Canyoneer Orderville Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

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Orderville Canyon is typically thought of as the next in line for those that have completed the trek through the Narrows and came away wanting more. Orderville Canyon is popular, fun and one of the easier technical slot canyons. 80 hikers per day are allowed to tackle Orderville Canyon and its vaulted cathedrals, towering sandstone arches and twisted caverns (and the occasional waterfall) with the admonition that the knowledge and skills needed to safely explore and return require some advanced techniques included in the hiker’s skillset. Rappelling and down-climbing skills are required to navigate through Orderville Canyon. 8 hours is required to complete the 10 -12 mile trail (depending on the entry point) and hikers need to be prepared to climb down obstacles into cold pools of water, use a rope as a hand-line and/or be able to use a rappel device to get down short obstacles. River hiking is required as are “chimney” maneuvers, traversing of logs and log ladders and Moki steps (carved hand and toe holds). The 1900-ft descent hike begins outside the eastern boundary of the park and ends at the Temple of Sinawava in Zion Canyon. The distance of the hike depends on where you will be able to park. Orderville is narrower and darker than the Narrows and like the Narrows hike, you will be in the water almost all of the time and depending on conditions Several obstacles requiring competent down climbing skills, and rope work to complete this trek. Park one car at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and drive another car to the Orderville Canyon Trailhead. The trailhead is located 11.5 miles up the North Fork Road from SR-9. You must get a backcountry permit to do this route. The National Park Service limits access to the Canyon to 80 people a day and group sized of 12. The Park holds a lottery for permits four months in advance. For more information on permit reservations, please see the Zion Permits website. WARNING: Slot canyons are particularly dangerous due to the risk of flash floods. Storms far away can send walls of water down the narrow canyons and hikers have been killed in such events. In many slot canyons, it can be miles before a safe exit or rescue is possible. Hikers should check conditions carefully and not rely on seeing the sky to judge the weather. If there is even a slight chance of rain, do not enter slot canyons.

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