Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is one of the most popular technical canyoneering spots in zion-national-park/”>Zion National Park. If you’re not up for technical rappelling then no problem!
Drive toward the east entrance a bit and find another part of the Pine Creek Gorge to hike around. The creek bed is long and provides lots of great entry points for hikers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is during clear weather conditions to avoid flash flooding which can be life-threatening.
Things to Note
Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is a beautiful and adventurous experience in Zion National Park, but it’s also a challenging and potentially dangerous environment. Here’s some crucial advice before you start your journey:
Preparation:
- Skill Level: Pine Creek is not for beginners. It requires advanced canyoneering skills like swimming, scrambling, and basic rope work. Consider guided tours if you’re not experienced.
- Permits: Obtain a wilderness access permit from the Zion National Park Visitor Center.
- Gear: Pack essentials like a helmet, headlamp, canyoneering wetsuit and booties (even in summer), dry clothes and shoes, a first-aid kit, and plenty of water and food. Dry bags are crucial for protecting gear.
- Weather: Check the forecast and be aware of flash flood risks. Never enter the canyon during or after heavy rain.
- Buddy System: Always go with at least one experienced partner and inform someone outside the canyon about your route and expected return time.
Navigation and Safety:
- Route Finding: The trail to the canyon is unmarked and can be difficult to find. Consider using a GPS or guidebook with detailed directions.
- Flash Floods: The main danger in Pine Creek is flash flooding. Stay vigilant, especially during the monsoon season (July-September). Look for signs of rising water and listen for thunder. If you hear thunder, get out of the canyon immediately.
- Hypothermia: The water in Pine Creek is often cold, even in summer. Wear a wetsuit and booties to prevent hypothermia.
- Ropes: Some sections require rappelling and rope work. Ensure you have the necessary skills and equipment.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash and respect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Experience Zion in 8K
ZION is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring Zion National Park during peak fall color. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
Getting There
Pine Creek Canyon is accessed from the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (Highway 9), on the east side of the long tunnel. There is a small pulloff near the Pine Creek bridge. If you are doing the full technical route, you will need to arrange a shuttle between the upper trailhead and the lower exit point.
The upper entry point for the technical canyoneering route is off a use trail that starts near the east end of the tunnel. The exit comes out near the bridge on the canyon floor. Study the route carefully before you go. This is not a place where you want to figure things out as you go.
What to Expect
If you are doing the full technical route, expect 4 to 6 hours depending on your group size and skill level. The route includes multiple rappels, the longest being around 100 feet. You will be swimming through cold pools of water, squeezing through narrow slots, and downclimbing over slippery rock. A wetsuit is not optional. Even in summer, the water in these narrows stays cold because it rarely sees direct sunlight.
For non-technical visitors, you can access parts of Pine Creek from the canyon floor near the bridge. Walk upstream along the creek bed and you will find beautiful exposed rock, small pools, and the lower reaches of the gorge. This is a good option for hikers who want to experience the canyon without ropes and gear.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake is attempting the technical route without proper training. This is a serious canyoneering route, not a hike. People have died in this canyon. If you do not have experience with multi-pitch rappels, cold water swimming, and canyon rescue techniques, hire a guide or choose a different route. Zion has easier options like Keyhole Canyon for beginners.
The second mistake is ignoring the weather. Flash floods in slot canyons kill people. Check the forecast for the entire watershed, not just the canyon mouth. If there is any chance of rain within 24 hours anywhere upstream, do not enter. The park issues flash flood warnings and will close canyons when conditions warrant it. Take those warnings seriously.
Photography Tips
Inside the technical sections, waterproof everything. A dry bag for your camera is essential. The narrow slot sections create beautiful light patterns when the sun is overhead, typically between 10am and 2pm depending on the time of year. But carrying a real camera through this route is challenging. An action camera or waterproof phone case might be more practical.
From the canyon floor near the bridge, look up at the massive sandstone walls. The scale is impressive and a wide-angle lens captures it well. Late afternoon light hitting the upper walls creates a warm glow that contrasts with the shadowed canyon floor.
Nearby Destinations
The Canyon Overlook Trail starts near the east end of the tunnel and is a 1-mile round trip to one of the best views in the park. It looks directly down into Pine Creek Canyon. Zion Canyon and the main shuttle route are through the tunnel to the west. Kolob Canyons offers a completely different Zion experience about an hour north.
For the complete guide to planning your visit, see our Zion National Park guide.
