Icebox Canyon  North Pass and Slickrock Pass Routes

iceboxcanyon

Kolob Canyons Section, Zion National Park

Hidden behind Timbertop Mountain and Nagunt Mesa is an interesting canyon that makes a fine adventure on a long summer day. Two entrances are available: the Slickrock Pass start offers a big wall, technical, station-to-station rappel route suitable for a small party of expert canyoners, while the North Pass start provides a dramatic 4th-class Slickrock couloir at a more moderate standard.

The canyon is narrow and lush, keeping a trickle of water even in drought conditions. A few rappels and a swim lead to the top of a huge, three-drop waterfall. From the bottom end, this canyon is known as Waterfalls Canyon. Bypassing the waterfall and descending the adjacent ridge, the delighted canyoneer passes one of the world's largest arches (Kolob Arch) on her way to LaVerkin Creek. Then there's only the little matter of a 7 mile, 1000 foot gain (11 km, 280m) slog back to the trailhead.

Two different entrances into Icebox Canyon

viewpass 3

Either route can be done as a long day-canyon or an overnight trip. However, humping bivy gear up the wooded ridge and down the rappels is a lot of work, and is hard to recommend.

North Pass Entrance

Rating:

   3B IV

Season:

   Summer or Fall. Snow would make this very difficult, so Spring is not recommended.

Length:

   8 to 12 hours.

Longest Rappel:

   165 feet (50 meters)

Equipment:

   Extra slings, and drybags for your gear. A wetsuit may be required in the fall.

Drinking Water:

   Treatable water is available once in the canyon.

USGS 7.5′ Map:

   Kolob Arch.

Difficulties:

   A long and wonderful adventure in a wilderness setting. The beginning of the descent is easy, but quite exposed.

Logistics:

   Starts and ends at Lee Pass.

Permit:

   Required.

Flash Flood Danger:

   Low. Weather Report available at Visitor Center.
Driving

From the Kolob Visitor Center , drive to the Lee Pass Trailhead. Continue past it ¼ or ½ mile (400m to 800m) to any of several turnouts from which a good view is available. Take a good look at the area between Beatty Point and Nagunt Mesa. Note several passes, and the wooded ridge leading up to the passes on the left. The V-notch at the top of the ridge is ” North Pass “. The slickrock pass to the right is “Slickrock Pass”. Return to the Lee Pass Trailhead and park.

Approach

Descend the trail to the bottom of the ridge where it crosses a small wash. Turn left, down the wash, and hike about 100 yards (100m) to an intersection with the main drainage of Timber Creek. Turn left and ascend the wooded and brushy canyon 1-1/2 miles (2 km) to where the canyon splits, the left hand split ending in a dry fall after a couple hundred feet. The fun begins here.

From the canyon junction, ascend the dirt between the arms to an alcove. At the right end of the alcove, climb a short cliff band to attain the open slopes above at the base of the wooded ridge. Head left of the crest of the ridge to find more open terrain and climb the ridge.

The Canyon

Follow the ridge to the top (See Var-1: Slickrock Pass Entrance). Descend the Slickrock couloir on the other side. Single bolts are available at odd intervals for setting up a rappel or handline. They can be hard to see. Descend the fall line to a ledge with several bolts. From the ledge, note a small pine tree down and right (right facing out). Rappel or downclimb to this ledge.

Rappel from the pine 160 feet (50m) to a good ledge with several bolts. Rappel from the ledge 140 feet (45m) to the canyon floor.

Once in the big canyon, enjoy the lush vegetation and hike downstream. A small trickle of water will soon appear. Follow the canyon. Interesting slots come in on both sides that are worth a few minutes exploration.

Three obstacles must be overcome in this section of canyon. The first is a short drop into a slot with a pool, avoided by traversing on the right to a bolt anchor. Careful rigging and a diagonal rappel avoid a swim. The second drop goes into the pool and swims a short, cold pool. The third drop is again avoided on the right by a long hike out to a bolt anchor.

Enjoy a fabulous view from the top of the waterfall. From the top, traverse on a small trail left to the adjacent ridge, then past the crest and down into the gully on the other side. Descend to the main canyon floor, then walk out the beautiful and dramatic canyon, mostly staying in the center of the drainage. After a half mile, Kolob Arch becomes visible on the right, and an official trail can be found. Follow the official trail out to LaVerkin Creek, then turn right and follow the main trail back to Lee Pass.

Variation: Slickrock Pass Entrance

Rating:

   4B IV 

Season:

   Summer or Fall.

Length:

   8 to 12 hours.

Longest Rappel:

   165 feet (50 meters), but it is a stretcher. 60-meter ropes are recommended.

Equipment:

   Extra slings, and drybags for your gear. A wetsuit may be required in the fall.

Drinking Water:

   Treatable water is available once in the canyon.

USGS 7.5' Map:

   Kolob Arch.

Difficulties:

   Big Wall station-to-station rappels. A few short swims. This is a long route in a wilderness setting. Due to the hanging rappel stations, maximum workable party size is 3.

Logistics:

   Starts and ends at Lee Pass.

Permit:

   Required.

Flash Flood Danger:

   Low. Weather Report available at Visitor Center .
Note/Warning

This entrance requires excellent rope technique and is not suitable for parties larger than 2. It is NOT a place for beginners - both members of the party must be competent. The hanging rappel stations are just that - bolts on a steep wall with no ledge. Experience in rappelling with a large pack is recommended (hint: don't wear it).

Canyon

Ascend the wooded ridge about halfway, then work your way over to the Slickrock below Slickrock Pass. Climb to the pass, then descend to the opposite side. A short section of slab climbing (5.2) leads to a cool slanted corridor. A bit of 4th class downclimbing leads to the top of a slab leading to a steep dropoff. A single bolt at the top of the slab can be used to set up a handline down to the first anchor.

R1: Rappel 160 feet (49m) to a bolt anchor on a steep wall.  R2: Rappel 164 feet (50m) to a bolt anchor on a steep wall.  R3: Rappel 140 feet (40m) to the canyon floor.

Follow the main route from the canyon floor.

The Subway (Top Down)

The Subway - Zion National Park  Left Fork, Great West Canyon

Rating:

   3B III

Season:

   Summer. A fair amount of swimming is required. The lower part of the canyon is in the full sun.

Length:

   4 to 8 hours.

Equipment:

   From the Top: 60 feet of rope. Dry bags for your gear. From the Bottom: Wading shoes.

Drinking Water:

   Carry your own or a pump. Pumpable water is found after about halfway through.

Map:

   The Guardian Angels

Difficulties:

   Rappels to 30'. A fair amount of swimming. A few downclimbing problems.

Logistics:

   From the Top: Through Trip, requires car spot or hitch. From the Bottom: There and Back.

Permit:

   REQUIRED: available to Park Visitor Center, Backcountry Desk. Reservations are taken up to a month in advance and are highly recommended. 5$ per permit.

Flash Flood Danger:

   Moderate. Weather Report available at Visitor Center.

The Famous "Subway" is one of the great, fairly easy, and incredibly scenic canyoneering adventures of Zion National Park. While the preferred adventure is starting from the top, doing a few rappels, downclimbs and a couple of chilly swims, the hike up from the bottom is also very enjoyable if it is not too hot out. A permit is required for either version and flash floods are a serious concern for the through hike.

Getting There

From Zion Main Canyon, drive south on Highway 9 to the town of Virgin, and turn right on the Kolob Reservoir Road. The well-signed Left Fork Trailhead is on the right 8.1 miles from Virgin. Spot a car here. Hitch or drive another 7 miles up the Road to the "Wildcat Canyon Trailhead". If using one car, it is much better to leave a car at the bottom and hitch first. Hitching on the KT road is pretty easy, especially early in the morning.

From the Top

SubwayFrom the " Wildcat Canyon " trailhead, follow the trail 30 minutes past the first trail junction (The Hop Valley Connector), then right (South) at the second trail toward Northgate Peaks . Follow this a short way (2 mins) before leaving the trail to the left and dropping into a slickrock bowl. There is a prominent, unmaintained, but well cairned trail along this entire "backcountry" route. IF you are not following a prominent trail, you are getting lost. Hike down slickrock into a beautiful forest. Follow the trail through the forest and out onto a ridge, that then heads left, dropping into Russell Gulch. Cross the watercourse and continue at the same level on the opposite side, climbing to a slickrock pass. Descend the gorgeous slickrock bowl on the other side, then pick up a trail going straight ahead and into the woods. The trail eventually heads right to a prominent point overlooking the junction of the Left Fork and Russell Gulch. A steep, sandy gully drops from the point to the floor of Russell Gulch a few hundred feet from the intersection with the Left Fork. If it is hot out, you are now very happy to be in the nice, cool canyon.

