Best Canyoneering Routes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a world-renowned destination for outdoor adventure, and at the heart of its rugged terrain lies one of the most exhilarating activities: canyoneering. With towering sandstone cliffs, deep slot canyons, and pristine wilderness, Zion offers canyoneers—from beginners to seasoned adventurers—a variety of routes that blend hiking, rappelling, and swimming into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're exploring with friends or joining one of the many guided Zion National Park Tours, these are the best canyoneering routes to experience in the park.
1. The Subway (Left Fork)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Permit Required: Yes
One of Zion’s most iconic and visually stunning routes, The Subway combines breathtaking scenery with physical challenge. The top-down route involves rappelling, route finding, and cold water swims, while the bottom-up option is a strenuous hike that still delivers on beauty.
Many Zion National Park Tours offer guided experiences here, helping visitors safely navigate this technical canyon and understand the geological marvels along the way.
2. The Narrows via Orderville Canyon
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: Yes (for top-down routes)
While The Narrows itself is often a hike through water, accessing it via Orderville Canyon turns it into a canyoneering adventure. This route includes rappels, down-climbing, and plenty of wading. It’s a more intimate journey through slot canyon terrain before joining the main flow of The Narrows.
Guided Zion National Park Tours through Orderville Canyon are highly recommended for those new to technical canyoneering.
3. Pine Creek Canyon
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Permit Required: Yes
Pine Creek is often the first technical canyon for many beginners who are looking to step into the world of rappelling. It offers five rappels, narrow corridors, and beautiful pools, all within a half-day outing. However, it still requires knowledge of rope work and route finding.
Professional Zion National Park Tours often include Pine Creek Canyon in their beginner-friendly canyoneering packages.
4. Keyhole Canyon
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate
Permit Required: Yes
Short, sweet, and scenic, Keyhole Canyon is ideal for those with limited time or new to canyoneering. It includes several short rappels, swims through narrow corridors, and awe-inspiring rock formations.
This route is popular on guided Zion National Park Tours, as it introduces adventurers to the essentials of canyoneering in a manageable format.
5. Mystery Canyon
Difficulty: Advanced
Permit Required: Yes
For experienced canyoneers looking for a technical and visually rewarding challenge, Mystery Canyon delivers. With multiple rappels—including one that drops you right into the Virgin River—this route offers solitude, complex navigation, and stunning vistas.
Due to its complexity, most visitors opt for guided Zion National Park Tours to safely complete this advanced route.
Canyoneering Tips for Zion
Permit
s: Many routes require a backcountry permit. Always check the National Park Service website in advance.
Flash Flood Risk: Never enter a slot canyon if there’s rain in the forecast. Flash floods can be deadly.
Gear Up: Helmets, ropes, harnesses, wetsuits, and dry bags are often necessary.
Guided Experiences: If you're not an experienced canyoneer, consider one of the many reputable Zion National Park Tours that specialize in guided canyoneering adventures.
Final Thoughts
Canyoneering in Zion National Park is more than just an outdoor activity—it's a full immersion into one of the most unique landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you're squeezing through tight slots, rappelling down waterfalls, or simply soaking in the solitude, Zion delivers an adventure that’s both humbling and unforgettable.
If you're new to the area or the sport, don't hesitate to explore the park through one of the many expert-led Zion National Park Tours. These guided experiences not only ensure your safety but also enrich your journey with local knowledge and support.