Spry Canyon

Location: Zions National Park
Rating: Intermediate 3B III
Length: 4-7 hours
Longest Rappel: 165ft (50m)
Start: East entrance of Mount Carmel Tunnel
End: Hwy 9 west of Mount Carmel Tunnel second pull-out
Permits: Required
Wet Suit: Not needed | Recommended in cold weather.
Shuttle: Yes

** 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:  This is a great Canyon! Another smaller canyon, Spry contains a few pools, high canyon walls, dark corridors and rappels. This canyon lets intermediate adventures get a great taste of what canyoneering is about. A wetsuit is not needed, however in late September it was really chilly.  We were able to avoid any and all swimming with some difficulty. The first and last rappels are the longest.

Approach:

Head east on Hwy 9 toward tunnel form Zion Visitor Center. Once past Canyon Junction you will park a second car at the second pull-out. Drive the first car through the tunnel. Parking is just after tunnel on the right. There is also parking on the left 500m ahead and on the left (much closer). Form the second park spot you’ll follow the road east a few yards and drop into Pine Creek water course. Social trails lead north. Follow the wide watercourse about .5 to where the canyon starts to narrow. Climb to the left of the canyon and ascend the steep slick rock following the best course you can find. Once above the pass you’ll drop into Spry heading west.