Zion

[jf32]

I am planning on sepnding a few days in Zion National Park later this summer and am looking into hikes, particularly non-technical slot canyons hikes, in and around Zion. Anyone have any great ideas? I was looking at Red Cave but can't seem to find too much information on line as to how difficult that gets. We'd like to keep it under 10 miles roundtrip.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Scott P]

If you are going in late summer, stick to hikes around water. It can be very hot on dry trails. You would have to get an early start for hikes such as Angels Landing.

For non-technical canyons, try the Zion Narrows or Middle Echo Canyon from the bottom. Orderville Canyon has a couple of minor drops, but isn't very technical.

You could do Subway from the bottom, but it can be a difficult canyon to get permits to.

Kanarra Creek is a must in summer and is outside the park. Also outside the park, try Quail Creek/Water Canyon, though I hear the stream can dry up sometimes in late summer.

In late summer though, keep an eye on the weather forecast before going into any narrow canyon. Late summer is flash flood season.

[Tortoise1]

Wire Pass trailhead to Buckskin Gulch, north to the Buckskin Gulch trailhead, then back south on House Rock Valley Road is about 10 miles and non-technical with lots of slot canyon. But 10 miles in mostly soft sand feels like about 15 miles on your calves. If you shuttled with 2 cars you'd cut it to about 6 miles. Reading up on the 1997 Antelope Canyon flood will help you stay focused on the weather.

[2giqs]

Head over to bogley.com for some red cave tr's. Here's one:

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread. ... t=red+cave" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you want to bag a few peaks, head to Wildcat Canyon TH up Kolob Terrace Rd. Higher elevation there than
in the main canyon. You can hike a couple miles to the bases of the Northgates and North Guardian Angel.

If you decide to go for Wirepass/Buckskin, then also consider Hackberry Canyon as well as the Willis Creek/Bull Valley Gorge loop.

[Scott P]

Places like Hackberry Canyon are very nice (I've been there many times), but I wouldn't recommend doing them in summer. They are much better in spring and fall.

[jf32]

Thanks for the repsonses. I will be sure to check these areas out as I figure out how to best experience a slot canyon (safely) in and around Zion.

[jdorje]

I'd still do Angels Landing or the adjacent rim hike - but as Scott says do this very early or late to avoid the heat.

The Narrows is the iconic/famous hike. It's awesome but full of people. And water.