Water Canyon - Zion National Park

Water Canyon
Zion National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Water Canyon is one of the few routes that cuts through the high cliffs that form Canaan Mountain. The route climbs up the canyon along the side of the narrow technical slot. Canyoneering this technical slot does not require a permit, which makes it the perfect option when the Zion Permit system plays havoc with your plans and schedule. This is a really good canyon and should be on everyone's tick list.

Circle of Friends:
Water 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:
Water Canyon is a technical canyoneering adventure that will require complete technical gear. Water Canyon is rated 3B III using the Canyon Rating System. Water Canyon is outside of Zion National Park and a Zion Backcountry Permit is not required.

A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this adventure is moderate. Water Canyon has a moderate flash flood danger, check the local weather report.

Trailhead Information:
The Water Canyon Trailhead is normally accessible to all vehicles in good weather conditions, however the last two miles are on a dirt road and I've seen it get a little ugly if it hasn't been graded in a while. High clearance vehicles should never have an issue. The trailhead is located just outside the twin towns of Hildale/Colorado City. The Town is Hildale on the Utah side of the state line and Colorado City on the Arizona side of the border.

Water Canyon Trail History:
The trail you hike to access the top of Water Canyon is actually an old stock trail used to move cattle from Hildale to the top of the Mesa. The trail has fallen into disrepair and there is not a chance in hell of cattle using it today. But it's still interesting as you hike to the top of Water Canyon to note many of the cuts and some of the blasting that was done to originally create the stock trail.

Video:
Enjoy a short entertaining video of a trip through Water Canyon.

Hiking Water Canyon:
Water Canyon also makes for a nice hike with no technical obstacles. A round trip to the top of the canyon normally requires about 4 hours.