Mystery Canyon
East Gate Zion National Park, Utah
| GPS: |
37°17'48.2"N 112°53'59.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Utah |
| Trails/Routes: | 5.2 mi |
Canyoneer
Mystery Canyon, located in majestic Zion National Park, is one of the most unique canyoneering spots not only in the park, but in the United States. Adventurers rappel through narrows, down sheer cliff walls, culminating in a final rappel into the Virgin River being cheered on by tourists able to see you from the Zion National Park shuttles. Other attractions to this adventurous climb are the wading pools available to climbers in certain spots of the canyon, and a rockfall that creates a gorgeous lake in certain times of the year.
Starting at the East Mesa trail, hikers follow the trail until descending into the slot canyon. From there, hikers go through Mystery Canyon until meeting up with the Narrows. Hikers exit at the Temple of Sinawava and take the Zion National Park Shuttle from there.
Mystery Canyon is a technical canyoneering adventure that will require 6 to 7 hours from the East Mesa Trail or 8 to 9 hours from the Weeping Rock Trailhead to complete. You need complete technical gear along with two 50-meter ropes (the entire canyon can be completed with two 120-foot ropes), several slings, 50-feet of webbing and a drybag for anything you don't want wet.
Permits need to be purchased at least 3 months in advance to behold this one of a kind canyoneering experience. Price differs on the size of your group. 1-2: $15, 3-7: $20, and 8-12: $25. Climbers must pick up their permits the day before their trip at the nearest Zion National Park Visitor's Center or go online to https://zionpermits.nps.gov/ to order permits without being in the Park.
Mystery Canyon is the complete package for all those seeking a truly unique Zion National Park experience outside of the normal hikes offered to tourists and an unforgettable adventure for all those daring enough to complete the challenging rappels. Mystery Canyon is a "daredevil's paradise" and could be the adrenaline rush you seek in Zion National Park!
More Information
Mystery Canyon - Zion National Park - Technical Canyoneering
Mystery Canyon in a technical slot canyon located inside Zion National Park. Route information, pictures, map, GPS waypoint and description.
https://www.climb-utah.com/Zion/mystery.htm
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From East Gate Zion National Park, Utah
- Head northeast on UT-9 E toward N Fork County RdToll road(2.4 mi)
- Turn left onto N Fork County Rd (5.2 mi)
- Turn left (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Pine Angle Rd/
Twin Knolls Rd Continue to follow Pine Angle Rd(0.2 mi) - Continue straight (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Twin Knoll Rd (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Beaver Rd (1.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Rocky Rd (0.1 mi)
- Rocky Rd turns left and becomes Fir RdDestination will be on the left(0.2 mi)
From the East Entrance of Zion National Park, drive east 2.4 miles on highway 9. Turn left at the signed "North Fork" junction. Drive 5.2 miles to signed "Zion Ponderosa Resort". Turn left and enter the Zion Ponderosa. From here, you will be driving on dirt roads. The Zion Ponderosa is private property, please respect this trailhead access. You will be crossing cabin sites with many spur roads, stay on the main road until told to turn off. You will be heading toward the Observation Point Trailhead, sometimes there are signs, other times they have been removed.
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