Proceed down the Left Fork

Passing a few obstacles. The first is a large boulder blocking the canyon. There used to be a log that could be downclimbed, but it disappeared this past winter (2000/2001). The front of the boulder can be "boy-scouted" (ie, slid down with a reckless disregard for the frailty of the human body), but people firing on all cylinders will want to do a short rappel down the front of the boulder. There are slings around a chockstone on the right side that can be used, but bring a few slings in case they are needed. After a short while, the canyon passes through an aquifer layer, and cold, clear water begins to flow. Some short pools require swimming. This section of the canyon is incredibly cool - wet, shady, and beautiful. The longest pool can be bypassed by traversing on the left-hand side, then rapping or downclimbing into the end of the pool, but the swim is much more fun.

Arriving at Keyhole Falls marks the entrance to the actual "Subway" section. This can be rappelled using the anchor on the right or downclimbed using the Keyhole Arch to the left. Either method ends up dropping you into a cold pool. Follow the pools down to a great alcove with a giant log standing on end. Past here, the canyon opens out a little bit. The final obstacle is passed by crossing the stream on a log above a waterfall left, then traversing about 40' to where the rock can be downclimbed in three sections to the stream floor near the waterfall. There are also rap anchors further out along the traverse, for those to whom the downclimbing does not appeal.

Swim a chilly pool and you are at the mouth of the subway.

The canyon opens up and remains scenic for quite a way. Lovely cascades over red rocks, lush trees and sweeping sandstone walls - good stuff. There is a hidden spring on the right hand side (north side) just after the red cascades. From here the canyon opens out into a wide, rocky-bottom canyon with a healthy flowing stream. But then again, it's a rough and slow 3.25 miles out to the exit trail.

About half way out the canyon (1 hour from the Red Falls ), there are some nice dinosaur tracks on the canyon right (north side), just off the stream. Look for them.

The exit trail up a steep lava slope and gully is well marked, but keep your eyes open when you get in the area. Save some energy for the 400-foot hump up to the road. The trail climbs the right side of the obvious lava slope to the left margin of the sandstone cliffs above. Be sure to find and stay on the trail - at one point a small trail proceeds straight ahead, and the main trail switches back - don't take the small trail. As if to add insult to injury, at the top of the lava, the trail takes its bloody time (well, 3/4 mile or so) getting to the parking lot across the Pinon-Juniper mesa top.

SubwayNote on Rating

If everyone in your party can lead 5.8 trad, you might not need a rope. But I would still recommend it. Since the log disappeared from the first obstacle, downclimbing the face of the boulder is much more difficult and risky. There has been at least one Tibia/Fibia fracture at this location in the last few years, and the vertical extraction was extremely difficult. Be smart, be safe. It is better to bring a rope and not need it, than the other way around. The logs that aid in passing obstacles move from time to time.

Right Fork

Rating:

   VI Class 5 NTB Wet

Season:

   Summer. A modest amount of swimming is required. The lower part of the canyon is in the full sun.

Length:

   3 days casual, 2 days hurried.

Equipment:

   1 - 50m rope, a few slings, drybags for your gear.

Drinking Water:

   Limited. Carry your own and a pump. Pumpable water is found at the seep, and low down in the canyon.

Map:

   The Guardian Angels

Difficulties:

   Rappels to 70'. A fair amount of swimming. A few downclimbing problems. Navigation will be challenging for some parties.

Circle Trip:

   Starts at Lava Point, ends at the Right Fork parking lot on the Kolob Reservoir road. Hitching conditions are not too bad.

Permit:

   REQUIRED: available to Park Visitor Center , Backcountry Desk.

Flash Flood Danger:

   Moderate. Weather Report available at Visitor Center.
Right Fork, Great West Canyon

An awkward name for a wonderful place. A canyon filled with tall walls and waterfalls, deep in Zion 's backcountry. The location protects its solitude, as do a few minor canyoneering problems. If you can handle the Subway, a few long rappels and can read a map - and are looking for a several day adventure - this one's for you.

