Rappelling and Canyoneering in Pine Creek Slot Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah

Julie and I got invited to go rappelling and canyoneering in the Pine Creek Slot Canyon in Zion National Park with some good friends. This canyon has 7 rappels and lots of bouldering/canyoneering.

This was our second time exploring a slot canyon in Zion National Park and it was absolutely breathtaking!

We first dropped off one car at the end of the canyon trail so we would have transportation at the end and carpooled over to the beginning of the trail.

We walked from the parking area to the trailhead and went down into the slot canyon. We brought wetsuits as the water in the slot canyon is really cold.

This is the view of where we parked:

From the parking lot we followed the sidewalk down to the crosswalk right before the tunnel, where we crossed the crosswalk:

The trailhead starts right by the bridge. You head down and go under the bridge into the slot canyon.

This is where we put on our wetsuits and got ready for rappel #1.

This is Julie getting over the ledge for the first rappel.

This is the view looking down. You can see water on the right and the drop off on the left.

This is Jeff going down the first rappel.

Then we headed to rappel #2. This one was a little tricky to get out on, but was really fun.

As we walked to the third rappel, the views were amazing!

We made it to rappel #3. This rappel is called the Cathedral and is a 50 foot rappel. You land at the bottom in water.

As we made our way out of the Cathedral, we walked through water that was chest high. We were really glad we had on our wetsuits!

We made it to rappel #4, which also goes into water.

As we were leaving Rappel #4, the views looking up in the slot canyon were breathtaking!

We made it to rappel #5. Julie was so excited the whole time and had no fear!

On our way to rappel #6, we went bouldering to get there. These rocks are awesome!

We made it to rappel #6, which is outside out of the slot canyon. The views kept amazing us.

After finishing our sixth rappel, it was time to go to rappel #7. This is the 100 foot rappel. To get there, you have to climb up a steep rock ledge with a huge drop off right by it. You can see Devin climbing up.

We made it to the top for rappel #7. The 100 foot rappel.

I made my way out to the ledge of rappel #7 and I thought I was going to throw up because I was so nervous and scared. Devin was amazing at helping me get out on this one!

This is the view looking up at me coming down on the 100 foot rappel.

About half way down, the rope started going faster than I wanted and I lost my balance and ended up upside down. Luckily, I was belayed so I was able to right myself and get down safely.

After we all safely completed the last rappel, we started the hike of bouldering to get back to the street. This hike can take between an hour to two hours.

The views hiking out were beautiful!

We found this deep pool of water to jump into. It felt great on a hot day!

As we made it to the end of the trail, there was a bigger pond that we went swimming in to cool off.

Then we headed up the trail to the street and the parking area.

This is the amazing view from the parking area.

Overall, I felt like this was a once in a lifetime opportunity as I don't usually rappel and don't have my own equipment. I'm not sure if I would do it again because of my fear of heights, but it was definitely worth it. If you don't have a fear of heights, you'll absolutely love Pine Creek Canyon in Zion National Park!

Pine Creek Canyon Map, Zion National Park, Utah:

(Click on the map above to go to a Google Maps larger view.)

Pine Creek Canyon is located in Zion National Park. You need to pull a permit to hike the slot canyon. You also have to pay an entrance fee to get into Zion National Park.

Zion National Park Entrance Fee for 1 day: $35 per vehicle of 15 people or less or $20 per person if you are by yourself. 

Permit fee for Pine Creek Canyon: We had 11 people in our group so the cost was $25 for the group

Permit Cost:

• $15.00 - 1 to 2 people
• $20.00 - 3 to 7 people
• $25.00 - 8 to 12 people

Total cost for entrance and permit was $60

These are the checklist items I recommend:

• Bring a small backpack with plenty of water and some food
• Bring a hat to keep the sun off of your face for the hiking portion.
• Bring a wetsuit in case the water levels are high.
• Make sure you get a permit in advance
• Bring money to pay to get into Zion National Park
• Go with someone who is experienced and has the proper rappelling equipment
• Go Pro Hero 9 Black video camera
• Go Pro 3-Way Grip to hold the camera out in front of you.

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