rcwild
06-07-2008, 01:29 PM
A scenic canyon with moderate technical difficulties and a wonderful grand finale rappel at the end. Southern exposure makes this route suitable in cooler temperatures and uncomfortable in summer.
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~165 Feet
Permit Information
Permits requried 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 and Fall are best, Winter can be good, southern exposure can make this uncomfortable in summer.
Water Concerns
Possible wading up to waist deep
Special Challenges
Always check conditions of both natural and artificial anchors. Replace webbing etc. as needed. Multiple long rappels
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 2 50 M ropes, ~50’ of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, wetsuit depending on weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5/ Map ‘Temple of Sinawava’
Directions to Trailhead
From Zion NP Visitor Center catch the shuttle bus up canyon to The Grotto picnic site. Cross the road and follow the West Rim Trail up Refrigerator Canyon toward Angels Landing. At Scout Lookout continue climbing north on the trail crossing the top of Refrigerator Canyon traversing west along the south side of the big slickrock bowl that is middle Telephone Canyon. This trail soon bears Southwest and climbs to Behunin Pass where the trail switches back north and makes its final climb to the West Rim.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
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Approach
From Behunin Pass drop south into the head of Behunin Canyon. The beginnin of Behunin is mostly open and sunny. About half way down the canyon opens up and turns east. The fun begins here. Historically, a number of challenges have been avoided by trails skirting around them. To avoid continued development of these social trails stay directly in the drainage as much as possible. The final rappel from four bolts may be broken into two stages by using a second anchor (three bolts) near the bottom of the slab above the final free hanging drop.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Scenic hiking, potholes, natural and artificial anchors with rappel after rappel, and a long free hanging rappel at the end.
Exit
From the final rappel above Emerald Pools follow the Emerald Pools trail back to the Grotto Picnic Area and catch the shuttle bus back to Zion Visitor Center
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 3A III
Time Required: ~7-9 Hours
Longest Rappel: ~165 Feet
Permit Information
Permits requried 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 and Fall are best, Winter can be good, southern exposure can make this uncomfortable in summer.
Water Concerns
Possible wading up to waist deep
Special Challenges
Always check conditions of both natural and artificial anchors. Replace webbing etc. as needed. Multiple long rappels
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 2 50 M ropes, ~50’ of webbing, rap rings/links, ascenders, wetsuit depending on weather
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5/ Map ‘Temple of Sinawava’
Directions to Trailhead
From Zion NP Visitor Center catch the shuttle bus up canyon to The Grotto picnic site. Cross the road and follow the West Rim Trail up Refrigerator Canyon toward Angels Landing. At Scout Lookout continue climbing north on the trail crossing the top of Refrigerator Canyon traversing west along the south side of the big slickrock bowl that is middle Telephone Canyon. This trail soon bears Southwest and climbs to Behunin Pass where the trail switches back north and makes its final climb to the West Rim.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
From Behunin Pass drop south into the head of Behunin Canyon. The beginnin of Behunin is mostly open and sunny. About half way down the canyon opens up and turns east. The fun begins here. Historically, a number of challenges have been avoided by trails skirting around them. To avoid continued development of these social trails stay directly in the drainage as much as possible. The final rappel from four bolts may be broken into two stages by using a second anchor (three bolts) near the bottom of the slab above the final free hanging drop.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Description: Standard Route
Scenic hiking, potholes, natural and artificial anchors with rappel after rappel, and a long free hanging rappel at the end.
Exit
From the final rappel above Emerald Pools follow the Emerald Pools trail back to the Grotto Picnic Area and catch the shuttle bus back to Zion Visitor Center
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -