Upper Spring Canyon is one of those hikes that tests your mettle It is seldom trodden, long, and has beautiful scenery The hike is one I would recommend only to very fit and experienced desert hikers The route contains moderate route finding, sections of rough terrain, and has very limited water availability, the types of difficulties that can spell disaster for the unprepared Though challenging, it is also a very rewarding hike, ascending through layers of sandstone, up and over the Wingate layer, then meandering ...

Maple Canyon likely needs no introduction for most climbers If you are not a climber, however, you may have never heard of it Maple Canyon is a large conglomerate canyon near Fountain Green The rock has eroded into a surreal landscape of spires, steep overhanging walls, deep alcoves, narrow fissures, and the occasional arch The climbing here tends to be steep, well bolted sport lines with options for most any ability In addition to the climbing, however, Maple is a rich area for hiking, camping, and off road vehicl...

Sometimes good things come in small packages Daves Not Dead, although a short canyon, provides quite a bit of bang for its buck Combine a short approach and relatively short exit, and this makes the canyon even more appealing Be warned, however, though, the canyon requires very good natural anchor skills and has somewhat tricky starts to the rappels This canyon is recommended for intermediate canyoneers or better Even with competent leadership, beginners will likely not enjoy this one The canyon typically does not ...

Narrow and physical, Inferno packs a lot of punch in its short length This is not a good canyon for beginners Intermediates might feel a little pushed as well! Expect long sections of narrows that most will stem over, requiring some endurance Mid-way through a silo adds to the challenge The silo can be downclimbed into and re-ascended on the down stream side, but it would require a bit of work Difficulties aside, this is a beautiful canyon You start at the top of the canyon on open slickrock and follow it as it bec...

Englestead has one of the most dramatic starts of any canyon in Zion It goes from an open, shallow canyon to a slot in one spectacular 300' drop! I first did the canyon in 2003, and over the years had forgotten the details, except that first rappel When I went back and re-visited it in 2012, the first rappel was indeed as spectacular as I had remembered The rest of the canyon is good as well, and offers two choices of exits: a spectacular, but longer exit out the bottom of Orderville, or a shorter, less good exit u...

The Leprechaun Canyons are many people's first canyons Easy access, and relatively straight forward, they are a good choice Even a few scenes from the movie 127 Hours were filmed here, just below the confluence of the fork, in a stunning cathedral type section This is one not to miss, and one of my favorites in the area Choose your fork wisely if you are a beginner, the middle fork is tight and harder than the left or right NOTE: Those that are not technical canyoneers can still enjoy the canyon from the bottom The...

Pool Arch Canyon is more of a hike than a technical hardcore canyoneering adventure It provides lovely views and visits two arches en route to the technical section of the canyon Often dry, it is a good choice in cooler times of the year The route gets quite a bit of sun, so is not recommended in the heat of the day during the summer It's short technical section, and easy nature make this a good choice for beginners Beware, the anchors have changed a few times over the years, with pitons and webbing being removed N...

When I first started going to Escalante in the 1990's, I heard about Red Breaks Often described as one of the best canyons around, it wasn't until 2015 when I finally was able to visit What took me so long!!! The canyon is exquisite! This route, the Upper Red Breaks Loop, visits the two most stunning sections of Red Breaks The adventure requires good navigation skills or a gps, technical skills for the single short drop, and some climbing skills to surmount the dozen or so minor up climb challenges getting back to ...

The South Fork of Maidenwater is a great canyon to practice your natural anchor and/or down climbing skills Although highly skilled individuals can descend the canyon with 1 or 2 rappels, many groups require 8 or more to surmount the numerous short drops The canyon can hold some pools, so be cautious if doing this one in cold weather I've shivered through one or two trips in the winter when water levels were much higher than I expected!

Upper Stair is a great, short outing Although not technical, it does involve a lot of chimneying and stemming, so is only recommended for technical canyoneers Being a short route, with no rappels, allows this canyon to be enjoyed while carrying minimal gear