Zions is a Mecca of sorts for Canyonering. Zion National Park is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural wonderland, where towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors. As canyoneering has grown in popularity I figure some information might be useful to give an overview of canyoneering in Zion National Park:
- What is Canyoneering: Canyoneering is a combination of hiking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and swimming through canyons. It involves navigating narrow, steep-walled canyons that are typically formed by water erosion. Canyoneering often requires technical skills, equipment, and knowledge of rappelling techniques.
- Permits and Regulations: Canyoneering in Zion National Park generally requires obtaining a permit. Permits are necessary for specific canyons and can be obtained through the park’s lottery system, online reservations, or on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s essential to check the park’s website or contact the Zion National Park visitor center for information on permits, regulations, and closures.
- Canyons in Zion National Park: Zion National Park offers a variety of canyons suitable for canyoneering. Some popular canyons include The Subway, Orderville Canyon, Keyhole Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, and Behunin Canyon. Each canyon has its unique features, challenges, and levels of difficulty.
- Technical Skills and Equipment: Canyoneering in Zion often involves rappelling, downclimbing, and navigating water-filled sections. It’s essential to have proper technical skills and experience. It is important to note that canyons in the National Park can’t be guided, but you can hire a guide for canyons outside the park. Canyoneering-specific gear is required, including a harness, helmet, ropes, descenders, carabiners, and appropriate footwear.
- Safety Considerations: Canyoneering can be physically demanding and carries inherent risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential hazards, such as flash floods, rockfall, hypothermia, and challenging terrain. Checking weather forecasts, understanding current conditions, and having proper navigation tools are crucial. It’s advisable to undertake canyoneering with experienced individuals or certified guides. BE AWARE there are multiple canyoneering fatalities each year due to accidents, inexperience, weather, or other variables. Do Not take this sport lightly.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential. Respect the fragile ecosystem of the canyons, pack out all trash, minimize impacts, and follow the guidelines provided by the park authorities. This ensures and enjoyable trip for all those that visit these amazing places.
Please note that canyoneering requires advanced skills and preparation. If you are new to canyoneering or unsure of your abilities, it’s strongly recommended to seek guidance from professional canyoneering guides or participate in courses to learn the necessary skills and safety protocols. Remember to check with the Zion National Park authorities or visitor center for the most up-to-date information, regulations, and specific guidelines for canyoneering in the park.
Now that we’ve cover the basics I’ll share a multiday canyoneering trip I did with some friends and a couple of my kids. We started to descend into the East Fork of the Virgin River with a technical canyon called Rock canyon. It offered a few challenges including some stemming and rappelling. Once we finished the technical section we entered the main canyon of the East Fork. We were immersed in a narrow, winding canyon carved by the Virgin River over thousands of years. Towering sandstone walls rise dramatically on both sides, reaching heights of up to a thousand feet. The canyon walls showcase stunning layers of red, orange, and tan rock, displaying the geological history of the area.
As we made our way through the canyon, we encountered the gentle flow of the Virgin River. The river itself was our path, winding its way through the narrow channel. The crystal-clear water adds a touch of serenity and tranquility to the surroundings and felt refreshing on a hot summer day. There were small waterfalls of springs running down the canyon walls. We found a nice sandy beach and made it our base camp for the next couple days activities.
The next day we did a loop hike descending Fat Man’s Misery. The canyon included a couple rappels and very nice slots sections. The highlight of the canyon is the arch room with multiple arches in a dark chamber of a room. Shortly after the arches is a natural spring of warmish water that is a nice reprieve from the colder pools in the arch room. After we completed Fat Man’s Misery we descended the East Fork to Labyrinth Falls, an impressive waterfall. As you head down to Labyrinth Falls make sure to keep your eyes open for the Powell Memorial in the wall dedicated to John W. Powell’s descent and exploration of the area. The hike to the falls is definitely worth it. However, you are not allowed to hike farther downstream as it is impassable due to waterfalls and the river is protected beneath the falls.
After another night we exited the canyon by hiking out one of the side canyons back to our car. The hike is step in some areas and ropes were helpful in parts to ensure safety. Overall the trips was a great time and a beautiful area! Enjoy the video of our trip below.
Our Rating
Overall Worthwhileness
Difficulty
Cost
Beauty
