This Place is Real AND It's in Utah!!!

Going Under the Bridge - Just Beginning

Zion National Park never ceases to amaze me. Having lived all but my first 9 years in Utah, it still disheartens me how little of this world-renowned state I had seen before marrying my adventure-seeking partner. That being said, I still never saw Zion National Park until I was 34 years old. I know, sad huh. Well, since that time, I've somewhat made up for lost time having averaged about 2 visits per year and was yet again stunned this past June at what we experienced when a friend of ours took us on a canyoneering trip to

Jasmine - One of the First Rappels

Pine Creek Canyon in Zion National Park. The pictures I plan to add, cannot do it justice. This is a place you literally have to experience. The deep rich colors, textures, temperatures, smells, sounds, etc. will become a part of you. I'm still wondering, 'how had I never heard of this canyon, much less been through it until now?'

This trip begins at the tiny parking lot just east of the famous Mt. Carmel tunnel, with the first few steps taking you right under the bridge (didn't even know it was there) just as a car would enter the tunnel. Important tip:  Permit is required and I've included the information as to how to get one, below.

Within a very short time, we were descending the first of several breathtaking rappels. The entire trip was in the neighborhood of 3-4 hours.

Phil - Final Rappel

The cold water we had to drop into was bone chilling, but the wet-suits were great! The rappels were exhilarating!  I wanted to scream just for the fun of it, it was so awesome (and as much as that word is overused right now; it really really fits in this case)! The final rappel is the most spectacular of all with a 96 foot free hang through a swirled tunnel-like mass of rock.

By the time the hike ended, we were all overheated in the June sun. So we welcomed the little pool with rock overhangs on two sides and took to jumping the 10 or so feet into the water. Jasmine, being true to herself, loved catching frogs there.

No one was more surprised than I was when we climbed up to the road to find that we had ended only about a 5-minute car ride from our where we'd parked.  Truly a hidden treasure.

This is a trip for those fairly unafraid of cold and heights. As much as I enjoy adventure, I like to be assured that the risk is pretty well near zero (given confidence in the person leading us and their knowledge/equipment). So, unless you are a seasoned climber, adventurer- (own your own  equipment

and know how to use it), I would highly recommend you do this with someone who is. We did lots of fun things when all 5 kids were young but now with the "babies" being older, this was a fantastic trip for our family being just down to our last two teenagers.

Just an FYI - The town of Springdale sits right up against the west entrance to the park.  It's where we always stay.  One of our favorite places there is Zion Park Motel.  It's family owned and operated with two family units that include a small living room and kitchen.  We have also come to not only enjoy but truly look forward to eating at Blondies Diner.  Blondie is lots of fun AND an amazing cook.  Her pies are literally world famous.

Here is a link for year-round planning and phone #'s to get more information on permits, maps, etc.

Zion Canyon Trip Planning- Permits -

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center - 435 586-9548
Zion Canyon Visitor Center - 435 772-0170