Logistics

That said, it's a long, dry hike to the 'goodies', and a long hot slog out. We did it in two days, and did not have the time to enjoy the goodies section, nor spend much time on photography. Three days would work quite well. Or, get an earlier start - we had to get the permit and finish packing and got on the trail about 11am . Good camping sites in the 'goodies' section are somewhat limited. The Great Alcove makes a good camping area (if allowed), and marks the start of high-quality water. Before that, your water source is pumping the occasional potholes - plan carefully, and have enough carrying capacity to make dry camp.

Getting There

After obtaining a permit, drive south to Virgin and turn Right on the Kolob Reservoir Road . The Right Fork parking spot is just after the park boundary as shown on the map. Spot a car here.

Good Suggestion

We failed to find the final trail from the stream bed up through the lava, and bouldered up a scary loose slot. My Suggestion: take a quick hike from the Right Fork Parking lot and figure out where the trail comes up the lava. (Yeah, yeah, I'm supposed to take care of this for ya, but until I do, you're on your own). You also might want to take a GPS point on the car.

After dropping off the car, drive up to Lava Point, then around the side and down to the West Rim Trail. NPS camping is available at Lava Point. Your first water is a long way away, so carry plenty.

The Goods

Head down the West Rim Trail, then branch right after 500 feet onto the Wildcat Canyon trail. Follow this about 1 mile, then pick a spot to drop south off the trail, through the brush to the bottom of Little Blue Canyon. We descended where the trail crossed a small stream. (Or continue another half mile and drop into the Main Blue Creek Canyon , thus avoiding two rappels).

Follow the bottom of Little Blue Canyon southwest to where it drops steeply into the main canyon. Two 75' rappels pass this section into a lush glen. Make sure the second anchor is still there before pulling the rope.

Wildcat Canyon is an open, rugged and dry canyon with large cliffs on both sides. Follow easily the bottom of the canyon, for about a mile and a half, until it starts becoming more rugged. Avoid tangling with any difficulties at this stage by contouring to the right, onto the rib above the canyon where the walking is easier.

Follow this platform for several miles, crossing a wash, but avoid being sucked into the slot to your left. Down at the bottom, Wildcat Canyon turns right and becomes the Left Fork by joining a smaller canyon coming from the West Rim. Travel down Wildcat/Left Fork is difficult due to many, many potholes. From the platform above, locate the canyon across the Left Fork, with its tiny seep (mostly indicated by a clump of lush vegetation). Downclimb carefully, then make a short rappel into the canyon at this point, and climb easily out the other side, where the seep comes in. (The only easy place to exit the canyon bottom on the other side is at this one spot).

Stock Up on Water at the seep, or out of the potholes in Wildcat/Left Fork. Pump required, 4 sure. This is the first water found on the hike.

Continue south south east, climbing up a wide, open and dry valley to a height of land. There are some incredible Ponderosa Pines in this canyon, protected by the very large sandstone walls on each side. Cresting the col, the canyon on the other side is a neat slickrock canyon of greater rugosity. We bivyed near the col, which made the next day very long, but provided excellent views.

Descend The Valley. Again, avoid dropping into the rugged bottom of the canyon to the left, and staying on the intermediate platform on the right. About 20 minutes down from the col, this requires climbing steeply through the trees to avoid the canyon that is turning left and narrowing up. Once on top of the ridge, a good trail-of-use makes travel easy. Follow the crest of the rib, then drop into a shallow slickrock canyon on the right, and follow this. (This is the last place to camp before dropping into the narrow canyon). Where the canyon drops precipitously, downclimb steeply down and to the left, using the trees and finding the easiest route. Hunt around to avoid rappels with 4th class downclimbing. It should take no more than a 30' rappel to get into the bottom of the canyon.

Right Fork

Finally, we're in the cool confines of the Right Fork. The canyon is deep and shaded with a rocky bottom. Downstream travel is rugged but not difficult. Clambor under a boulder. Etc. Shortly, we arrive at...

The Black Pool. The infamous Black Pool is quite a nice way to cool off. Drop into the pool, and swim 100 feet to 100 yards through a sinuous sandstone chasm. Brrrr. Rumor has it the pool can be avoided by traversing left with some difficulty, then rapping off a tree into the end of the pool. But what's the point? Walk briskly to warm back up and shortly, we arrive at...

The Grand Alcove, a magnificent overhang with multiple colorful tiers. This is also where the canyon cuts through the aquifer layer and copious quantities of clear, clean water burst out of the walls. This makes a splendid camping place (if legal) but requires your best minimum impact camping technique. The Grand Alcove comes with a cliff obstacle that can be easily rappeled in two segments on the left off of fixed anchors. Rumor has it that the stream bed flume can be slid and downclimbed directly to the pool at the bottom. Be sure to take a dip in this incredible pool while you are here. Heading downcanyon leads you to...

