Canyoneering Route Description
Kolob Canyon - 3C IV or V
Zion National Park, Utah.
Pictures 09-25-10
Quick Facts
09-25-10, 6 people, 2 Days (Travel time in route 20 hours)
Exiting via MIA Exit (recommended route)
Time Required - 12 to 16 hours
Distance(exiting via MIA Exit) - 8 miles Total, 2.5 miles Technical (recommended route)
Rappels - 14 Rappels, Longest Rappel 200 feet.
12 raps down to the confluence with Oak Creek.
1 rap between Kolob and Boundary.
1 Rap down stream of the confluence with Boundary Canyon.
Elevation Range - 7540 - 5580 Feet
Shuttle Required -No Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required -
Yes
Exiting via Zion Narrows to Temple of Sinawava
Time Required - 16 to 22 hours
Distance - 14.4 miles Total, 2.5 miles Technical
Rappels - 7 Rappels, Longest Rappel 200 feet.
Elevation Range - 7540 - 4450 Feet
Shuttle Required -Yes 37.2 Miles Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required - Yes
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, 50 feet of 1 inch webbing for sling placement, and wet
suits.
Time of year and water flow will affect how much cold water
protection you need. Even in winter months when water flow is down
to almost nothing you still need protection since the water still in
the canyon is very cold. If you are one that gets cold easily a dry
suit is recommended. On our trip on 09-25-10 the day time temps
were in the mid 90’s and water flow was at 3cfs from the Kolob
Reservoir. Under those conditions a 5mm full wetsuit was the bare
minimum amount of protection needed and would keep you comfortable
as long as you stayed active.
General Comments
Kolob Canyon is beautiful but made much more exciting when water is
flowing in the canyon. During winter months water flow can drop to
almost nothing.
Water flow while in the canyon is what makes this place an
incredible experience. Too much flow can make things dangerous as
well. Before descending Kolob Canyon you need to call the
Washington County Water Conservancy District at 435-673-3617 and ask
for the release rate of the Kolob Reservoir. The water released
from the Kolob Reservior flows through Kolob Canyon. Anything over
5cfs is considered dangerous and you need to plan the trip another
time.
If you are not used to Class C canyons I suggest 3cfs as the maximum
release rate for your first experience. At 3cfs the canyon can be
intense and a little intimidating in spots. You should also talk
with canyoneers who have experience in Class C canyons and get tips
on how to do things. To be safe the rules change a little in Class
C.
The route description that follows was written from information
gathered on a trip when the water flow was at 3cfs. Higher or lower
water flows may change the dynamics of this canyon dramatically.
There are two options for an exit of Kolob Canyon, the MIA Exit or
down the remainder of Kolob Creek then down The Virgin River
Narrows. The MIA Exit is recommended since it eliminates the need
for a very long shuttle, is 6.4 miles shorter, can be done in a day
and does not require a long hike out in uneven and annoying terrain.
After descending Kolob Canyon and getting to the confluence with Oak
Creek the route turns right to continue down Kolob Creek 1.5 miles
to the MIA Exit. This is where you will have the choice of which
exit to use.
To exit using the MIA Exit you will leave Kolob Creek and Follow the
MIA Exit up to some dirt roads then hike back to your car at the
West Rim Trailhead. The first portion of the MIA Exit is strenuous
and difficult to follow. This section will also keep you on your
toes as you question your sanity for trying to climb up out of the
canyon. But the difficulties are short lived in comparison to
trudging down the Kolob Creek Exit and you will have the route done
in a day. Even with the MIA Exit difficulties I recommend this
route over the Kolob Exit. The first 0.6 miles of the MIA Exit up
from Kolob Creek is the difficult part of the exit. After that it
is a 2.5 mile walk on a maze of roads back to the West Rim
Trailhead.
