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Canyons are inherently risky. Flash floods occur without notice on sunny days. Technical skills & surrounding topography knowledge required yet does not eliminate risk.
It's better from the top. by nonot Overview: An easy technical canyoneering trip with 1-2 very short rappels, and following the lower few miles or the Zion Narrows to Temple of Sinewava. Warning: You will need a 30 ft rope and rappelling gear to complete this trip. Flash floods are a danger in canyoneering. Always check the weather before canyoneering and do not go if there is any chance of rain. Note: The rangers close this hike whenever the Virgin river is above 140cfs. Hike: From the trailhead just west of north fork rd, head down the 4x4 rd, which is bad for the first few tenths of a mile and follow it down until you reach the Orderville drainage at the bottom. Follow the road (now in good condition) through cattle grazing areas along the sides of the creek. Eventually the road will end, as will the water flowing in the creek. Follow the good trail along the dry creek bed and down a steep section which bypasses a steep cliff. The trail after this is the course of the creek and you will rock hop your way down the drainage as it deepens. An impressive partial arch is spotted soon on the left LDC. Soon you will encounter the border boulder, the first major obstacle. This can be done as a short rappel from a two bolt anchor on right LDC, a stemming downclimb, or if you go anything soon, a climb down a rabbit hole through the obstacle. Continuing on, the canyon gets narrower and you will be out of the sun for the most of the time. Water comes in when you are within 2 miles of the narrows. The water will turn from a trickle into a small stream. You will encounter the second major obstacle, which will require a short rappel over a small waterfall, from a bolted anchor on left LDC. After this, you will downclimb several obstacles and enjoy the beauty of the canyon through several more waterfalls and narrows. Crimson monkey flower and some yellow columbine line the slick sandstone walls and adds a touch of color to the sinuous slot. When you start running into hikers coming up, you know you are close to the narrows. When you reach them, turn left and wade through the colder water in the wider canyon back to the riverside trail, which you take to the Temple of Sinewava trailhead. Water Sources: Bring a few liters. Camping: Many will camp in Zion, though you might be able to dry camp at the trailhead. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your canyon trip to support this local community.
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