Mystery Canyon

Location: Zions National Park
Rating: Intermediate 3B III
Length: 5-8 hours
Longest Rappel: 120ft (38m)
Start: Weeping Rock
End: Temple of Sinawava
Permits: Required
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: No

** Permits can be obtained from Zion National park through an online lottery system. The lottery is 2 days, 7 days or 3 months in advance. Mystery and Subway are the only canyons with a lottery 3 months in advance. Click here for site lottery.

Overview:  Mystery Canyons one of the more popular canyons in Zions. There are about 12 rappels, a few pools, and some scrambling/down-climbing. The Last Rappel is a fun one as you descend into the Zion Narrows. Finding the right canyon can be an issue. Other adventures have gone down the wrong canyon and needed rescue. Bring a topographical map.

Approach:

From Weeping Rock ascend the Observation point trial. When it splits take the East Rim trial toward Observation Point. The initial ascent is 2100ft (about 2.7 miles). Alternate route can be found be traversing over form Ponderosa Resort along East Mesa trail. A guide book would be handy taking this route – and a shuttle will be needed. From the trail junction (Observation Point) head northeast along the trail. Just after the high point of the trail you will notice several social trails that lead off toward Mystery Canyon. Descend the steep shale covers slope into the woods. Several tails will be seen. That traverse in and out of brush and trees.