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Canyoneering Route Description

Boundary Canyon - 3AorC IV
Zion National Park, Utah.

Pictures 07-18-10

Quick Facts

07-18-10, 4 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 11.5 hours) - Using the MIA Exit

Distance - Using the MIA Exit....6.8 miles Total, 1.1 miles Technical
The MIA Exit is not counted in the technical miles but will present its own challenges.
Distance - Using the Kolob Creek thru Zion Narrows exit....12.9 miles Total, 1.1 miles Technical
Rappels - 7 Rappels, Longest Rappel 165 feet.
Elevation Range - using the MIA Exit 7482 - 5580 Feet
Elevation Range - using the Kolob Creek thru Zion Narrows exit 7482 - 4500 Feet
Shuttle Required - No For MIA Exit.  Yes for Kolob Creek to Zion Narrows exit 36.5 Miles
Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required - No since Boundary Canyon lies just outside the park boundary.

See the Canyoneer Trip Report Explanation Notes page for an explanation of how the technical mileage or the gear used list is determined.

Gear Used for Canyon

Rappelling and anchor gear, Ropes and or pull cords for rappels up to 165 feet, 40 feet of 1” webbing for sling placement, and wet suits.  Wet suits will be needed if the canyon is flowing.  There are no swims in Boundary since the pools are no more than waist deep.  But with the canyon flowing, you will be wet while rappelling down waterfalls and it does get chilly even in hot months.  A 3mm full seems to be about right.

General Comments

Boundary Canyon is an incredible treat.  From the first rappel all the way through the technical section that canyon just puts a smile on your face, especially if water is running in it.  Unfortunately the technical section is very short.  

Water is available year round in Kolob Creek.  There is also a spring that has been routed to a pipe on the roads along the MIA Exit.  I am not sure if this runs year round but I suspect it does.  

The approach to Boundary uses one of MANY old overgrown logging roads that create a maze in the wooded areas leading down to Boundary.  The route described here is one of the few possible routes into Boundary.  Keep this in mind when comparing notes from multiple sources of beta for this canyon.  This route describes an approach, not necessarily the best approach.  

Boundary can be rated an A or a C canyon depending on what time of year you go.  Spring runoff can create significant flow or the canyon may be bone dry later in the year.  

Before going down Boundary it is a good idea to check water flow from the Kolob Reservoir.  Flows up around 10 to 15 CFS will make the trek from Boundary to the MIA Exit a little slower as you navigate the swift water.  Lower CFS levels will make that section a casual walk down some of the narrows of Kolob Creek.  You can check flow rates by calling the Washington County Water Conservancy District at 435-673-3617 and ask for the release rate of the Kolob Reservoir.  

Boundary can hold a fair amount of snow so it may be a good idea to check with the Zion Back Country Desk to see if there had been any recent descents and ask about snow conditions.  

After the technical section is a walk down the last part of Boundary which is quite beautiful as well.  When Boundary joins Kolob Creek the routes continues down Kolob Creek 1.2 miles to the MIA Exit.  There are two options for exiting, MIA Exit or continue down Kolob Creek to the Narrows then down the narrows to the Temple of Sinawava for an exit on the Zion Shuttles.  Using the MIA Exit the route is done in a day.  Exiting Via the Narrows the route is an overnight trip.  

The MIA Exit has a reputation of being difficult to locate and a pain in the butt to climb out of.  If you pay attention on the way down Kolob Creek, the MIA Exit is not too difficult to locate since it is the next major drainage on the right (west) downstream of Boundary Canyon.  Locating this exit at night could prove very difficult though.   

The MIA Exit definitely lives up to its name for being difficult.  The MIA Exit starts out steep and eventually gets up to a saddle where you can view your route down then up another steep climb.  The first steep climb is only a warm up for the second climb!  The second climb up has about 600 feet of elevation gain over about 850 feet of horizontal distance.  This does not sound too bad until you see what you will be climbing up!  The route up is loose, sandy, steep and a lot of what you touch moves!  You may find yourself questioning your sanity for depending on the root of a bush while you claw your way up.  Allow about 2 or 2.5 hours to climb up the MIA Exit from Kolob Creek up to a dirt road.  Once on the dirt road it will be an easy walk back to the car but you will need to pay attention to the maze of roads so you do not get lost.  

