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The Far Side of Zion
Wade’s Walkabout The Far Side Of By Mark Wade Zion
At elevations between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, the plateau that comprises the top of Utah’s Zion National Park offers far more than most people would suspect. The region immediately east of Zion Park is a compilation of rolling forested hills and hidden canyons, some of which are narrow carved crevices that have been etched deep into the earth’s surface. Preparation to properly explore a so-called “slot canyon” may take a little more than just research on the internet. For those who don’t wish to go it alone, there are guide companies that will take all the guesswork out of such an adventure.
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About the Author
Mark Wade is active in hiking, writing, photography, and videography. He works as a tourism marketing consultant, for which he has won numerous awards. He is a weekly guest on the KSL Outdoors radio show. Mark is the former Director of Tourism for southwestern Utah and has served on the board of directors for various tourism associations.
How Are Slot Canyons Created?
In this region, slot canyons are most commonly carved in softer sandstone and likely often begin as a shallow crack or crevice. Southwestern Utah is a dry desert environment, and the ground does not easily absorb moisture. So when rain does come, it accumulates quickly on the surface and runs toward the path of least resistance. That pathway is then eroded by the fast-flowing water and is frequently accompanied by the accumulation of trees, rocks, and debris. It is not uncommon to enter a slot canyon and find large boulders or tree stumps jammed between the canyon walls, sometimes at elevations upwards of forty feet within the slot. This erosive power creates naturally etched designs of uncommon beauty.
Canyoneering
Canyoneering is best described as the art of exploring a slot canyon, whether it be by the process of rappelling or simply hiking and scrambling over the boulders and logs that obstruct the canyon floor. East Zion, outside the national park, is one of America’s great concentrations of slot canyons. Walking backwards off a cliff while harnessed to a rope is considered a grand experience by some and terrifying for others. Luckily the hiking method of discovery is a possible option.
Walk-In
Local guide companies can transport you to the mouth of a slot canyon via Jeep or UTV, where you’ll walk through the canyon at a casual pace while touching the convoluted sandstone with both hands. You’ll experience the ambience of reflected light and shadow along with the moist coolness of these deep recesses.
Rappelling
For the more adventurous, there is nothing quite like descending via rope into the bowels of a slot canyon only to walk a short distance and descend even further—all the while wondering if there is truly an exit pathway somewhere ahead. These rappelling exploits often entail a hike to begin and end your adventure.
Cost
Depending on the length of your excursion, a guided slot canyon experience may run between $100 and $200, but the expense is worth ensuring that you are safely in and out of the right place. An internet search will bring up various options, but one reputable company we have worked with is East Zion Adventures (EastZionAdventures.com).
There are very few outdoor experiences that will inspire more awe than a slot canyon adventure.
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