Hike or Canyoneer Red Cave, Sand Wash, Zion National Park, Utah

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The east end of Zion National Park and the Kolob Terrace has several nice slot canyons, two of the best are the upper and lower forks of Sand Wash, known as Red Cave (aka Red Canyon). The Red Cave Sandwash hike is split into two parts with down-climbing and rope skills necessary for either part. The Lower Red Cave fills and empties with sand over time, making the hike through the slot different every time it’s attempted. The challenge can range from an easy trek with simple bouldering to a highly technical one with plenty of big rocks to climb up and over. The Upper Red Cave is known as a Canyoneer’s Dream presenting a very narrow down climb with ice cold water at the bottom of the slot. The recommendation for gear includes at least an 80 foot rope, webbing, a harness and rappel device, and probably a wetsuit and dry bag. Time requirements can range from a couple of hours to 8, depending on the amount of time spent exploring and the conditions. Both forks form slot canyons about 1/2 mile long and less than 3 feet (1 m) across in some places. The walls have the same swirling red rocks that are similar to some of the slot canyons around Page, Lake Powell. Lower folk has some short rappels, bouldering and down-climbing. Upper fork has some bouldering, short up-climbs, down-climbing and swimming. The lower part of Red Cave fills and empties with sand making the slot change rapidly from an easy hike through with simple bouldering to a tough slot with lots of bouldering. Its impossible to know the conditions you will find on any visit. Upper Red Canyon is a canyoneers dream. A narrow, long slot filled with ice cold water and numerous down climbs or short rappels. To reach Red Cave you can either 4WD or hike up Sand Wash from Highway 89 for 3 miles for Lower Folk or 6.3 mikles for Upper Folk on a rough path that lead close to the start of the slots. The slot canyons can have water that you need to wade through so come prepared. Permits are not required since its on BLM land. 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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