Slot Canyons In Zion Np
Beautiful and alluring, slot canyons can quickly turn deadly as this one, Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park, did last week / Bret Edge. As wondrous and mesmerizing as slot canyons in southern Utah and northern Arizona can be, they can be even more deadly, as last week's tragedy at Zion National Park underscores. This is the place. Deep, spectacular canyons with lots of water make Zion the ONLY place for canyoneering at the height of summer. A few dramatic, technical routes challenge the veteran canyoneer, but most routes in Zion offer more beauty than challenge, with well-established anchors that make them a good place for folks to start their canyoneering careers. Red Hollow is a short, easy, and scenic slot canyon just outside of Zion National Park, Utah. This is a good slot canyon for beginners with easy scrambling in some places. The trailhead is about 18 miles from the eastern entrance of Zion National Park, located in the small town of Orderville. Echo Canyon, a slot canyon in Zion National Park, Utah Echo Canyon is one of the best and most easily accessible slot canyons of Zion National Park, joining the Virgin River a few miles south of the end of the park road at the Temple of Sinawava, just before the start of the Zion Narrows. Zion National Park is home to the most famous of all the slot canyons, the Zion Narrows. Inside Zion National Park there is also the Subway, Echo Canyon, Orderville Canyon and Pine Creek. The Riverside Walk is the easiest hike in Zion National Park and it leads to the trailhead for the Zion Narrows.
Slot Canyons In Zion Np State Park
Oak Creek Zion National Park Oak Creek is a unique and charming wet technical slot canyon. The canyon is located just outside the boundaries of Zion National Park, which eliminates the bureaucratic hassles associated with neighboring canyons. This canyon is spring fed and provides a special treat to Colorado Plateau canyoneers in the form of flowing water. The stream flow is usually mild and provides a good introduction into wet canyons. Oak Creek is a sparkling and thrilling slot canyon that is certainly worth the effort to visit. This canyon offers several route options that allows the canyon to be experienced in a single day or extended into a phenomenal two day adventure. |
Limited Access:
There are currently private property access issues associated with descending Oak Creek. If you attempt this route you are on your own. My only statement is that it concerns me when a private landowner can essentially lock up thousands of acres of public land by limiting access. So for the time being consider all my information on this route to be for historical reference only.
So here is the down low on the route.... Oak Creek requires that you cross approximately 1/3 mile of private property to access the actual slot canyon. The slot itself is on public land. The private property is owned by the Logandale Stake of the LDS church and is known as Camp Kolob. The church group that owns the property is not happy about canyoneers crossing their property, particularly when they are hosting a young women's group. I assume the problem stems from all the raping and pillaging canyoneers are noted for. In all honesty it was the problems caused by a few ignorant canyoneers that resulted in the canyon being closed.
Professional Guide:
Eye of the Needle is currently being guided by Zion Adventures. This is currently the only legal method of visiting the slot canyon. One advantage to using the guide service is they exit the slot canyon using a Via Feratta, which make the trip both more fun and more interesting.
Circle of Friends:
Eye of the Needle is part of the 'Circle of Friends' program. Members of the 'Circle of Friends' have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the 'Circle of Friends' visit the sign up page.
'Circle of Friends'
General Information:
Eye of the Needle is a spectacular canyoneering adventure requiring complete technical gear. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. Eye of the Needle is rated 3C IV using the Canyon Rating System. A Zion Backcountry permit is not required for this route.
Trailhead Information:
Any vehicle can easily reach the trailhead in dry conditions.
Video:
Enjoy a short video of a trip through Eye of the Needle.
Optional Route Information:
Options for a scenic two day technical backpacking route are available to members of the Circle of Friends. The optional route is an excellent exit and I highly recommend using it at least once in your lifetime. If using the Optional Exit a Zion backcountry permit must be obtained.
Slot Canyons In Zion Np Weather
Related Link:
Kolob Canyon Disaster - The complete story of the local boy scout trooped trapped in Kolob Canyon during high water.
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- AdultAges 12+
- $99
- YouthAges 4-11 Must have an adult present
- $89
- Group of 6+15% off for groups of 6 or more
- $85
Zion National Park UTV & Hiking Tour
The back country of Zion National Park is home to Slot Canyons unlike any other in the world. This non-technical hiking tour takes you on an off-road UTV adventure to the mouth of Crimson Canyon to hike through and explore with your guide. Within the narrow canyon walls you will find ancient Native American writings and learn about those who inhabited these lands before us. Unlike most Slot Canyons, this canyon does not require repelling or technical climbing and all ages are able to participate.
After a heavy rainstorm sections of the canyons may contain pools of water. Under these circumstances we supply what is needed to gear up and advance through the canyon despite these potential obstacles!
This tour can depart from one of three locations: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Zion Mountain Ranch, or Zion Fuel-Up (Orderville, Utah).
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Water bottle
- Camera
Slot Canyons In Zion Np Hotels
This is a weather dependent activity. When booking for Winter, Spring, or Fall, please be aware that weather can affect your scheduled experience.
You do not want to miss the tour, so please arrive early!