To exit down the Virgin River Narrows continue down
Kolob Creek 3.1 miles (which will present you with 1 additional
rappel of about 15 feet) to The Narrows then continue 6 miles down
The Narrows to exit at the Temple of Sinawava. The route down Kolob
Creek and The Narrows is generally done as an overnight. If you are
fast enough to get there on day 1 it is best to camp at one of the
camp sites in The Narrows (which you will need to get a permit for
at the same time you get permits to descend Kolob). Camp site 7 is
right at the confluence of Kolob Creek and The Narrows and makes a
good spot to end day 1. If you are not fast enough to get there
before dark you may need to set up camp in a not so optimal spot in
Kolob Creek and there are very few spots where this will be
comfortable. Day 2 will be a leisurely stroll down The Narrows to
the Temple of Sinawava.
Getting to the Trailhead and Exit Vehicle (Escape Pod) Parking
To get to the Trailhead
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
a 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
If you are using the MIA Exit no exit vehicle will be needed
since the route will be a loop and get you back to your start
point back at the West Rim trailhead.
If you are exiting down Kolob Creek, down The Narrows and out
the Temple of Sinawava you can leave an exit vehicle at the Zion
National Park Visitor Center. After Exiting at the Temple of
Sinawava ride the shuttle back to the Visitor Center to get to
the exit vehicle. Then you will need to make the 37.2 mile
drive up to the West Rim Trailhead to get your entry vehicle.
Just one more reason to use the MIA Exit instead of this one.
Maps
Map showing entire route.
Click for High-Res version.
Right Click then select "Save Target As" to save the Hi-Res version.
Map zoomed to show Kolob Canyon and MIA
Exit.
Click for High-Res version.
Right Click then select "Save Target As" to save the Hi-Res version.
GPS Waypoint Information
A list of GPS waypoints with Coordinates and descriptions are listed at the bottom of this route description.
Details
The Approach:
From the West Rim Trailhead (tWestRimN) walk about 1000 feet north
back the way you came on the road you drove in on. This is where
the road makes a sharp left turn. At the apex of this turn (tKolobCyn)
leave the road and continue walking north across a small meadow.
About 200 feet from the road on the north side of the meadow a trail
starts (wKolobCynRP-01) down through the trees. Follow this trail
down through the trees. The trail starts heading north then quickly
veers left and continues northwest.
About 0.3 miles after leaving the meadow, the trail will come close
to a drainage running east to west. The trail then turns right and
travels east along the side of the drainage. About 50 feet after
the trail turns right (wKolobCynRP-02), look for a convenient place
to leave the trail and continue north over to the drainage.
Cross over the drainage, which is the drainage leading down to
Boundary Canyon. Some maps show a spring here.
On the other side of the Boundary drainage, look for the start
(wKolobCynRP-03) of a route up the hill side and up to the saddle to
the north. The saddle is about 200 feet after crossing the Boundary
Drainage.
Once at the saddle look for the start of a path (wKolobCynRP-04)
continuing north down the other side of the saddle. The path does
not start from the low point of the saddle. Instead it starts from
about 60 feet east of the low point.
After about 200 feet the path down from the saddle crosses a minor
drainage (wKolobCynRP-05). Cross over this drainage and continue
north (you may have to push through a little Manzanita to cross the
drainage). Continue north and slightly down hill (slightly to your
right) to find your way onto an old logging road.
Follow the logging road downhill and north or northwest. A couple
of spots are difficult to follow and you may lose the logging road
for a moment. These are short sections and it is very easy to find
the road again. Most of the road is wide and easy to follow
although it is obvious it has not been used in a very long time.
About 0.2 miles after crossing the drainage, the road will cross
another larger drainage and turn sharply right or east
(wKolobCynRP-06).
Continue east on the logging road. About 300 feet later the logging
road will appear to end at a clearing where you can see the drainage
on the right getting deeper. Look on the left (north) to see the
continuation of the road. Then another 150 feet there will be a
path on the right leaving the road (wKolobCynRP-07). There is a
fallen tree next to the start of the path that leaves the road.
Follow the path to the right down to the drainage below. After
about 200 feet the path drops down to the drainage (which will be on
your right) and becomes a logging road again (wKolobCynRP-08).