Barrier Falls . A wonderful 70 foot rappel next to the waterfall takes you to the lower level. Barrier Falls represents the furthest the canyon can be hiked from the bottom. Heading downcanyon soon leads to...

More Waterfalls. A splendid waterfall appears difficult, but is easily passed by a trail on the left. The next fall is Double Falls , which is again passed on the left. A ledge passes behind the twin waterfalls, allowing the adventurous canyoneer to dive through the waterfall into the pool beyond. A short ways further downcanyon...

Uh Oh, Start of the Slog. Unfortunately, double falls represents the end of the 'goodies', and the beginning of the slog out. The streambed is much like the end of the Subway, but much longer. Follow the stream bed west for about 4 miles to the junction with the left fork.

Embarrasing Admission: We did not find the correct trail for the final exit, so the following description is based on directions I have found elsewhere but have not confirmed in the field.

All that separates us from the malt beverages in the car: a wide stream and a 600 foot lava escarpment. You're probably here in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy the full effect of the sun beating down on the black stone. From the junction, cross the stream and head south (left) on the opposite shore. A quarter mile below the junction, a prominent path heads up the lava talus. Take this to be reunited with your car.

Kolob Creek

Canyoneering Route  Zion National Park

Rating:

   4B R V

Season:

   Summer or Fall.

Length:

   2 days.

Longest Rappel:

   165 feet (50 m)

Equipment:

   Full 7mm Wet Suit or Dry Suit. 2 - 50 meter ropes, dry bags for your gear, slings.

Drinking Water:

   Carry some and a pump. Pumpable water is found in most parts of the canyon.

Map:

   Kolob Reservoir, Cogswell Point, Temple of Sinawava

Difficulties:

   Many many freezing cold pool to pool rappels, up to 150 feet long.

Logistics:

   Starts near Lava Point; ends at Temple of Sinawava .

Permit:

   Required.

Flash Flood Danger:

   Moderate. Weather Report available at Visitor Center .

Special Danger:

   Flow in Kolob Creek is controlled by the Washington County Water Conservancy District. ANY FLOW above 5 cfs makes the canyon essentially impassable. You MUST call (435.673.3617) WEEKDAYS beforehand to verify the release schedule.

And I saw the stars, that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it;

And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest.

Book of Abraham, Chapter 3, verses 2 and 3.

In LDS Cosmology, Kolob is the place nearest God, the star nearest to the throne of God.

Kolob Creek is one of the grand adventures in Zion , invested with an unfortunate history in part because of its special situation. A dam a few miles above the interesting technical narrows is used to store water for irrigation. Water is released through the canyon from the dam from time to time.

On July 15, 1993 , two scout leaders drowned while trying to descend Kolob Creek in high water conditions. Three leaders and five teen-age Explorer Scouts were on a four-day descent of Kolob Creek that coincided with a substantial release from the dam. After a four-day wait, the six survivors were located and rescued on July 19th. The subsequent lawsuit is largely responsible for the permit system in Zion today.

Is Kolob dangerous and extreme? Not really. Kolob must be respected, but the scout leaders made obvious blunders that led directly to their deaths. The flow in Kolob Creek is controlled by a dam at Kolob Reservoir, several miles upstream from the technical narrows. The scouts entered the canyon when the flow was too high for their technical skills.

Control by the dam has interesting consequences. Except in deep drought, a small flow is maintained through the canyon, so the pools stay full and cold. Water is released to supply irrigators downstream, and when the water is flowing, the narrows are impassable, even to those with advanced technical skills. The amount of water released is a major flood for this small canyon.

Potential Kolobers must call the Washington County Water Conservancy District (435-673-3617) and determine the current release rate from the Kolob Reservoir Dam. Flow above 5 cfs is too high to safely descend the canyon. The District Office is only open during normal business hours, M-F, 9-5.

So what is Kolob like?

After a brief walk through the woods, the canyoneer rappels into a pocket garden. A hundred feet further, the canyon starts a drop of 700 feet through numerous pools. A total of 12 rappels are made into pools followed by short swims and climb-outs to the next anchor. The canyon is incised deeply, with delightful grottos and wonderful light reflecting down off the walls above. From the bottom of the technical section, the canyoneer can make the long hike out to the Narrows and the Temple of Sinawava , or can ascend the steep and strenuous " MIA Trail ".

