Canyoneer Pine Creek Slot Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

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Pine Creek is one of the most popular and accessible technical canyoneering routes in Zion National Park. It is a favorite of many canyoneers and exemplifies the beauty found in subterranean slot canyons. The route commands that canyoneers attempting the Pine Creek descent have enhanced technical skills with several rappels, downclimbs and cold water swims required. 50 permits are issued for each day and the need for a 200 foot rope (or two 100 foot ropes), webbing and harness as well as a rappel device along with the basic equipment exists. Wetsuits are recommended as the canyon quite often fills with water. The 1.4 mile hike requires about 5 hours to be completed with plenty of swimming and scrambling part of the descent. A 40 foot rappel into the “Cathedral” is a highlight of the hike with a large grotto and natural arches decorating the chasm. Starting at the Canyon Overlook parking lot and ending at the Route 9 switchbacks in the main canyon, Pine Creek is one of the few beautiful slot canyons that features such easy access. Although it is one of the easier technical canyons in Zion, it is still serious business with several rappels, downclimbs, and many swims through cold water. This route is not suitable for hikers who have no technical canyoneering experience. You must get a backcountry permit to do this route. The National Park Service limits access to the canyon to 50 people a day, which shouldn't be a problem except on the busiest of weekends or holidays. The Park holds a lottery for permits four months in advance. For more information on permit reservations, please see the Zion Permits website. The route starts at the Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot in the Upper East Canyon and ends at the second switchback in Lower Pine Creek in the main canyon, so you will need to arrange a car spot or a ride to the trailhead. (No hikers or bikes are allowed through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.) 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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