Continue northeast along the road (scrambling over a couple of very
large fallen trees) for about 300 feet to an open meadow like area.
This open area will be in the middle of the fork of two drainages
and feels like a natural area to stop and figure out where to go.
The drainage to the south is the one the road had been traveling
down and the drainage to the north is Kolob Creek. Walk over to
Kolob Creek and Cross over it (wKolobCynRP-09).
After crossing over Kolob Creek (wKolobCynRP-09) follow a path along
the LDC side of the creek. The path is relatively easy to follow
but is over grown with vegetation and you will have to push through
sections of trees and bushes.
Continue about 1000 feet along the LDC side of Kolob Creek bush
whacking where needed to an open area with a huge fallen tree (yKolobTp).
From this fallen tree you can see that Kolb Creek has turned from a
shallow meandering creek to a deep rock walled canyon.
The Canyoneering / Technical Section:
Take time at this very large fallen tree (yKolobCanyonTp) to put on
wet suits and harnesses. Some canyoneers rap in from a tree near
here but this is not the preferred spot.
Walk east along the LDC side of Kolob Canyon about 140 feet to find
a tree that has bent over and grown into an arch shape. That tree
is the anchor for rap 1 (dKolobR1).
Rap 1 (dKolobR1) is anchored from the tree that has grown in a bent
over shape like an arch. Rap 1 drops about 85 feet to the canyon
floor below with about half of the drop being free hanging.
Down canyon of rap 1 are a couple down climbs of about 4 or 5 feet
into waist deep pools.
Rap 2 (dKolobR2-3) is about 250 feet down canyon of rap 1. Rap 2 is
anchored from logs that are jammed at the top of the rappel and
drops about 25 feet. Be careful not to get your rope stuck in pinch
points in the logs near the top of the rap. The log at the top of
rap 2 is huge and extends down canyon to the floor. Optionally you
can shimmy along this log but slipping could result in a dangerous
fall so rappelling is recommended.
After rap 2 you will need to climb up and over the root end of the
log you rapped down off of.
Rap 3 is about 80 feet down canyon after climbing over the root end
of the log for rap 2. Rap 3 is anchored RDC from two bolted hangers
just over head high. Rap 3 drops down over 2 stages of about 15
feet each with a water filled pothole between to swim through. At
the bottom of rap 3 is a pool large pool a little over waist deep.
Rap 4 (dKolobR4-5) is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 3 and has a
few logs jammed near the top of the rap. Rap 4 is anchored RDC by 2
bolted hangers just overhead. Rap 4 drops about 30 feet to a pool
that is a swimmer. On the other side of the pool is the top of rap
5.
Rap 5 is on the other end of the pool at the bottom of rap 4. Rap 5
is anchored RDC from two bolted hangers set out around the corner.
There are other anchors in the wall a little back from the drop
where you can clip in on safety. Rap 5 is an intense feeling rap as
it drops over 2 stages. While on rap 5 you are in and out of the
water fall on the way down. The first stage is about 110 feet while
and the second stage is about 35 feet. Between stages is a pool
that is a swimmer. At the bottom of rap 5 is another pool that is
about waist deep.
After the pool at the bottom of rap 5 is a short down climb to
another pool which is a swimmer for about 40 feet. On the other end
of the pool is rap 6.
Rap 6 (dKolobR6) is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 5. Rap 6 is
anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 20 feet to a pool
about chest or neck deep. Rap 6 drops down along a chute where the
water is flowing through it. You can slide down the chute rather
than rap. The chute is sized so you can spread yourself out in it
if desired to slow yourself down. So rap 6 is optional with a slide
or rap option.
Down canyon of rap 6 are a couple down climbs of 6 to 8 feet. Both
down climbs drop down to pools that are deep enough to possibly be
swimmers for some. These pools may be walk able by taller people.
Rap 7 (dKolobR7-8) is about 200 feet down canyon of rap 6. Rap 7 is
anchored from 3 bolted hangers RDC about head high. Rap 7 drops
about 50 feet with a large pool at the bottom that is a swimmer.
