Eye of the Needle - Zion National Park

Oak Creek
South Fork
"Eye of the Needle"

Zion National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Oak Creek is a unique and charming wet technical slot canyon. The canyon is located just outside the boundaries of Zion National Park, which eliminates the bureaucratic hassles associated with neighboring canyons. This canyon is spring fed and provides a special treat to Colorado Plateau canyoneers in the form of flowing water. The stream flow is usually mild and provides a good introduction into wet canyons.

Oak Creek is a sparkling and thrilling slot canyon that is certainly worth the effort to visit. This canyon offers several route options that allows the canyon to be experienced in a single day or extended into a phenomenal two day adventure.

Limited Access:
There are currently private property access issues associated with descending Oak Creek. If you attempt this route you are on your own. My only statement is that it concerns me when a private landowner can essentially lock up thousands of acres of public land by limiting access. So for the time being consider all my information on this route to be for historical reference only.

So here is the down low on the route.... Oak Creek requires that you cross approximately 1/3 mile of private property to access the actual slot canyon. The slot itself is on public land. The private property is owned by the Logandale Stake of the LDS church and is known as Camp Kolob. The church group that owns the property is not happy about canyoneers crossing their property, particularly when they are hosting a young women's group. I assume the problem stems from all the raping and pillaging canyoneers are noted for. In all honesty it was the problems caused by a few ignorant canyoneers that resulted in the canyon being closed.

Professional Guide:
Eye of the Needle is currently being guided by Zion Adventures. This is currently the only legal method of visiting the slot canyon. One advantage to using the guide service is they exit the slot canyon using a Via Feratta, which make the trip both more fun and more interesting.

Oak Creek South Fork "Eye of the Needle" Zion National Park

Circle of Friends:
Eye of the Needle 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:
Eye of the Needle is a spectacular canyoneering adventure requiring complete technical gear. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. Eye of the Needle is rated 3C IV using the Canyon Rating System. A Zion Backcountry permit is not required for this route.

Ryan Cornia exiting the Eye of the Needle

Trailhead Information:
Any vehicle can easily reach the trailhead in dry conditions.

Video:
Enjoy a short video of a trip through Eye of the Needle.

Optional Route Information:
Options for a scenic two day technical backpacking route are available to members of the Circle of Friends. The optional route is an excellent exit and I highly recommend using it at least once in your lifetime. If using the Optional Exit a Zion backcountry permit must be obtained.

Related Link:
Kolob Canyon Disaster - The complete story of the local boy scout trooped trapped in Kolob Canyon during high water.

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