The Ultimate Southwest Vacation includes Zion National Park, Utah!
Stay in Mount Carmel Junction, the heart of the parks, and
visit the treasures of the Southwest.
Zion Park 12 miles
Grand Staircase 9 miles
Sand Dunes 11 miles
Dixie Forest 22 miles
Cedar Breaks 45 miles
Red Canyon 47 miles
Coyote Butte 57 miles
Bryce Canyon 60 miles
North Rim 85 miles
Toroweap 90 miles
Plan your Zion National Park Vacation with our Utah Maps and
Information
In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National
Park lodging, adventures and hikes. This detailed guide includes road maps, park
maps, pictures, trail beta, backpacking, history, fees, geology, flora, fauna,
campgrounds, things for kids to do and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.
Making summer memories in the Utah National Parks and National
Monuments.
Directions to Zion National Park From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver.
Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east
entrance. From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona
and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east
park entrance. From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and
travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in
LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion
National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
East Mesa Trailhead - From the east gate of Zion National
Park, drive 2.4 miles and turn at the junction of the North Fork Road and SR-9.
Drive 5.2 miles up the road to the Ponderosa Ranch. Turn left at the Ponderosa
Ranch under the black arched sign. Travel .7 miles then turn right at the intersection
on the Twin Knolls Road. At 1.45 miles turn right at the intersection. Follow
the well traveled dirt road which will eventually become a high clearance or
4WD road at approximately 2.4 miles. The Observation Point sign is at 2.6 miles.
Stay right as the road begins to descend a rocky hill then levels out. At 2.85
miles there is a "Y" intersection. Turn left and drive .1 miles to the
gate at the East Mesa Trailhead. Park here.
Mystery Canyon got its name because the bottom and middle of the canyon is blocked by falls, thus it was a mystery as to what was below. I say "was" because the canyon was named prior to the 1960's when early canyoneers made their way to the bottom and put an end to the mystery.
GPS coordinates are only references and may or may not be accurate. Do not rely on GPS coordinates as the sole method of navigation. Always have an accurate, detailed map at hand and have the proper map reading and navigation skills before setting out on any hike. Many of the hikes listed in this guide travel into canyons where a GPS has limited capabilities. Always check your position with a detailed map before dropping into a canyon.
Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park
search and rescue veteran team member Bo
Beck and www.zionnational-park.com author, Tanya Milligan.
Suggested
Gear: Rope, webbing, harness and rappelling device. A sturdy pair
of shoes are recommend for canyoneering in Zion. Quality
shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury. Experienced Zion hikers and
canyoneers like the Sportiva Exum Ridge. This shoe is great for hiking, bouldering
and canyoneering.
To offer trip reports, corrections, update
or for more information please visit the Zion
National Park Forum
Mystery Canyon
Mystery Canyon is a relatively known canyon in Zion National Park that is sought after by many canyoneers but only twelve hikers per day are allowed to venture within. For this reason, the canyon shows relatively low impact compared to some others such as the Zion Narrows, Orderville Canyon and Subway. The route begins down a slippery slope, then drops through a beautiful slot canyon section. When it opens up, it's into a spring with nice vegetation around charming pools. The end is a spectacular rappel through the first waterfall in the Zion Narrows. Mystery Canyon is a canyon requires good physical conditioning and takes a full day for most. Technical canyoneering gear includes 140' of rope and a pull cord of equal length, or two -140' ropes, harness and descending equipment, emergency ascending equipment, emergency overnight gear and plenty of water. Although this tight narrow canyon with a spectacular grand finale rappel into the Zion Narrows is truly a mysterious canyon the name was given because the source of the falls were a mystery . Canyoneers can choose to set-up a shuttle, taking one vehicle to the East Rim of the park and leaving another where it can be accessed from Zion Canyon or you can start at the Weeping Rock Trailhead and hike the more demanding path up the East Rim Trail dropping into Mystery Canyon just short of Observation Point.
Mystery Canyon at a Glance Photo Album: Mystery Canyon pictures
Trail Maps: Mystery Canyon Topo Map
Day Canyon: Yes Distance: 6 miles using the East Mesa Trail. The optional Weeping Rock trailhead adds 1.5 miles and 2200' of elevation
The approach is 2.5 miles using the east mesa trail. Then 2.25 miles through the canyon, and then . 25 miles down the Zion Narrows plus another mile to exit using the Riverside Walk to the Temple of Sinawava.
