Zion's Hidden Canyon

[Red Rock Rangers]

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Zion is only 45 minutes from St. George, and we've spent quite a bit of time here over the years. Still, this park is huge, and there are always new places to explore. This time around, I decided to check out Hidden Canyon. Hidden Canyon is a snazzy little 'hanging canyon' tucked behind the Great White Throne. It's a surprisingly gnarly hike for such a short trail (3 miles, round trip) -- you've got a 1000' elevation gain in only 1.5 miles, some white-knuckle exposed sections, and tons of scrambling. It's a blast!

don't trip!​

Get there:
Drive into the main canyon of Zion National Park. This time of year, I had to take the mandatory shuttle (which is actually kind of nice,) to the Weeping Rock Trailhead. (Trailhead GPS coordinates: 37.27094, -112.93839.)

shuttle buddies​

Do it:
Hop off the shuttle at the Weeping Rock Trailhead, and start hiking along the East Mesa Trail. Navigation is pretty simple. The first section consists of eleven tight switchbacks that take you up 800ft. At this point, you'll see a signed spur trail on the right leading you into Hidden Canyon. You'll climb a bit more, then start hugging the edge of a narrow (but chained!) path with a sheer drop below. At long last, you'll reach Hidden Canyon. The maintained trail ends, but you can explore the canyon for another 0.3 mile if you're up for a little scrambling. Hidden Canyon Arch is a good turn around point.

cardinal flowers

Hidden Canyon Arch

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