W. H. W. Evans climbed nearby Great White Throne on June 27, 1927, but fell on the downclimb. The rescue team found him barely alive. A deep crevice bordering Great White Throne, Hidden Canyon was discovered during the rescue. The trail leading to Hidden Canyon was built shortly thereafter by blasting away the rock, creating access for us some 80+ years later.

Hidden Canyon is a less-visited gem in Zion National Park filled with fun hiking, bouldering, and even climbing. There is vegetation here rarely seen elsewhere in the larger Zion canyon, due to a cooler climate, a higher altitude, moisture, and less human traffic. Most people approach from the bottom, take in the sights, and return the way they came. It is possible to go much further into Hidden Canyon, climbing challenging obstacles along the way, passing two free standing arches, or even rappelling into the canyon from high above Cable Mountain.

...A scenic adventure when not blessed with an abundance of time...

Great White Throne, one side of the canyon

Moving inside the canyon...

Sign at the mouth of the canyon

The entrance trail

After climbing the Hidden Canyon Trail, and coming to a sign that announces the trail's end, climb up and left around the entrance pool. Listen for tree frogs if they're in season; this is where they congregate! After scrambling around the initial pool you will come to a pile of boulders which have to be climbed to continue. From here you will encounter a series of short walks to new obstacles, gaining in difficulty as you progress. Water, rock, sand, and wood will mingle from the beginning of a simple hike and continue until the "hike" enters short class-5 climbs. It's your choice to turn around whenever you desire. Take note: most injuries occur on the way back, very close to the mouth of the canyon... (tourists, right?)

Getting There

The shadow of Hidden Canyon

Plunge Pools at the canyon entrance

Most trips to Zion National Park start in Springdale, Utah, where there is plenty of food and lodging available. Directions to Springdale are as follows:

Directions to Springdale from the North: From Salt Lake City travel Interstate-15 south. Exit to hwy 20. Follow highway 20 to hwy 89 towards Panguitch, then past the turn-off to Bryce Canyon. Continue on hwy 89 past the turn-off to Cedar Mountain (Cedar Breaks) and continue to Mt. Carmel Jct. At the junction of hwy 9 & 89 (Mt. Carmel Jct.) turn east. Follow the road for 12 miles to the east entrance of Zion National Park. Follow hwy 9 down through the tunnels and beautiful switchbacks until you reach the valley floor. If you continue to follow hwy 9 you will leave Zion National Park and arrive in Springdale miutes later.

Directions to Springdale from the South: From Las Vegas, Nevada travel Interstate 15 north past St. George to Exit 16. Drive through Hurricane, Utah. Follow Hwy 9 through Hurricane and to the only stop light in LaVerkin. Turn right at the stop light. Continue on Hwy 9 to Springdale.

Once you've arrived in Springdale follow the directions to Weeping Rock Trailhead and Hidden Canyon Trail

Red Tape

No permits needed to hike or climb up the canyon.
Camping and fires are not permitted here.

Food & Lodging

Narrow walls deep in the canyon

Food

Switchback Grille & Trading Co.
Zion Lodge
Springdale Fruit Company
Mean Bean Coffee House
Flanigan's Inn
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.

Lodging

Bumbleberry Inn
Canyon Ranch Motel
Desert Pearl Inn
Zion Park Motel
Driftwood Lodge
Pioneer Lodge
Flanigan's Inn
Canyon Vista Bed and Breakfast
Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens
El Rio Lodge
Zion Lodge
Under the Eaves B&B
Novel House

Weather

Images



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