When doing the MIA Exit, be sure to bring your moma!  That way she will be close enough to hear you crying for her.

Getting to the Trailhead and Exit Vehicle (Escape Pod) Parking

To get to the Trailhead

The route for Boundary starts at the West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point.

From the South Gate of Zion National Park, drive about 14 miles west on highway 9 to the turn off for the Kolob Reservoir Road.  Follow the Kolob Reservoir Road 20.1 miles to the turn off for Lava Point (extLavaPoint).  Turn right and follow Lava Point Road 2.2 miles to the West Rim Trailhead (tWestRimN).  There are few roads around Lava Point which may mislead but there are signs  that will point you toward the West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point.

To leave the Exit Vehicle / Escape Pod

No exit vehicle is needed if you use the MIA Exit.  That route is done as a loop.   

If you decide to exit down Kolob Creek to the Narrows then out to the Temple of Sinawava, you will need to leave a car at the Zion Visitor Center where the shuttle will drop you after exiting the Narrows.  This will give a shuttle distance of about 36.5 miles (one way) to go get your entry vehicle.

Maps

Map showing entire route.

Click for High-Res version.
Right Click then select "Save Target As" to save the Hi-Res version.

GPS Waypoint Information

Details

The Approach:
From the West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point (tWestRimN), do not follow the West Rim Trail.  Instead walk north east along a dirt road.  About 180 feet down the road will be a gate (wMIAgate).  Even if the gate is open do not drive down the road or you may find it locked upon your return.  Continue walking east along the MIA Road (dirt).  

An old logging road (wBoundaryRP-01) is about 0.8 miles from the gate.  This old logging road is where you will leave the MIA Road and start the descent down toward Boundary Canyon.   

The logging is no longer in use, has had stuff put in front of the turn off to block travel and is over grown with vegetation.  With all this it is VERY easy to pass on by.  You will need to keep a watchful eye out for the road which may not really look like a road until you start to walk on it.  

A few things to keep in mind while looking for the old logging road:

• Just prior to the logging road the road dips down then climbs back up a bit of a hill.  At the top of the hill is approximately where the logging road starts.
• Just prior to the logging road will be a clearing on the left (north) side of the road with mostly white gravel looking rock.
• About 75 beyond the logging road will be a large tree on the left (north) side of the road with a large section of bark missing from it.
• The logging road is not readily seen from the MIA Road since the vegetation has grown in a lot.
• There is a large tree / Log that has been placed across what used to be access to the road to prevent vehicular travel.  This log is not right at the road but is about 50 from the MIA Road.
• The logging road does not leave the MIARoad at a right angle.  Instead it heads away from the road to the northwest.  Since you had been traveling north east on the MIA Road it will feel like making a U-turn when switching roads.
• About 1600 feet down the MIA Road past the logging road will be a fork in the road with both sides being very well used (wBoundaryRP-15).  At this fork a sign may be posted stating the MIA Camp to the right (south east).  If you get to this fork on the MIA Road during your approach, you have walked past the logging road you were looking for.  If that happens just turn around and look for the old logging road about 1600 feet back the way you came.

At the junction of the logging road (wBoundaryRP-01), turn left (north west) and follow the logging road about 250 feet where it then turns left (north east) to follow the ravine.  You can follow the road down the ravine or pop up on a use trail on the left that follows a ridge that parallels the logging road.  

About 300 feet later, the two possible routes (one on the road or one on the ridge) meet (wBoundaryRP-02).  Where they meet is on the logging road which is much better defined than it was where you left the MIA Road.  Continue north east down the logging road.  

After another 450 feet the logging road appears to end in a clearing that feels like a dead end (wBoundaryRP-03).  In this clearing turn sharp right (south) and follow a path through the bushes about 80 feet to where the road is defined and easy to follow again as it continues south.   

