maupuquaemeliseg.netlify.com

• Pine Creek Slot Canyon
• Pine Creek Slot Canyon

Local guide Jerel (Supe) Lillywhite gives his advice on the best slot canyon to descend in the southwest Utah area: Pine Creek Canyon in Zion National Park. For the effort you put into it, it is the most fun and prettiest you can find. Pine Creek Canyon is a technical but ever-popular descent through a steep slot dotted with frigid pools. The Escalante region of Utah also contains many slot canyons, including the incredibly photogenic Zebra Canyon with its undulating walls of pink sandstone.

If you find yourself at the Overlook Hike, then you are right where you need to be to find the Pine Creek trail. This trail is NOT clearly marked in any way. The trail head is located in the parking lot right as you exit the tunnel.

There is a sign to follow the path under the road/bridge. You will be able to see somewhat of a trail. Follow that down into the slot canyon. Small children will need help down but I think they would have fun exploring the canyon.

Once you are down, head to the right. The trail is passible for about 15 minutes, after that you really need some equipment and ropes to go any further, but if you have a short amount of time and want to see some pretty slot canyons, this is a great little hike.

Add new comment

Trail Duration

• 1.0 Miles
• 1.6 Kilometers
• 1 Hours Roundtrip

Directions To Trailhead

By Car:

From the Springdale & Zion Canyon Visitor Center, continue 1.4 miles on SR-9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Once inside the park, continue on SR-9 for another 5.9 miles. You will drive up a group of switchbacks on the mountain and eventually go through a tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel there is a small parking lot on your right-hand side. The trail starts right across the street.

By Shuttle:

No shuttle available for this trail.

Highlights

Steps leading up to a maintained, rocky and uneven dirt trail
Shortest hike in the park to get you to a viewpoint above the canyon
Offers amazing views down into the Pine Creek slot canyon below
There is a cool shaded alcove with lush ferns growing out of the walls.
Other things to check out once you are at the viewpoint:
Route 9 switchbacks below, Bridge Mountain (the highest peak on the left side of the canyon), the East Temple (the impressive rock formation above the viewpoint to the right), the canyon wall to the left to spot “windows” of the tunnel, and the Pine Creek stream below

Best Time to Hike

Year round

Secrets/Tips

Pine Creek Slot Canyon

If parking is full, continue down the road and there are several other overflow parking lots or shoulders to park in.
Stop at the last bend of the switchbacks (3rd bend) while driving up the mountain to spot the Great Arch of Zion. Great place for a picture and if you look closely you can see people on top of it. That is where the Canyon Overlook Trail viewpoint is.
Go early as the small parking lot right outside the tunnel fills up quickly.
A great night hike to see a wonderful display of stars or sunset (make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp).

Special or Recommended Gear

Good walking/hiking shoes
Hiking sticks as this trail is more steep
Hat and sunblock
Flashlight or headlamp if you decide to go at night
Hydration pack

Other

Pine Creek Slot Canyon

Family friendly but keep a close eye on children as there is some steep cliffs on your way up.
Can be muddy after a rainstorm and icy in the winter
No dogs allowed
Restrooms located at the small parking lot