Rap 8 is about 50 feet down canyon of rap 7 and is anchored LDC from
2 bolted hangers. Rap 8 drops about 30 feet down to a very large
pool. The pool is a swimmer for about 50 feet before being able to
stand.
Rap 9 (dKolobR9-10) is shortly after the pool at the bottom of rap
8. Rap 9 is anchored from two bolted hangers RDC about head high
and drops about 35 feet down a log jam. Be careful on the rope pull
here since the logs provide a lot of opportunities to stick the
rope. At the bottom of rap 9 is a large pool that is a swimmer for
about 35 feet before being able to stand.
Rap 10 is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 9 on the other side of
the pool. Rap 10 is anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers up the
slopped rock. Rap 10 drops down 2 stages with a total of about 65
feet. At the bottom of rap 10 is a waist deep pool.
Just after the pool below rap 10 is scramble or down climb to the
top of rap 11. The down climb is along logs, rocks and through a
couple of small pools. The first pool is small but deep. At the
other end of the second pool is the top of rap 11. This scramble
down to rap 11 can be hazardous since the section is narrow and all
water is funneled through it. At the other end of the scramble rap
11 drops off. It would be easy to ge washed over rap 11 if
something went wrong.
Rap 11 (dKolobR11) is about 50 feet down canyon of rap 10. Rap 11
is anchored RDC from bolted hangers over head. There are 4 or 5
anchors here. Some good, some not so good. Rap 11 is the most
intense of the rappels in Kolob Canyon. Rap 11 drops about 165 feet
down along and in a water fall. While on rap 11 you will have
moments of being completely in the flow of the water. 3 cfs being
released from the Kolob Reservoir creates a great experience that
will grab your attention. 5 cfs might be a bit much to be
enjoyable.
About 300 feet down canyon of rap 11 Kolob Canyon makes a sharp left
turn. Down canyon after rap 11 the canyon widens out a lot but
still has incredibly high straight walls. There is now vegetation
along the way and travel is wash walking, scrambling and wading
through pools.
About 0.5 miles down canyon of rap 11 keep your eyes on the LDC
wall. There is an incredibly tall waterfall showering down the side
of the canyon (sWatrfalKolob). From the look of the stains and
green growth on the wall this may be a year round water fall. This
is well worth taking a break to eat lunch and watch it flow.
Continuing down canyon is moderately easy travel walking in the wash
mixed with short down climbs and pools knee to waist deep. A few of
the pools are swimmers but for only a few feet before you can stand
up again. Further down canyon the walls start to tighten up again
giving a nice hallway feel.
About 1 mile down canyon of the huge water fall on the left is
another small drainage dropping in from the left (north). Where
this small drainage drops in there is a small water fall cascading
down the drainage as it drops to Kolob Creek. This drainage is
about 450 feet after leaving the Zion National Park boundary.
Rap 12 (dKolobR12) is about 0.2 miles after passing the side
drainage with the small water fall. Rap 12 is anchored from a
single anchor LDC about head high and drops about 12 feet to a
pool. The pool below is a swimmer for about 40 feet and the water
is very cold so pull up that wet suit.
After rap 12 continue down canyon for about 0.2 miles to the
confluence of Kolb Creek with Oak Creek. Along the way are a few
short down climbs and a few pools to wade through. One of the drops
may be a sketchy down climb and is about 8 feet. There is an old
bolted strap anchor where a hand line can be set up to assist.
From the Confluence of Kolob Creek and Oak Creek (yKolobCanyonBt)
turn right (south) and continue down Kolob Creek. Continuing down
canyon in Kolob Creek after meeting with Oak Creek is a combination
of walking on large bowling ball sized rocks and over or around
large boulders. Travel in this area is very slow compared to the
speed of travel before reaching Oak Creek.
Shortly down canyon of the confluence is a drop of about 12 feet.
There is water flowing over logs on the LDC side and a large flat
rock ledge to walk out onto RDC. Walk out onto the flat rock and
look on the left side for a few ledgy foot holds to climb down.