Follow the road about 500 feet as it goes south then gradually turns left (east) to where the road exits the vegetation to a clearing (wBoundaryRP-04).  To the right will be a short uphill walk to a small meadow like area.  Turn left (north) and follow a path downhill.  A short distance later the path becomes well worn and easy to follow.  

A little over 300 feet down the trail will be a junction in the trail (wBoundaryRP-05).  Turn right (east) at this junction and follow the trail down toward a ravine that drops roughly north east.  

Follow north east down the ravine about 1000 feet to where it drops out onto a trail that runs parallel right next to the Boundary Canyon Creek (yBoundaryTp).

The Canyon / Technical Section:
Once you are on the trail that runs along the Boundary Canyon Creek (yBoundaryTp) turn east and follow the trail down canyon.  The trail is another logging road that has long been abandoned.  Along this road / trail are a few sections of logs that look as though they were intentionally placed long ago to close off this road.  The logs become more frequent as you get closer to the park boundary.  

Follow the trail about 0.4 miles to the head of the technical section where you will find rap 1 (dBoundaryR1).  About 50 feet before reaching rap 1 is a tree with a sign posted on it saying Boundary.  This sign marks the boundary of Zion National Park.  Boundary Canyon is named so since the technical section of Boundary Canyon begins right at the border and continues east into Zion.   

Also of note is a very well traveled road (guessing mostly used by ATVs) running east along the rim of Boundary Canyon.  The road looks so well traveled you wonder why you did not just drive in.  The road travels east high up along the rim of Boundary Canyon then turns south shortly before reaching the rim of Kolob Creek.  It is possible to get to rap 1 using a web of roads in the area of the MIA Exit.  These roads however are private property so driving them is not recommended.  Walking the road into Boundary Canyon would result in a much longer approach since the road route would take a very roundabout way.  

Rap 1 (dBoundaryR1-2) is anchored from a pine tree about 8 inches in diameter right at the head of the deep technical section.  Rap 1 drops about 165 feet down 4 stages.  Rap 1 is very fun when the canyon is flowing!  The stages drop directly down the water course so you get to play in the water and the way down each stage.

While on rap 1 take a stop on one of the lower stages and look down canyon.  The walls are twisted and sculpted looking with numerous holes.  This look continues to be impressive through most of the canyon.  While having fun, take time to look up occasionally.  You will like what you see.

Rap 2 starts from and is anchored from a log near the bottom of rap 1.  After rigging the rappel at the log you will need to down climb about 8 feet to get to a ledge under the log to start the rappel.  Rap 2 drops down a series of 3 drops.  There are anchor options at various points but rope pull from the bottom is moderately easy, so these short drops may be more of a nuisance.

The first stage of Rap 2 is about 30 feet as it winds left around a corner to the second stage of about 12 feet.  Then around the corner to the left again to the third stage, which is about 20 feet down a slightly fluted wall and is beautiful with flowing water in the canyon.  Just to be safe, one person should remain at the top of the last stage of rap 2 and observe the ropes while those below do a test pull.  If there are issues the rope would much easier to pull or manipulate from the top of the last stage.  The total rope length for Rap 2 is about 65 feet.  

Rap 3 (dBoundaryR3) is about 50 feet down canyon of rap 2.  Drop down a down climb of about 8 feet to find 2 bolted hangers LDC for the anchor.  The hangers look like they have been there a while and seen better days and one looks a bit bent.  There are also a few old bolts that have been cut or broken off by nature.  Rap 3 drops about 90 feet down the fluted water fall and under a log then under a natural arch.  

When throwing the ropes for rap 3, try not to throw them out too far.  Near the bottom of the rappel is a log to pass under and a natural arch to pass under.  If you toss the ropes out too far they will go out over these and create a hassle.  

This is a view down while on rap 3. Luke's POV. Note the log and natural arch near the bottom of the rappel.

