Overview

Hype:

Mystery Canyon is a technical canyoneering route in Zion National Park. The canyon is very scenic is spots and has some big rappels, including the last rappel into the Narrows.

Canyon Rating: 3B

Time: 5-8 hours

Length: 3.8 mile approach from Weeping Rock Trailhead, 2.1 mile approach from East Mesa Trailhead, 1.7 miles from canyon top to Temple of Sinawava Shuttle Stop

Longest Rappel: 120 ft

Gear: Standard canyoneering gear.

Fees: Entrance Fee, Lottery, Canyoneering Permit

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • Rappels
  • Downclimbs
  • Wading
  • Fixed Anchors
  • Wetsuit Generally Required
  • No Drinking Water
  • Waterfalls
  • Mountains
  • Wayfinding
  • Road Access is Paved
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Wildlife and Birding
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Waterfalls

Permits: Required. Make a reservation online

Links: www.canyoneeringusa.com
www.roadtripryan.com

Getting There

Navigate to 37.297013, -112.900119.

Route

Approach

Weeping Rock Trailhead: 3.8 miles, 1,300 feet elevation gain.

East Mesa Trailhead: 2.1 miles, 275 feet elevation gain, shuttle required.

Canyon

Drop 1: 10 ft off a 2-bolt anchor.

Drop 2: 

Drop 3: 20 ft off a bolted anchor.

Drop 4: 20 ft off a single bolt.

Drop 5: 60 ft off a 2-bolt anchor down a fluted chute.

Drop 6: 50 ft off a 2-bolt anchor.

Drop 7: 

Drop 8: 30 ft down a debris slope off a chockstone

Drop 9: 20 ft off a 2-bolt anchor. Can be downclimbed quite easily.

2-bolt anchor above a chockstone (not used)

Drop #11: 40 ft off a 2-bolt anchor down a sloped wall

10 ft drop off a single bolt anchor. Can be downclimbed quite easily.

Dry Lake

Drop #12: 50 ft off a 2-bolt anchor.

Drop #13: 110 ft off a 2-bolt anchor. There is an exposed traverse to get to the anchor. Clip into the cable. 

Downclimb (or jump) into pool

Drop #14: 120 ft rappel off a 2-bolt anchor into the Narrows.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Zion National Park

Coordinates: 37.290350, -112.929949

Interactive Guide Map

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June 8, 2017 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Anthony Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Landon Burnett,

Logistics

7 hours

Story

On the last day of the Burnett family reunion, several of us went through Mystery Canyon. It was a fun trip, and everyone had a great time.

Video of Trip

Pictures