Climbing & Canyoneering
ZION GURU
Climbing
Zion National Park is home to 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs that are famous for their big wall climbs. Because they are so difficult, the Park recommends that only experienced climbers attempt. The most ideal conditions for climbing occur from March through May and September through early November, because summer temperatures on the unshaded walls often exceed 100 degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and sandstone is weak when wet. Avoid climbing in wet areas after rain.
Two bouldering areas are accessible in the main canyon: a house-sized boulder 40 yards west of the South entrance, and another site 1/2 mile north of the South entrance. Drilled Pocket Boulder is located on the west side of the road and is a slab with an obvious south facing crack.
For permits, closure dates, and more information on climbing in Zion, click here.
Canyoneering
Canyoneering refers to the exhilarating travel that is done through steep, narrow areas and requires a variety of skills and techniques. Combining hiking, exploring, wading, splashing, scrambling, rappelling, and problem-solving, canyoneering is an amazing adventure, to say the least. It is perhaps the fastest-growing recreational activity in Zion National Park and Southwest Utah, with hundreds of people making their way through the maze of slots Zion houses. Some canyons are easy to descend and require no special skills at all; others require technical planning and training and offer incredible physical and mental challenges.
A short trip into the lower end of The Narrows above the Temple of Sinawava is an outstanding way to receive an introduction to the slot canyons of the park. For those with expertise and experience, The Subway and Orderville Canyon offer opportunities for route finding, swimming, and short rappels.
Visit the links below to help you plan your canyoneering experience.
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Quick FAQs
- Did you know that Zion is widely known as the best canyoneering destination in the US?
- Did you know that slot canyons can be extremely dangerous during the late Summer months due to flash-flooding?
- Did you know that 2 of the most famous slot canyons in the world are found in Zion National Park? (Subway & Zion Narrows)
Climbing
Zion National Park is home to 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs that are famous for their big wall climbs. Because they are so difficult, the Park recommends that only experienced climbers attempt. The most ideal conditions for climbing occur from March through May and September through early November, because summer temperatures on the unshaded walls often exceed 100 degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and sandstone is weak when wet. Avoid climbing in wet areas after rain.
Two bouldering areas are accessible in the main canyon: a house-sized boulder 40 yards west of the South entrance, and another site 1/2 mile north of the South entrance. Drilled Pocket Boulder is located on the west side of the road and is a slab with an obvious south facing crack.
For permits, closure dates, and more information on climbing in Zion, click here.
Canyoneering
Canyoneering refers to the exhilarating travel that is done through steep, narrow areas and requires a variety of skills and techniques. Combining hiking, exploring, wading, splashing, scrambling, rappelling, and problem-solving, canyoneering is an amazing adventure, to say the least. It is perhaps the fastest-growing recreational activity in Zion National Park and Southwest Utah, with hundreds of people making their way through the maze of slots Zion houses. Some canyons are easy to descend and require no special skills at all; others require technical planning and training and offer incredible physical and mental challenges.
A short trip into the lower end of The Narrows above the Temple of Sinawava is an outstanding way to receive an introduction to the slot canyons of the park. For those with expertise and experience, The Subway and Orderville Canyon offer opportunities for route finding, swimming, and short rappels.
Visit the links below to help you plan your canyoneering experience.
Get Our Newsletter
Quick FAQs
- Did you know that Zion is widely known as the best canyoneering destination in the US?
- Did you know that slot canyons can be extremely dangerous during the late Summer months due to flash-flooding?
- Did you know that 2 of the most famous slot canyons in the world are found in Zion National Park? (Subway & Zion Narrows)