Rap 3 is sure to make it into my list of favorite rappels.  From the top of the rap is an incredible view down canyon, take time to enjoy this one.  Looking down from the top of Rap 3 also captures your attention.  The view is straight down a fluted wall with water flowing down it.  Near the bottom of the rappel you can see a log and a natural arch you will be rappelling under.  On rappel, rap 3 is fun in the water and again delivers with eye candy.  Seeing the log then the natural anchor and rapping under them just makes you smile.  Looking up from the bottom is also a good view.  

Rap 4 (dBoundaryR4-5) is about 40 feet down canyon of rap 3 and is anchored from 3 bolted hangers LDC.  These anchors also look like they are in bad shape.  Rap 4 drops about 65 feet down 2 stages and will have you in the water fall if there is any flow.  

Rap 5 is on the other side of a shallow pool below rap 4 and is anchored from a log in the middle of the water course.  There are also large rocks around which could be used as well.  Rap 5 drops about 50 feet with a short stage of about 12 feet at the top.  

Rap 6 (dBoundaryR6) is about 70 feet down canyon of rap 5.  Rap 6 anchored from log debris about 15 feet back from the top of the rappel and drops about 15 feet to a shallow pool below.  

Down canyon of rap 6 is a mix of easy walking with some rock and log debris and about 3 down climbs along the way.  The first drop is about 20 feet and is bypassed via a series of ledges RDC.  The second drop is about 10 feet and uses a fallen log as a bridge.  The third drop is about 8 feet with a red rock right at the top of the down climb.  

Rap 7 (dBoundaryR7) is a little over 400 feet down canyon of rap 6.  Rap 7 is anchored from 2 bolted hangers LDC.  Rap 7 drops about 65 feet to a shallow pool at the bottom.  This is the last rappel and makes a good spot to take off the harnesses.  

Down canyon of rap 7 the canyon opens up a little but still has the high walls.  There is also a lot of vegetation and trees giving an almost forest like feel.  Looking through the trees at the walls you see the walls are a mix of red and white and still twisted and sculpted looking.  

From rap 7 it is about 0.5 miles down canyon to the lower end of Boundary Canyon where it meets Kolob Creek (yBoundaryBt).  This section is easy travel with a few easy down climbs along to navigate.  Shortly before reaching the confluence of Boundary and Kolob is a drop of about 25 feet that is bypassed RDC along a steep soft dirt slope.

The Exit:
After reaching the confluence where Boundary Canyon meets Kolob Creek (yBoundaryBt), turn right (south) and begin travel downstream in Kolob Creek.  

Travel down Kolob Creek from Boundary Canyon is much like hiking the narrows but without the people.  The walls are high and narrow and water is flowing so travel is mostly “in” the water.  There are a few side trails to get out along the edge of the water but each lasts only a short distance.  The tighter narrows sections along Kolob Creek are worth the time to take a few pics along the way.  

As you travel downstream in Kolob Creek keep an eye on the right (west) wall.  About 1.2 miles downstream from the confluence of Boundary and Kolob Creek is the next major drainage the looks like it might allow travel up it.  This drainage is the access to the MIA Exit (jMIA-Exit).  The right (west) wall from Boundary to the MIA Exit are high and sheer.  The drainage up the MIA Exit does not look like it is easy travel but does stand out in contrast to the sheer walls along the canyon up until that point.  Another feature that makes the MIA Exit stand out is the dense vegetation covering the area where this drainage drops to Kolob Creek.  There may be cairns left on large boulders here to help mark the MIA Exit.  But do not count on them being there.  Keep an eye on the right (west) wall on the way down Kolob Creek and you should easily be able to spot it.  Finding this in the dark would be next to impossible unless you had been there before.  

When you reach the MIA Exit you have a choice to make as to how to exit. 
If you plan this as an overnight trip, you can exit down Kolob Creek to the Zion Narrows then out to the Temple of Sinawava which will require a shuttle trip to retrieve your entry vehicle.  If you plan to do the route as a day trip, you can use the MIA Exit to get back up to the West Rim Trailhead.  

