit will keep ya warm and keep ya afloat. Brian's knowledge of the canyons and commitment to safety is refreshing and assuring. My wife and i brought a camel back each, a 2L and a 3L bladder of water with a dry bag for snacks at lunch. It was perfect. This was so much fun i cant even begin to explain, the jumps off waterfalls, the rappelling, the swimming, hiking, and just the beauty that the canyon brings. Keep in my mind your doing work. But dont be scared. Its a blast. Brian gives options for all abilities and adventure levels. Thank you for makin our Arizona trip and anniversary so much fun Tuten family. My wife was already lookin at where our next canyoneering trip could be. Lol
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the review and the amazingly fun time we all shared in the canyon together!
via Tripadvisor
A Rewarding Day
Adventure on Purpose has created a once in a lifetime adventure that has the most beautiful views and includes excitement at literally every turn. The excursion was challenging, yet so rewarding. Brian and Elijah were patient guides and fun to hang out with for the day.
Response from the operator: What an incredible day in the canyon! The water was perfect, the weather was perfect, and the fellowship was perfect. Thank you for choosing us to make a memory.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Water Canyon Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Scottsdale.
How much does Water Canyon Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $280 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Scottsdale usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Water Canyon Adventure take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Scottsdale is not rushed.
Is Water Canyon Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Scottsdale, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Water Canyon Adventure?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Water Canyon Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Water Canyon Adventure?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Scottsdale can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Scottsdale and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Water Canyon Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Scottsdale within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?
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Scottsdale pairs polished Old Town food, art and nightlife tours with hard desert adventure: Jeep runs through the Tonto, hot air balloons at dawn, horseback rides and e-bike routes along the greenbelt. Operator permits decide which trails a tour can actually reach, so we look closely at route detail. On Outty we rank every Scottsdale experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale, Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset, Old Town Scottsdale Party Bike Bar Crawl and Pool Party. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
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November to April, with dawn departures through the summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Scottsdale?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Water Canyon Adventure?
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Included: Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Professional guide; and Technical gear for the adventure. Not included: Gratuities; Food; and Water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Water Canyon Adventure offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Water Canyon Adventure?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Water Canyon Adventure if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Scottsdale. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Water Canyon Adventure?
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Across 24 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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