Beyond the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at the Temple of Sinawava, the walls of Zion Canyon close in to form the famous Zion Narrows, an amazing section of canyon that stretches for over a dozen miles to the north. The North Fork of the Virgin River carves and snakes through the deep sandstone labyrinth with a vast network of remote side canyons. Several popular technical canyoneering routes also descend through the various tributaries of the Zion Narrows.
Moderately strenuous to strenuous river hiking.
For the majority of tourists who want to see the best of the Zion Narrows, this is the route to do. After hiking to the end of the Riverside Walk, continue hiking in the river to see the amazing formations of the most famous slot canyon. Good footwear, warm clothing, and a hiking pole/stick are invaluable. Do not do this hike in high water or if there is a threat of rain.
Strenuous river hiking/backpacking.
Starting from Chamberlain's Ranch outside the northern corner of Zion National Park, the North Fork can be hiked top-down from the upper plateau. This is the less popular way to hike the Zion Narrows and can be done in a long and trying single day or better yet as a two-day backpacking hike. A Zion wilderness permit is required for any top-down hike.
Strenuous semi-technical canyoneering.
Orderville Canyon is the amazing little sister to the famous Zion Narrows and is a great semi-technical canyoneering adventure for beginning canyoneers and experienced hikers. Aside from being a long and strenuous hike through a wet canyon, there are many obstacles to downclimb, two short rappels, and multiple swims. The canyon ends in the Zion Narrows.
Fairly strenuous technical canyoneering.
Mystery Canyon is a deep and beautiful hanging canyon and is one of the most coveted canyoneering adventures in Zion National Park, featuring a steep and intimidating entrance, numerous rappels in dark sculpted narrows, and two big-wall rappels near the end that really get your attention. The grand finale is the rappel down Mystery Falls into the Zion Narrows.
Fairly strenuous technical canyoneering.
Located on BLM land near the eastern boundary of Zion National Park, Birch Hollow is a tributary of Orderville Canyon and it makes for an enjoyable adventure with its convenient start right along the North Fork Road. The route through Birch Hollow is only two miles in length, but with roughly 11 rappels up to 100 feet, this fun little adventure should be taken seriously.
Strenuous technical canyoneering.
Englestead Hollow is another tributary of Orderville Canyon, but it is a longer, deeper, and more strenuous adventure than neighboring Birch Hollow. Beyond the fear-inducing 300-ft big wall rappel at the head of the canyon, Englestead Hollow has over a dozen rappels, most with awkward or low starts off of natural anchors. This canyon should be taken more seriously than the easier nearby canyons.
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