Exiting down Kolob Creek then down the Narrows:
No details for this route yet. The route will be about 3.2 miles from the MIA Exit down Kolob Creek to the Zion Narrows (junction is between camp sites 5 and 6 in the narrows).  Then another 6 miles down the Zion Narrows to the Temple of Sinawava where you can catch a shuttle back to the visitor center.  After reaching the visitor center you will then have to go retrieve your entry vehicle.  The drive to the entry vehicle will be about 36.5 miles one way.  

Exiting up the MIA Exit:
The MIA drainage joins Kolob Creek from RDC (west) (jMIA-Exit ).  The climb up out of Kolob Creek up the MIA Exit starts along the RUC (north) side of the MIA drainage.

To start up, look for a steep dirt and rock slope about 150 feet up steam (in Kolob Creek) of the MIA drainage.  Climb up the steep slope to the vertical rock wall.  Continue climbing up the steep slope and traverse left following the bottom edge of the wall.  

About 100 feet up the slope and along the wall the path will lead to a down climb of about 15 feet.  Climbing down the down climb will put you on a rock ledge or pour over directly in the middle of the drainage about 100 feet above Kolob Creek (wMIA-RP-01).  

A short distance up the MIA drainage from the rock pour over will be an up climb of about 8 feet which is bypassed by going up a steep sandy slope RUC.   

A short distance later will be an impassable climb of about 30 feet.   This climb can be bypassed either LUC or RUC.  To the left will involve an exposed traverse with a tree placed right in the middle of the narrowest part.  To the right involves less exposure but has a steep sandy slope with a couple of difficult high steps.  

After bypassing the 30 foot climb, the canyon narrows a little and has a few scrambling up climbs along boulders.  None of these are very difficult.  

About 400 feet up the drainage after the rock ledge or pour off will be a dry fall of about 50 feet (wMIA-RP-02).  About 40 feet before this dry fall is a gully RUC (north side) of the drainage.  Climb up the steep sandy gully to bypass the dry fall.  Near the top of the gully is a very large log that has fallen and you will need to climb under it to continue up.  

After reaching the top of the gully just above the large fallen log continue up the drainage about 100 feet and look for path that travels up the LUC side of the drainage (wMIA-RP-03).  This section is very steep, loose and sandy.  I use the term path very loosely here.  A path sounds like something that might be easy to follow and walk on.  This is easy to follow in that it is clear where people have been but is not easy to walk along.  It is more like clawing your way up a sand dune with a few tree roots and rocks along the way.  

Follow the steep path for about another 400 feet (horizontal feet) to the top out where you will find yourself on a saddle with rocky out croppings on both sides (wMIA-RP-04).  This saddle is about 1200 feet from where you left Kolob Creek and is about little over 400 feet higher in elevation.  

From the saddle (wMIA-RP-04) you can see the wide open spaces of the MIA drainage ahead of you.  While on the saddle, move left (south) to get a good view of the big climb ahead of you to the west.  If you look closely at the rim you should be able to make out 3 dead trees on the rim at just north of due west at a bearing of 270° and 0.3 miles away.  The route you follow up will take you directly to these trees.  If you did not like the MIA Exit to this point you are definitely not going to like the climb up to those trees.  

Also from the saddle, look along the left (south) wall of the canyon ahead of you and look for a slot canyon dropping down through the cliff walls.  This is referred to as the MIA Slot.

This is a view from the saddle and some labels for what you will be looking for.

From the saddle (wMIA-RP-04) follow a west down a path steeply down into the canyon ahead.  A well worn path LUC is easily followed.  After about 300 feet the path turns left (south) as it drops into a small drainage.  When the path hits this small drainage it loses the well traveled feel.  Continue south down this small drainage about 300 more feet to where it joins a larger drainage (wMIA-RP-05).  This larger drainage is the main water course shown on maps.  