Most parties will take about 4 hours to complete the technical section, and will be in the water for most of this time. Drysuits or full 7mm wetsuits are required for descending Kolob. Do NOT underestimate the power of cold water to kill you. While the technical difficulties in Kolob are few, the long exposure to cold water makes Kolob a step up in difficulty and danger compared to most of Zion 's canyons. This makes it good preparation for the continuity of cold water found in Imlay and Heaps.

All anchors are bolted, expect a few raps off logs and trees near the start. In drought conditions, some of the pothole exits can be difficult - be prepared to do pack tosses, partner-assists and, as a last resort, drilling and hooking to exit the potholes. Most rappels require a floating disconnect - be sure everyone in your party is trained in this skill before entering the canyon.

A few of the rappels chain together two or three potholes, and it is important to understand this technique. Rappel into the first pothole and either disconnect or pull through a bunch of slack. Swim across and exit the pothole, then go back on rappel and rap into the next pothole. When all canyoneers are down, the rope is pulled from the lowest pothole. Care must be taken by the last canyoneer that the rope is untwisted and will pull easily. When descending Kolob, be sure to locate the next anchor before pulling the ropes.

First Descent: 1978 Dennis Turville

 
Logistics

Kolob is commonly done in two ways. For a day trip out the MIA Trail , park at the West Rim Trailhead near Lava Point. The MIA Trail returns to this point. For a two-day trip enjoying the full glory of Kolob Canyon , start from the West Rim Trailhead and exit at the Temple of Sinawava .

Preparation

Call the Washington County Water District at 435-673-3617 to determine the release schedule. They are only open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. Obtain a permit at the Backcountry Desk.

Approach

The approach to Kolob can be done entirely on old logging roads. Park at the West Rim Trailhead. Walk back along the road a few minutes to the big turn. Continue straight north across the meadow to a gap in the trees, a post and the start of a road. Follow the road down, then left and contour steeply downhill about 15 minutes to the bottom of the hill. Continue straight ahead and pick up a smaller road climbing the opposite side to a pass.

Descend the road on the other side of the pass, switchbacking down the drainage. Where the road forks, stay in the drainage. About 15 minutes below the pass, after crossing a small, rocky drainage, follow an obscured switchback to the right into a small drainage with bluffs on each side. Follow this road all the way to Kolob Creek. Follow a path on the right side downstream for a ways, then cross to the left side when forced. Follow a pretty good trail on the left side to the start of the drops. Allow 45 minutes for the approach.

Canyon

Check the flow in the stream. The dam release schedule might have changed. Consider carefully the amount of flow you see - if it is more than 5 cfs you are out of luck - go find something else to do.

The first rappel in the canyon is about 25 meters (80 feet) into a pocket garden. Put on your drysuits before this rappel. Choose a tree near the head to rappel from, and rap in. Head downcanyon and you immediately encounter your first swim. Yee haw!

Proceed downcanyon. Rappels 2 and 3 are off log jams down short drops. Rappel 4 is a chained rappel through two or three pools. Most teams will do 10 to 12 rappels. Two long rappels of about 45 meters (150 feet) are near the end of the technical section. Otherwise rappels are no longer than 30 meters (100 feet).

The final long rappel into a big pool is fabulous. This marks the end of the main technical section, though not the end of the fun. Many parties remove their drysuits here. However, there are a couple short rappels and swims a half-hour to an hour downcanyon.

To the MIA Trail

About thirty minutes downcanyon, a 400-foot waterfall comes in over the left canyon wall. The spring at its base is a good place to collect water. About one hour past the waterfall, and soon after two short rap-n-swims, Kolob joins the larger canyon of Oak Creek , and your direction changes from generally east to generally south. There is often a small flow in Oak Creek , and shortly downcanyon is a short drop into a pool. Rapping from bolts on the right might allow you to avoid another swim.

Finding the MIA Trail

(Note: directions will be stated either as CANYON left or right (meaning when facing down-canyon) or as (blank) left or right, as seen by the ascender).

While the MIA Trail is not hard to find, many a canyoneer has walked past it due to inattention. Noting the intersection of Boundary Canyon is the key to finding the MIA Trail . The MIA Trail should not be attempted in the dark. The first time, most parties will require at least 2 hours for the MIA Trail , plus another hour to get back to the trailhead.

