Heaps Canyon - Zion National Park

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Heaps Canyon
Zion National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Heaps Canyon is a difficult, dangerous, physically demanding and technically challenging adventure. The beauty of this canyon is unsurpassed; the narrows are extremely long, spectacular and unrelenting.

Heaps Canyon offers its charm at a high price. The route is difficult and should be considered for advanced and highly skilled canyoneers only. Descent requires icy cold swimming and many rappels, including a breath-taking 300-foot, free air finale.

Circle of Friends:
Heaps Canyon is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Heaps Canyon is a technical canyoneering adventure which usually requires two full days to complete. I would strongly suggest not attempting this route in a single day unless you have completed it before. Heaps Canyon has two major entrance routes.

You will require complete technical gear, including but not limited to a 300-foot rope. Full wetsuits are required and drysuits are recommended. Summer weight wetsuits or shortie's are inadequate. A Zion backcountry permit is required to descend this canyon.

Trailhead Information:
Several different trailheads exist for Heaps Canyon. Any vehicle can easily reach any of the Heaps Canyon trailheads in dry conditions.

Warning:
Every member of your group must be a skilled canyoneer. This canyon could be deadly for beginners, even with advanced leadership.

The following description is not a substitute for common sense and experience. Do not underestimate the difficulty of descending this canyon. Give the 300-foot rappel serious consideration. A rescue in this canyon would be dangerous and extremely difficult.

Heaps Canyon is rated 4B R V using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has an extreme flash flood danger, check the local weather report before entering this canyon.

Thanks to Mark Rosen who provided some of the photographs used on this page.

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