Turn right (west) and start traveling up stream in this larger drainage with the tall vertical canyon wall on your left.  Following along the wall about 300 feet up the main drainage will be another small drainage joining in from the right (north).  Stay in the main drainage and follow along the wall.  Shortly after is the bottom of the MIA Slot on the left (south), which does look inviting to go peek in (IA-Slot-Bt). From the bottom of the MIA Slot, continue west up the main drainage with the wall still on your left.  There will be a couple easy up climbs as you travel up canyon.  

About 200 feet up canyon from the MIA Slot, the drainage you are in will begin to turn right (toward the north).  While making this gradual turn, there will be another drainage joining in from the left (westish), which is very steep (wMIA-RP-06).  This is the first drainage on the left after passing the MIA Slot.  The left (south) side of this drainage is where you begin the final climb up the MIA Exit.  

Look for a path starting up the left (south) side of this drainage and start up it (wMIA-RP-06).  This is the last climb up the MIA Exit that will get you up to a web of roads to walk back on.  This last climb has about 650 feet of elevation gain over about 1000 feet of horizontal travel.  This last part is where you might want your mama close by to comfort you.  This section is very steep, sandy and most of the rocks you find will move if weighted too much.  You may even find a tree root or small bush that will become your best friend in a moment of need.  

Follow the path up the left side of the ravine / drainage.  For the most part it is traveled enough to be easy to follow.  There are a few spots along the way where you will have to look around for the route.  

About half way up the climb you will be able to see a sheer rock wall on the left (south) then a rock out cropping near the rim just to the right of the wall.  The view will likely be obscured from tree so keep your eyes open.  To the right of the outcropping you can see the 3 dead trees you looked for from the saddle.  When you start to see this, start looking for a way to cross over to the right (north) side of the ravine you have been roughly following.  The point to start looking for a cross over point is approximately 450 feet up the climb (wMIA-RP-07).  I stress approximately since there is more than one place to do this.

This is a view of the out cropping and the approximate route up the last part of the climb.

After crossing over to the right (north) side of the ravine, climb up the steep slope into a wooded area then about another 100 feet up onto a road (jMIA-climb/rd).  Be careful on this last section since it is very steep and everything is loose.   

From where the climb up intersects with the road (jMIA-climb/rd), turn left (south) and follow the road.  From here the route back to the West Rim Trailhead is via a web of roads in and around the MIA Camp.  

A little over 500 feet along the road will be a fork in the road (wMIA-RP-08).  At this fork is a pipe flowing with water routed from a spring.  I am not sure if this is a year round spring but I suspect it is.  This makes a great spot to clean up a little and get some nice cold water.  At this fork stay right (west) to continue out to the West Rim Trailhead.  A short distance up the road you will see a faint road coming in from the right, continue past this and stay on the main road.  

About 0.3 miles from the water pipe will be another fork in the road (wMIA-RP-09).  To the left the main road continues and is well traveled.  Here you will want to turn right and follow the road that does not look very well traveled.  As you travel up the road it becomes very obvious this road is not used much.  

0.2 miles up, the road will pop up onto another road that looks well traveled (wMIA-RP-10).  There are 3 options of roads to turn onto here.  Turn onto the right most road which is also the most well traveled road.  

About 200 feet later the road will dead end at a water tank (wMIA-RP-11).  From the water tank follow a short path on the west side up to another road.  This next road will be heading north then slowly curve right as it climbs up a hill heading east.  

After about 0.2 miles the road will top out where it intersects with another road (wMIA-RP-12).  Turn left (west) to follow the well traveled road.  This is the only road going uphill.  

About 0.2 miles up the road will be a gate that has been screwed and bolted to a tree (wMIA-RP-13).  The words Top King have been welded into the gate.  This gate is at the border for Zion National Park.  Travel west into Zion National park to continue to the West Rim Trailhead.  Shortly after the gate the road tops out.  

Another 0.2 miles will be T in the road (wMIA-RP-14).  Turn left and head west downhill.  

About 500 feet later the road comes to a fork (wMIA-RP-15). 

Continue straight (west) passing the road that joins in from the south east.   Continue on the road a little over 1 mile back to the West Rim Trailhead to complete the route.

GPS Waypoint Information

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