rcwild
06-07-2008, 01:22 PM
A classic technical slot canyon descent, with easy access, in the heart of Zion National Park.
Rating: 3B II
Time Required: 2-6 hours
Longest Rappel: 100 feet (30M)
Description
Many spectacular rappels. Most have bolted anchors, but have some webbing just in case it needs replacing. Swims are common, and can be cold. Eventually the canyon turns left (west) and opens a bit. There are two long rappels past this point, the first has hard to find anchors and can be bypassed with some scary scrambling across ledges to the left (LDC). The bolts for this rappel are on canyon right, and it is recommended that you rappel rather than bypass. The second rappel is a long (100 foot) drop and is free hanging. Fireman belays are recommended for beginners.
Permit Information
Permits required. Contact the backcountry desk in the Park Headquarters.
Preferred Season
Spring or autumn, summer outside of monsoon season.
Water Concerns
wetsuits generally required
Special Challenges
Lots of people, cold swims, long free hanging rappels. Not for the faint of heart.
Topographic Map
Springdale East USGS Map
Directions to Trailhead
You must set up a car shuttle first, as pedestrians are not allowed in the tunnel. From the park headquarters area, head westbound on Highway 9. After the highway crosses the North Fork Virgin River (and Canyon Junction, where the Zion Canyon scenic road heads north to Temple of Sinawava), continue up for 1.7 miles and park on a large switchback (this is the third switchback, for a total of six switchbacks between the point where the highway crosses the river and the tunnel entrance). Take a second car through the tunnel. Once out of the tunnel, cross a bridge and take an immediate right into a small parking lot.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the south side of the parking lot, drop into Pine Creek and head downstream.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Exit
After the last spectacular drop, hike and boulder hope down stream. Keep an eye out to your left for the highway's retaining wall that marks the switchback your lower car is at (after about an hour or so of hiking). Take social trails back to the highway and your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Variations
Lots of swimming holes on the hike out. You can start further up Pine Creek if you are so inclined, but there is not much to see above the trailhead.
Rating: 3B II
Time Required: 2-6 hours
Longest Rappel: 100 feet (30M)
Description
Many spectacular rappels. Most have bolted anchors, but have some webbing just in case it needs replacing. Swims are common, and can be cold. Eventually the canyon turns left (west) and opens a bit. There are two long rappels past this point, the first has hard to find anchors and can be bypassed with some scary scrambling across ledges to the left (LDC). The bolts for this rappel are on canyon right, and it is recommended that you rappel rather than bypass. The second rappel is a long (100 foot) drop and is free hanging. Fireman belays are recommended for beginners.
Permit Information
Permits required. Contact the backcountry desk in the Park Headquarters.
Preferred Season
Spring or autumn, summer outside of monsoon season.
Water Concerns
wetsuits generally required
Special Challenges
Lots of people, cold swims, long free hanging rappels. Not for the faint of heart.
Topographic Map
Springdale East USGS Map
Directions to Trailhead
You must set up a car shuttle first, as pedestrians are not allowed in the tunnel. From the park headquarters area, head westbound on Highway 9. After the highway crosses the North Fork Virgin River (and Canyon Junction, where the Zion Canyon scenic road heads north to Temple of Sinawava), continue up for 1.7 miles and park on a large switchback (this is the third switchback, for a total of six switchbacks between the point where the highway crosses the river and the tunnel entrance). Take a second car through the tunnel. Once out of the tunnel, cross a bridge and take an immediate right into a small parking lot.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the south side of the parking lot, drop into Pine Creek and head downstream.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Exit
After the last spectacular drop, hike and boulder hope down stream. Keep an eye out to your left for the highway's retaining wall that marks the switchback your lower car is at (after about an hour or so of hiking). Take social trails back to the highway and your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Variations
Lots of swimming holes on the hike out. You can start further up Pine Creek if you are so inclined, but there is not much to see above the trailhead.