rcwild
06-06-2008, 02:41 PM
A tributary of Orderville Canyon Englestead Hollow offers narrows, rappels and downclimbing punctuated by a challenging big wall rappel entry.
Rating: 4B IV
Time Required: ~8-10 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~290 Feet
Permit Information
Permits required and can be obtained at the Zion NP Visitor Center.
Camping/Lodging
There are campgrounds in Zion NP, numerous hotels in nearby Springdale and plenty of primitive camping in the vicinity.
Preferred Season
Spring, summer, fall.
Water Concerns
Very little wading in Englestead. Using Orderville/Narrows exit will encounter wading, possible swims
Special Challenges
The big wall entry rappel can be complicated. Superior rope and group management skills are required. Experience on long rappels and the ability to add friction to control the descent is essential. No beginner rappellers here.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), enough rope and pull cord for a 300’ entry rappel- all other rappels ~120’ or less, ~50’ of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, wetsuit for Orderville/Narrows depending on weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5/ Map ‘Temple of Sinawava’
Directions to Trailhead
Englestead Hollow is approached through the Zion Ponderosa Ranch at the east side of Zion National Park. From the East entrance of Zions NP, travel east for just under 2.5 miles and turn left at North Fork. Head an additional 5 miles to Zion Ponderosa Ranch where you will turn left into the Ranch. From the Ranch entrance, you will be presented a fork in the road, and two T’s. Take the right hand choice at each. At 2.3 miles you will cross Fir Road, and continue straight as the road begins to worsen. At 2.9 miles there will be another fork, go right. At 3.1 miles there will be a rugged road come in from the right- turn here. Continue straight for another half mile, passing one more road that comes in to the right, and park at the end of the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
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Approach
From the parking area at the end of the dirt road (just north of pt. 6495) head northeast dropping down into upper Englestead Hollow. Turn left and head downstream until you come to the first big drop.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
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Description: Standard Route
A good anchor tree for the 300' big wall entry rappel can be found about 50' along the left edge of the canyon. This entry can also be done in multiple raps. 1. 80' to a small ledge with two bolts (can be hard to find). 2. 180' to the first pothole ledge. 3. 40' to the second pothole ledge. After dealing with the big wall entry rappel continue down canyon encountering more raps, narrows, scrambling and downclimbing.
Exit
Where Englestead meets Orderville Canyon turn left and descend Orderville to the Virgin River Gorge and Zion Narrows. Turn left again and head down canyon to the Temple of Sinawava.
Variation
It is possible to exit up Orderville Canyon. Permit is not required for this.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
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Rating: 4B IV
Time Required: ~8-10 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~290 Feet
Permit Information
Permits required and can be obtained at the Zion NP Visitor Center.
Camping/Lodging
There are campgrounds in Zion NP, numerous hotels in nearby Springdale and plenty of primitive camping in the vicinity.
Preferred Season
Spring, summer, fall.
Water Concerns
Very little wading in Englestead. Using Orderville/Narrows exit will encounter wading, possible swims
Special Challenges
The big wall entry rappel can be complicated. Superior rope and group management skills are required. Experience on long rappels and the ability to add friction to control the descent is essential. No beginner rappellers here.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), enough rope and pull cord for a 300’ entry rappel- all other rappels ~120’ or less, ~50’ of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, wetsuit for Orderville/Narrows depending on weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5/ Map ‘Temple of Sinawava’
Directions to Trailhead
Englestead Hollow is approached through the Zion Ponderosa Ranch at the east side of Zion National Park. From the East entrance of Zions NP, travel east for just under 2.5 miles and turn left at North Fork. Head an additional 5 miles to Zion Ponderosa Ranch where you will turn left into the Ranch. From the Ranch entrance, you will be presented a fork in the road, and two T’s. Take the right hand choice at each. At 2.3 miles you will cross Fir Road, and continue straight as the road begins to worsen. At 2.9 miles there will be another fork, go right. At 3.1 miles there will be a rugged road come in from the right- turn here. Continue straight for another half mile, passing one more road that comes in to the right, and park at the end of the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
From the parking area at the end of the dirt road (just north of pt. 6495) head northeast dropping down into upper Englestead Hollow. Turn left and head downstream until you come to the first big drop.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
A good anchor tree for the 300' big wall entry rappel can be found about 50' along the left edge of the canyon. This entry can also be done in multiple raps. 1. 80' to a small ledge with two bolts (can be hard to find). 2. 180' to the first pothole ledge. 3. 40' to the second pothole ledge. After dealing with the big wall entry rappel continue down canyon encountering more raps, narrows, scrambling and downclimbing.
Exit
Where Englestead meets Orderville Canyon turn left and descend Orderville to the Virgin River Gorge and Zion Narrows. Turn left again and head down canyon to the Temple of Sinawava.
Variation
It is possible to exit up Orderville Canyon. Permit is not required for this.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
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