Rap 13 (dKolobR13) is about 500 feet down canyon of the confluence.
Rap 13 is anchored from a single bolted old strap on the LDC wall
and drops about 15 feet to a pool below which is a swimmer for about
30 feet.
Note:
If you are going to exit using the MIA Exit this will
be last you will need your ropes or harnesses. If you will be
exiting all the way down Kolob Creek to The Narrows you will
encounter one more 15 foot rappel about 0.5 miles down canyon of the
MIA Exit junction.
Down canyon about 0.2 miles from rap 13 is the confluence where
Boundary Canyon joins from RDC (yBoundaryBt). Boundary is very easy
to spot as it is the first (ok only) drainage on the RDC side that
would be easy to take a hike up it.
Down canyon of the Boundary
confluence travel is like a walk in the Narrows. The scenery is
great with high narrow walls and you are walking in the water
course. Unlike the Narrows Kolob has no use trails to make travel
easier. Depending on the flow rate of the water travel may be a bit
difficult as you try to walk on the rock under flowing water you
can’t see through.
As you travel downstream in Kolob Creek keep an
eye on the right (west) wall. The right (west) wall from Boundary
to the MIA Exit is high and sheer. About 1.2 miles downstream from
the confluence of Boundary and Kolob Creek is the next major
drainage that looks like it might allow travel up it. This drainage
is the access to the MIA Exit (jMIA-Exit). 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.
The Exit:
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.
NOTE:
This route
description will cover the overnight exit down Kolob Creek. After
doing both I recommend using the MIA Exit instead. The MIA Exit is
strenuous and just plain un-nerving in some sections. However it is
short lived and better than the 4 miles of trail-less walking over
rock covered wash in flowing water 4 miles down Kolob Creek to the
Narrows then traveling another 6 miles down the Narrows. Using the
MIA Exit will also allow the canyon to be done in a day and
eliminate the need for overnight gear.
To follow the preferred route and use the MIA Exit, refer to the
Exit for Boundary Canyon.
To exit down Kolob Creek (and not use the preferred MIA Exit),
continue south east down Kolob Creek from the MIA Exit junction (jMIA-Exit).
Note:
Continuing down Kolob Creek has you walking in the water
course over rocks ranging in size from softballs all the way up to
boulders. There are no easy to walk bypass trails etc. I
personally do not enjoy this style of travel since you need to think
about where and how to place your feet on every single step. This
constant thought of where and how to step continues for about 3
miles. As you get closer to the Zion Narrows travel does become a
little easier. This is the reason I prefer to use the MIA Exit. To
offset this nuisance is the beauty. Kolob Canyon looks and feels
like some of the good parts of the Zion Narrows without all the
people.
About 0.25 miles down canyon of the MIA Exit are a couple
of down climbs of about 6 feet each. Both of these down climbs drop
into pools that are swimmers for about 20 or 30 feet.
Note:
If you are losing day light and decide to camp in Kolob Creek now is
a good time to look for a spot to set up camp. About 80 feet down
canyon after the second down climb to a pool is a spot that can work
if you need it. Further down canyon the options are slim until
reaching the Zion Narrows which is the preferred place to camp.
Another 0.25 miles down canyon after the down climbs will be a drop
of about 15 feet. The drop has a pool below and is not down
climbable since there is significant overhang. This is rap 14 for Kolob Canyon.
Rap 14 (dKolobR14) is about 0.5 miles down canyon
after the MIA Exit junction. Rap 14 is anchored from a single
anchor bolted to the rock at your feet near the center of the water
course. The anchor looks like a hand cut thick piece of aluminum.
Rap 14 drops about 15 feet to a large pool below which is a swimmer
for about 40 feet before you can stand up. This is the last you
will need your ropes so feel free to put everything away.
After
rap 14 it is about 2.6 miles of wash walking and a few small down
climbs to the end of Kolob Creek at confluence with the Virgin River
Zion Narrows.
