UPPER TELEPHONE SLOT CANYON

Telephone canyon is a steep gully-slot that starts high up on the top of the West Rim of Zion Canyon.  To get there you must hike up past Angels Landing and continue on up West Rim Trail.  Once on the top, watch for signs and a short cross-cut to the right to the head of the canyon.  This canyon is named for an old telephone line that ran from the valley floor up to the West Rim.  Evidence for the line remains near the 1000' pour-off Lower Telephone.

Telephone drops quickly in a series of raps.  There are a total of about 12 drops, up to 160 feet, in less than a quarter mile.  There are sculpted walls and a few pools.

This canyon is a good technical exercise, but photographically it is not as dramatic or colorful as the Subway, Mystery, or Pine Creek.  Nonetheless, a very fun full-day of canyoneering.  

Although well known, Telephone canyon is rarely visited compared with the other more popular canyons in Zion.

For more on this canyon and other in Zion, see our Trip Reports.

Disclaimer:  The goal of these trip notes is to suggest good photographic locations and what I consider pretty neat hikes.  These paragraphs should not be used as a canyoneering guide.  Seek out good maps and detailed information, and get properly prepared before entering any slot canyon.