Average Time: 8 hours Equipment: 140' of rope and a pull
cord of equal length, or two -140' ropes, helmet, harness and descending equipment,
sticky rubber shoes, emergency ascending equipment, emergency overnight gear and
a dry bag Technical: Longest rappel 135'. Difficulty: Slippery downhill slope approach. Technical:
rappelling and down-climbing skills required. ACA Rating: 3B IV Permits: Yes Trailhead: East Mesa Trail (requires shuttle) or hike
up the East Rim Trail toward Observation Point Trail from Zion Canyon. Trailend: Temple of Sinawava parking lot - Zion Canyon Trail Access: If you are going to use the East Mesa Trail then you will need a high clearance or 4WD vehicle. The road may be impassible
if wet. Off the Beaten Path: Yes - only 12 allowed
in Mystery Canyon per day. Classic Zion Canyon: Yes Best Season: mid-June to mid-September when the water
is warmer in Zion Narrows. Call the Zion Canyon Visitors Center for weather
conditions prior to the hike: (435) 772-3256. Hiking in slot canyons presents
a very real danger from flash flooding. Do not hike this trail if it is raining.
Remember a storm far off can trigger a flash flood. Mystery has a moderate flash
flood danger.
Canyoneering: Never enter a technical canyon without the knowledge and skills needed to safely explore and return. Rappelling and down-climbing skills are required to navigate through Mystery Canyon. Do not jump. Jumping in Zion's canyons have resulting in many broken bones. Many technical canyons, such as Mystery Canyon, also require excellent map reading skills to navigate.
Mystery Canyon
Mystery Canyon is a relatively known canyon in Zion National Park that is
sought after by many a "canyoneer" but only twelve hikers per day are allowed
to venture within. For this reason, the canyon shows relatively low impact compared
to some others such as the Zion
Narrows, Orderville Canyon and The Subway. The
route begins down a slippery slope, then drops through a beautiful slot canyon
section. When it opens up, it's into a spring with nice vegetation around some
nice pools. The end is a spectacular rappel through the first waterfall in Zion
Narrows. Mystery Canyon is a hike that will require good physical conditioning,
a full day for most and technical canyoneering gear to include: 140' of rope
and a pull cord of equal length, or two -140' ropes, harness and descending equipment,
emergency ascending equipment, emergency overnight gear and plenty of water.
East Mesa Trail to Mystery Canyon
Pass through the hikers gate and into Zion National Park. Begin hiking the
East Mesa Trail, which is an old road (was once a jeep road) with easy, slightly
uphill traveling. The trail meanders through manzanitas, gamble oak, wild roses,
ponderosa, pinon, mountain daises and Indian paintbrush (bring bug repellant).
After about a mile of hiking, the road narrows to a narrow hiking path. Juniper
trees appear and the trail begins to level off. The East Mesa Trail gets slightly
steeper and yields a view (to your right side) of the head of Mystery Canyon.
Observation Point Trailhead Option
The trailhead can be accessed from one of two directions: The hike from the Weeping Rock parking lot up the East Rim Trail, onto the East Mesa Trail and bypassing Observation Point, which will add a couple hours and lots of elevation gain to the overall hike, but eliminates the need for a drop-off or car shuttle to the East Mesa Trailhead. The other approach is done form the east side of the park at the East Mesa Trailhead which then requires a car shuttle.
East Mesa Trailhead
Pass through the hikers gate and into Zion National Park. Begin hiking the
East Mesa Trail, which is an old road with easy, slightly
uphill traveling. The trail meanders through manzanitas, gamble oak, wild roses,
ponderosa, pinon, mountain daises and Indian paintbrush. (bring bug repellant
for this section). After about a mile of hiking the trail narrows to a
hiking path. Juniper trees appear and the trail begins to level off.
At 2.5 miles (about 45 minutes to 1 hour hiking) on the East Mesa Trail, the
top of Mystery Canyon will be found. The East Mesa Trail gets slightly steeper
and yields a view (to your right side) of the head of Mystery Canyon. Its
extremely important to make sure you are in Mystery Canyon and not another side
canyon. There may be a cairn on the right that will lead you through the scrub
about 30' to the edge of a steep descent at the head of Mystery Canyon.
Descent into Mystery Canyon
At this point notice a fairly prominent trail that traverses to the right, going across a steep scree slope heading toward some thicker vegetation on the right and downhill. Follow the trail down the slope which will eventually become a drainage . During the half-mile descent the trail looses nearly 1000 ' of elevation on the way to the canyon floor. There might be some bushwhacking but do count on a steep, dirt and rock, slippery shale approach. On wet years rock slides and water flow disturb this section of the trail changing it rapidly. Soon there will a more gradual descent with several dry fall obstacles that may or may not be passable without the use of ropes .
Mystery Canyon Beta
Follow the Mystery wash for the next half-mile as canyon walls grow higher
on both sides and a few sections become enclosed with cliffs on both sides.