Note:
At the confluence of Kolob Creek and The
Narrows (yKolobCreekBt) is Narrows Camp 7. The camp is up out of
the water course RDC as you exit Kolob Creek and is signed. This is
a great place to camp when doing this route if you are fast enough
to get here before dark on your first day. Camp sites 7 through 12
are spread out along the 1.7 miles down canyon of the confluence of
Kolob Creek.
From the confluence of Kolob Creek and The Narrows (yKolobCreekBt),
turn right (south) and hike 6.4 miles down The Narrows to the Temple
of Sinawava Trailhead.
1.2 miles from the Kolob Creek is Goose
Creek joining in from RDC (west).
0.6 miles from Goose Creek is
Corral Hallow joining in from RDC (west).
Big Spring is just down
canyon from Corral Hallow on the RDC side (west).
1.9 miles from
Corral Hallow is Imlay joining in from RDC (west).
Imlay Canyon is
not visible from The Narrows since it joins via a 170 foot rappel.
0.2 miles down canyon of Imlay is Orderville Canyon joining in from
LDC (east).
1.3 miles down canyon of Orderville is Mystery Canyon
joining in from LDC (east).
Mystery Canyon is noted as a smooth wall
with a trickling water fall flowing down it.
0.2 miles down canyon
of Mystery is where the paved sidewalk part of the trail begins.
1.0
miles of paved trail gets you to The Temple of Sinawava trailhead
and shuttle stop.
From here get on the shuttle and ride it back to
the Zion Visitor Center.
GPS Waypoint Information
In the future I may start to have GPX
files for down load but not quite yet.
Most
GPS units and mapping software use the common gpx file format
including Google Earth.
National Geographic TOPO! hides the feature
to import GPX files. To find the feature........
1. Click on "Handhelds" in the menu at the top.
2. Select the option for "Import (from GPS or .txt)
Wizard..
3. Select "In a .gpx file....... and click
on Next
4. Use the window that opens to navigate to the GPX file
you wish to open.
Garmin MapSource will open a GPX file in
the same way it opens other formats by simply using the File
then Open.
If you wish to convert between formats to
get your data from one software title to another you can use the
free GPSBabel software.
Elevations are approximate. Waypoints with no elevation
data will display NaN in place of the elevation.
Elevations are in meters so multiplying by 3.28083 is necessary
to get elevations in feet.
The first letter of a waypoint denotes the type of point.
Rappels start with d. Technical top and bottom of canyons
start with y. the letter w denotes a generic point.
Scenic spots start with s. Trailheads start with t.
Junctions of trails or canyons start with j.
Notes for GPS information:
Waypoint coordinates are listed with
WGS84 datum and in Lat/Lon hddd.ddddd° format.
Waypoints are listed alphabetically by waypoint name
(not in order on the route).
BEFORE entering coordinates from this website, please ensure
your system (GPS or mapping software) is set to the same datum
used here (WGS84). Entering coordinate information with
inconsistent datum's can result in the waypoints being off by
hundreds of feet. It is important to keep this in mind
when entering waypoints from any source.
dKolobR1 |
- Rap 1 - Kolob Canyon. Anchored from a tree that has bent over into an arch shape and drops about 85 feet with about half it free hanging.
- N37.394802030175924 W-113.02219700999558
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR11 |
- Rap 11 - Kolob Canyon. Achored RDC from 3 or 4 bolted anchors and drops about 165 feet down and in a water fall. This is the most intense rap in the canyon.
- N37.394773364067078 W-113.01912420429289
Elevation 2,001.01
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR12 |
- Rap 12 - Kolob Canyon. Anchored LDC from a single old strap anchor bolted to teh wall about head high and drops about 12 feet to a deep pool below.
- N37.396829780191183 W-112.99625133164227
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR13 |
- Rap 13 - Kolob Canyon. Drops about 15 feet to a pool with a swim of about 30 feet and is anchored from a single bolted old strap bolted in the wal or optionaly a piton on the RDC wall.
- N37.396876802667975 W-112.99150742590427
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR14 |
- Rap 14 - Kolob Creek. Anchored at your feet near the center of the water course from a single bolted aluminum piece. Drops about 15 feet to a pool below which is a swimmer for about 40 feet.