The Boundary Intersection is marked by Boundary Canyon coming in on canyon right as a 50' wide, vegetated and not-steep slot, and a steep, small, vegetated slot coming in across the way. There is a large flat rock right at the intersection that makes a great place to remove wetsuits and harnesses, and prepare for the ordeal ahead.

From Boundary, Kolob canyon is rocky and wide for about 20 minutes, then enters a short (5 minute), tall, narrows section. Next, the canyon opens out again and proceeds as a rocky streambed for perhaps 20 minutes, then again enters a tall narrows section, which is considerably longer (15 minutes). Approximately 10 minutes after the second narrows section, MIA canyon comes in on canyon right, as a large, obvious, lushly vegetated and steep (but climbable) sandy slope. There are two big ol' logs in the streambed and often a decent sized cairn marking the intersection. This is the only possible-looking exit since Boundary.

The MIA Trail

Climb the steep slope above Kolob Creek, starting in a shallow gully, then working left when approaching a rock buttress. Traverse left, then down to the top of a short pourover. You are now in the main MIA canyon watercourse. Scramble upcanyon, surmounting short obstacles with occasional exposed easy 5th class moves. At the first obstacle, climb a steep slope on the left to gain an exposed traverse ledge. The main canyon ends at a 40' (12 m) dryfall with a wider-than-fists crack in the back. Backup 30' (10 m) and ascend the obvious small drainage on the right.

Follow the drainage upward, until it encounters a wall. Climb left along the base of the wall, until it becomes easier to traverse into the woods to the left. Climb steeply through the brush to a wide pass that overlooks the upper basin of MIA Canyon (30 minutes to this point).

From this viewpoint, carefully examine the complex terrain ahead. The upper basin is bounded on the left by cliffs and then a slinky little slot canyon (MIA Slot) dropping steeply into the basin (this is just above the “4WD” annotation on the map). To the right of this, is a complex, steep and tree-covered face that slides over into a deep slot canyon on the right. Take careful note of three snags (dead trees) at the canyon rim above the middle-left of the complex face – the three snags is where you are trying to get to.

Descend into the bottom of the upper basin, and head for the bottom of the MIA slot on the left. The slot is well worth the 8 minutes of exploration the drops allow. Follow the main watercourse past automotive debris washed down from above. Follow this canyon five minutes along the basin floor, until it turns right and heads for the right-hand wall and slot. At this point, climb steep dirt directly up the fall line, following a shallow watercourse on a fairly good social trail.

To this point, the dreaded MIA Trail is not so bad. It gets worse.

Follow the trail steeply upward. It is important to Follow The Trail. In the brush, the trail is easily followed, but there are several sections where the trail crosses open ground and several options all look pretty much the same. At one point, stay right and climb rocks steeply. At other points, walking a few feet to check out the options will reveal the correct trail.

In general, when hunting the trail, follow the watercourse. Explore, figure out which is the correct path, and follow it. Even the best trail is steep and difficult - persevere. Keep the three snags in sight. Ascend to the road.

Back to the West Rim Trailhead

From the top of the MIA Trail , turn left (south) and hike about 1000 feet (300 m) to a picnic area with water coming from a pipe. Hike the road heading uphill behind the spring, then north up a roadcut, then follow the roads (generally north and west, but always up) to the West Rim Trailhead. Allow at least an hour for the MIA Trail , and at least an hour for the roadwalk back to the Trailhead. The roads in this area are not shown correctly on the map.

Down Kolob Canyon to the Narrows

Kolob Canyon can be followed to the Narrows and out to the Temple of Sinawava . This makes a fine two-day trip, and includes the best part of the Narrows . Kolob Canyon itself offers a wonderful variety of narrows.

From the MIA Trail , hike downcanyon four miles to the intersection with the North Fork . There are two short rappels with swims in icy pools within the first two miles. From the intersection with the North Fork , stroll 8 miles downcanyon to the Temple of Sinawava .

From the end of the technical narrows, there are numerous small places to bivy in the canyon. Please use zero-impact camping techniques. Water is intermittent - be prepared to pump water from skuzzy pools, or pump early when the water is good.

Das Boot

The Subway Direct Start  Left Fork, Great West Canyon

Rating:

   4B IV

Season:

   Summer or Fall. Two hours of swimming is required. The lower part of the canyon is in the full sun.

