Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Editor's note: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The owner and operator of this site do not recommend or endorse any specific products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Reliance on any information provided by the site owner and operator, is solely at your own risk. Always make sure you have the proper equipment, physical condition and experience level before trying any outdoor activity. And be sure to always check the weather conditions before traveling into any canyon.- - - - - -
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah boasts the best snow on earth, but also has the best canyons on earth as well.
It truly is a state with a remarkable landscape, and the geography of the southern desert is a playground for adventure. From the giant arches in Moab to the deep-dark slots of Zion, there are a wide array of canyons that you can spend a lifetime exploring. Here are some of the best canyoneering locations in the state:
Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion is known for its steep red cliffs, river, lush gardens and a myriad of dark chasms (slot canyons) that spread throughout the park. Canyoneering within the boundary of the park requires a permit and they are first come first serve.
As the fourth most visited national park in 2018 (4.3 million people), access to these canyons is becoming harder to obtain (some filling up months in advance). Most Zion canyons hold water, and, even in the summer, a wetsuit is required. It’s definitely a seasonal playground. Ideal season: May-Oct.
- The “Subway” (top down): 6-8 hours; three rappels up to 50 feet; short swims; picturesque; long hike out.
- Pine Creek: 4-6 hours; five-six rappels up to 100 feet; short swims; dark chambers; boulder scramble exit.
- Mystery Canyon: 6-8 hours; 13 rappels up to 132 feet; final rap into narrows; exits at Temple of Sinawava.
Moab
This destination offers a completely different feel with large sandstone arches and a variety of adventure activities in the area. The slots here typically consist of hiking up a long approach to get to a high point, followed by a series of quick (big-ish) rappels to get back to your car. Most Moab canyons are dry and can be done year round. Canyons done in Arches National Park require a permit (free).
- U-Turn: 2-4 hours; one-three rappels up to 100 feet; big views overlooking Arches National Park; easy and quick.
- Medieval Chamber: 2-4 hours; two rappels up to 165 feet; Morning Glory Arch; $5 Sand Flats pay booth.
- Upper Granary Canyon: 5-8 hours; six-nine rappels up to 100 feet; great full day; views of LaSals and Behind the Rocks.
North Wash
This is a great location if you want to get away from the bustling towns of Springdale and Moab and have a more remote (no cell service) feel. Be sure to load up all your food/water/gas in Hanksville, then head 29 miles south along Highway 95 (just past the Ticaboo/Powell turnoff) to the Sandthrax Campground, the heart of the North Wash.
Using this campground as a hub, you have access to 50 plus canyons a stones throw away. Be prepared for more stemming, down/upclimbing, and marginal anchors in this region (cairn anchors/deadman/sandtrap).
- Hogwarts: 2-3 hours; four rappels up to 90 feet; scenic arch; good length rappels.
- Morocco: 2-3 hours; four-six rappels up to 50 feet; cool arch in the route; some exposure on approach.
- Leprechaun: 3-6 hours; rappels up to 50 feet; Left/Right are easy; middle is tight.
Escalante
Escalante is remote, much like the North Wash, but in the summer months (when stores are open longer) you have some nice accessibility in town. Most of the canyons in this area are a bit of a slog, and a nice bumpy ride down Hole-in-the-Rock road. That being said, there are a lot of other things to see and do in the area, especially the less technical slots like Zebra/Tunnel and Peekaboo/Spooky Gulch. It’s fun to add in a slot or two if your’re checking out Calf Creek falls and other things in the area.
- Neon Canyon: 8-10 hours; three rappels up to 85 feet; long approach and exit; pothole experience; wetsuit.
- Upper Red Breaks: 4-6 hours; one rappel of 30 feet; narrow sections/neat features; avoid in summer.
San Rafael Swell/Capitol Reef
The Swell runs north and south along the I-70 corridor just west of Green River. Along this feature there are plenty of fun experiences to be had, and it also provides a much more remote feel. Continuing to the south is the Reef, with its expansive and broad landscape of endless vistas and wide open space. Both areas have such a variety of short and easy accessible canyons to the longer all-day/multi-day adventures. Be prepared for marginal anchors and more anchor-building experience.
- Goblins Lair: 1-2 hours; one rappel of 90 feet; in Goblin Valley State Park; small fee at visitors center; unique.
- Cassidy Arch Canyon: 4-6 hours; seven rappels up to 132 feet; big views on top of reef; Natural Arch; great day trip.
Josh Allen is Southern California native, but his heart and home are in Utah. Website: rawtrails.comInstagram: @rawtrails Email: rawtrails@yahoo.com