A favorite spot in the canyon is a tall slab of slickrock on the right showing
stains of waterfalls during rainy periods. Soon is a sharp turn to the left and
the canyon turns from a relatively open wash to a slotted, fluted narrow passage.
Just around the corner is the first rappel with bolt anchors on the left wall.
Rappelling skills are required to navigate through Mystery
Canyon. Remember slot canyons can change dramatically in a short time due to
flash floods and water levels in this canyon change. These directions are only
a general reference. Be prepared for variations in the canyon.
First Rappel - This rappel is approximately 50' and will indicate the point
of no turning back once at the bottom of this absolutely gorgeous section of
Mystery Canyon.
Second Rappel - Don't coil up the rope yet, because immediately ahead comes
a second rappel of approximately 35'.
Third Rappel - Continuing down the uniquely fluted slot section of Mystery
Canyon, another, the third rappel presents itself just a short distance further.
The anchors on the left side will enable canyoneers to descend 40' again to the
canyon floor.
Forth Rappel - Again just a short distance down canyon is the fourth short
rappel of 15' done by using the anchors on the right.
Fifth Rappel - Now left with one last rappel to do until the canyon
walls spread open and show a glimpse of the suns rays. The fifth rappel will
be done using anchors on the left face, and will take you down and around the
corner to the left as you face down stream. As you walk the walls slant back and away, giving the option of staying in the constricted narrow passage for two more fun rappels or choose to scramble up the steep slab of rock on the right and then bushwhack around the north side of the slotted section. This alternative is steep, dangerous and not the best choice. Its
recommended staying in the watercourse which is safer and helps prevent erosion.
Sixth - Seventh Rappels - After negotiating the final 2 rappels in the narrow
passage, work your way down canyon, trying to remain in the watercourse. There
are a couple of places that the trail will push you up and to the right bypassing
some dry fall's. Once again if anchor opportunities present themselves you should
try to remain in the floor of the canyon.
(More possible short rappels in this section to stay in the watercourse)
A short distance down canyon is Landslide Lake. This lake has been full enough
at times that it may be necessary to swim 100 meters or it may be dry
and an easy walk to the opposite bank. Currently, working your way up the right
side of this dam seems to be the easiest route of travel up and over the large
rock fall - landslide dam. Once up and over the dam, traveling down canyon will
require some route finding to negotiate a couple of dry fall's. This may require
some short downclimbs including a short log walk.
Eighth Rappel -
Bolts on a low angle slab provide an anchor for a 35' rappel. Walking down-canyon soon presents a long walk down a log wedged in the watercourse.
Mystery Springs
At the bottom of the log walk a fun slickrock slide will deposit you at near
the anchors for the second to last rappel into Mystery Spring. If you are talented you can probably avoid getting wet.
Ninth Rappel - The anchors are to the left, on a sloping ledge approximately
40' out and only one person at a time should go to the anchors since the space
is minimal. This rappel is approximately 135' and it's a bit awkward. The rappel
will take you to a large boulder - chockstone jammed in the slot below. The tendency
is to try to traverse to your right (as you are facing in to the cliff) but let
gravity take you to the chockstone, then continue off the rock toward the spring
below through the chimney - slot (on your right as you face the cliff you have
descended). The spring will be the first flowing water you will encounter during
the hike, and is also an indication that there is one rappel remaining to the
Zion Narrows.
Tenth Rappel - Just down stream from the spring you will encounter a few
downclimbs in the lush flowing streambed, and you may want to anchor a handline
- rappel from the tree set back 30' from tthe edge of a 10' drop into the wash
below.
Eleventh Rappel - - After this 10' rappel - downclimb it is a short 150 meters before you will be looking down into the magnificent view of the Zion Narrows and the waterfall that you will rappel the last 130' until the short .25 mile hike for the paved path Riverside Walk to Riverside Walk .
Riverside Walk - This is a mile long hike on a pleasant and sometimes very crowded paved path that puts hikers at the Temple of Sinawava parking area. Add a twenty minute ride on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Canyon Junction where you have probably stationed your shuttle vehicle, then retrieve your vehicle stationed at the East Mesa trailhead.
One mile hiking on a pleasant and sometimes very crowded paved path puts hikers
at the Temple of Sinawava parking area. Add a twenty minute ride on the Zion
Canyon Shuttle to Canyon Junction where you have probably stationed your shuttle
vehicle, then retrieve your vehicle stationed at the East Mesa trailhead.
Begin at the Weeping Rock parking lot and hike up the Observation
Point Trail.
Take the signed fork at the top to the East Mesa Trail. Drop into Mystery Canyon
at the following coordinates.