Length:

   6 to 10 hours.

Longest Rappel:

   40 feet (13 meters)

Equipment:

   Wetsuits or Drysuits. 80 feet of rope. Drybags for your gear.

Drinking Water:

   Carry your own or a pump. Pumpable water is found after about half way through.

Map:

   The Guardian Angels

Difficulties:

   Rappels to 40'. Two hours of swimming and pothole thrashing. A few small rappels off of natural anchors. This is a serious and unforgiving technical adventure only suitable for fit and experienced canyoneers.

Logistics:

   This is a through trip, and requires a car spot or short hitch.

Permit:

   REQUIRED: available to Park Visitor Center , Backcountry Desk. Reservations taken up to a month in advance and are highly recommended. 5$ per permit.

Flash Flood Danger:

   High. Weather Report available at Visitor Center . The upper section of the canyon is long and unrelenting.

The Famous "Subway" is an easy and incredibly scenic canyoneering adventure. Hidden upstream from the usual start is a wonderful, tight, dark, cold and wet canyoneering narrows that makes a much more adventurous start to the classic (and not very difficult) Subway. The "Das Boot Variation" offers easy access to the kind of tight, twisty and wet narrows found in many more "extreme" canyons like Heaps or Imlay, however, due to its unrelenting nature, this is a journey only for prepared and experienced canyoneers. GPS and a good map are pretty much required to get in at the right place.

What's it like? How about a one-third mile stretch that takes 2 hours to negotiate? A long, underground narrows with only an occasional view of the sun. Wading and swimming for 2 hours straight. Numerous log jams to climb over or rappel from. A few short drops requiring skilled downclimbing or short rappels. And not very much light, so I can't show you much in the way of photographs.

Getting There

From Zion Main Canyon , drive south on Highway 9 to the town of Virgin, and turn right on the Kolob Reservoir Road . The well-signed Left Fork Trailhead is on the right 8.1 miles from Virgin. Spot a car here. Hitch or drive another 7 miles up the Road to the "Wildcat Canyon Trailhead". If using one car, it is much better to leave a car at the bottom and hitch first. Hitching on the KT road is pretty easy, especially early in the morning.

Das Boot Variation

From the " Wildcat Canyon " trailhead, follow the trail 30 minutes past the first trail junction (The Hop Valley Connector), then right (South) at the second trail toward Northgate Peaks . Follow this a short way (2 mins) before leaving the trail to the left and dropping into a slickrock bowl. There is a prominent, unmaintained, but well cairned trail along this entire "backcountry" route. IF you are not following a prominent trail, you are getting lost. Hike down slickrock into a beautiful forest. Follow the trail through the forest and out onto a ridge, that then heads left, dropping into Russell Gulch.

This is where the Das Boot variation heads off from the usual path. Looking down from the ridge, note a slickrock pass above the usual slickrock pass. Descend and cross Russell Gulch, then climb to the higher slickrock pass. From there, climb straight up and slightly right to gain a bench. Cross the corner of the bench and descend shallow gullies heading southeast toward a complex of gullies and ridges toward the Left Fork visible ahead. Make sure there is a substantial ridge on your right. Work your way down trying to avoid difficulties (3rd class) to a canyon bottom. Follow the canyon past some brushy sections, some sandy sections and some slickrock sections to where it drops into the Left Fork. Avoid rappelling in by traversing upcanyon (4th class) to where a steep brushy slope descends to the bottom of the canyon.

Let the Games Begin!

The narrows begin immediately. Wade on in. We were fortunate to find fairly clean water, recently flushed by a rainy period. Wade, swim, climb, rappel, etc. for about 2 hours. It is beautiful and challenging down there, and even on a brutally hot day (108 degrees in St George) we were very chilly in our shortee wet suits. Good Luck.

The end of this section is marked by a 30 foot waterfall, with a large ledge on the right. Rappel the waterfall directly off the logjam. (There used to be a tree off to the right, but it expired). Downcanyon 100 yards (100 m) is the intersection with the Subway regular route. (If short on time, one can ascend the regular Subway start, rather than completing the Subway). Enjoy the Subway or the exit.

  1. The Zion Narrows - North Fork of the Virgin River
  2. Pine Creek
  3. Orderville Canyon
  4. Keyhole Canyon - Zion National Park

Page 1 of 7