ZION CANYON

Zion is the mecca of US canyoneering.  There are more technical and non-technical canyon hikes in a close area than just about anywhere else in Utah.  And people are starting to flock to these, almost year around.  The degree of difficulty ranges dramatically.  To date I have only done a few slots in Zion, but I plan on heading back as many times as I can.  Many of the canyons have bolts, put in by other canyoneers.  The National Park does not maintain or monitor anchors, so you are on your own.  There is a great debate amongst serious canyoneers on the ethics of installing bolts into the sandstone.  However, the canyons in Zion that have been bolted are likely to remain so.  This should be contrasted with the prevalent view against bolting in wilderness areas or in canyons that historically have remained pristine.  Some bolts have been removed from such places.  In Zion, always check with the back-country desk for the most recent information.  A permit is needed to do any technical canyon anyway, so you will likely visit the desk at some time or other.

I go slow and take pictures, some of which demand a long period of time to scout and set up.  A narrow slot canyon is like a golf course or an amusement ride.  People can queue up to do a rappel (sorry, it happens).  Try to avoid the weekends in Zion, many folks come down from the Salt Lake area, often in large groups, to do the better-known more accessible slots.

Ref.  An extensive website on zion canyoneering is in Tom's Guide:  http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion.htm

For a second opinion:  Shane Burrow's page http://www.homestead.com/climbutah/index.html  

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 beta (information), and go properly prepared before entering any slot canyon.