- N37.374457810074091 W-112.97632561996579
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR2-3 |
- Raps 2 and 3 - Kolob Canyon.
Rap 2 about 250 feet down canyon of rap 1, anchored from logs jammed at the top of the drop with a total drop of about 25 feet.
Rap 3 about 90 feet down canyon of rap 2, anchored RDC by 2 bolted hangers and drops down 2 stages of about 15 feet each with a swimming pothole between stages.
- N37.395066479220986 W-113.02112077362835
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR4-5 |
- Raps 4 and 5 - Kolob Canyon.
Rap 4 about 60 feet down canyon of rap 3, anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 30 feet to a pool.
Rap 5 is at the other end of the pool after rap 4, is anchored RDC by 2 bolted hangers and drops down 2 stages of about 110 feet and 35 feet with a swimmer hole between stages.
- N37.395110232755542 W-113.02082539536059
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR6 |
- Rap 6 - Kolob Canyon. Ancored from 2 bolted hangers RDC and drops about 20 feet to a chest deep pool. Optionally you can slide down the chute where the water is flowing.
- N37.395143508911133 W-113.02056329324841
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR7-8 |
- Raps 7 and 8 - Kolob Canyon.
Rap 7 about 200 feet down canyon of rap 6, anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers and drops about 50 feet to a pool.
Rap 8 about 50 feet down canyon of rap 7, is anchored LDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 30 feet to a large pool.
- N37.394987605512142 W-113.01983063109219
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
dKolobR9-10 |
- Raps 9 and 10 - Kolob Canyon.
Rap 9 shortly after the pool at the bottom of rap 8, anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 35 feet down a log jam.
Rap 10 about 60 feet down canyon of rap 9, anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers and drops about 145 feet down 2 stages to a waist deep pool.
- N37.394893392920494 W-113.01944288425148
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
FloatngRck |
- Rock in middle of River. Walking up stream it looks like a big chunk of Ham. Coordinates obtained by counting paces for more details see Trek0045
- N37.310649985447526 W-112.94938333332539
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
jMIA-climb/rd |
- Junction where the climb up the MIA Exit intersects with a road. Turn left (south) to start the hike out along the roads.
- N37.380306031554937 W-112.99060402438045
Elevation 1,993.39
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
jMIA-Exit |
- This is where the MIA Exit leaves Kolob Creek. The route up out of the creek starts about 70 feet upstream of the drainage and goes up very steep dirt and rock on the left (north) side of the drainage looking up.
- N37.379827927798033 W-112.98218540847301
Elevation 1,703.83
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
jRiverWalkEnd |
- This is where the river walk side walk meets the river in The Narrows.
- N37.296716663986444 W-112.94818069785833
Elevation 1,389.89
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp07 |
- Narrows Camp site 7. This is RDC on the down canyon side of the Kolob Canyon confluence.
- N37.349380329251289 W-112.95079769566655
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp08 |
- Narrows Camp site 8. This is RDC.
- N37.347206231206656 W-112.95224633999169
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp09 |
- Narrows Camp site 9. This is LDC.
- N37.342567937448621 W-112.95246292836964
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp10 |
- Narrows Camp site 10. This is RDC in an Alcove. Referred to as the Alcove Camp.
- N37.336243037134409 W-112.95566037297249
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp11 |
- Narrows Camp site 11. This is referred to as Spotted Owl Camp.
- N37.334900004789233 W-112.95563329942524
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
lNarrowCmp12 |
- Narrows Camp site 12. This is LDC and large enough for a large group. Referred to as High Camp.
- N37.332625994458795 W-112.95704129152
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
Mile12Nrws |
- 12 Miles from NrwsTHtop2 And 12.5 Miles from NrwsTHtop1
- N37.3255230858922 W-112.95682998374104
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
Mile13Nrws |
- 13 Miles from NrwsTHtop2 And 13.5 Miles from NrwsTHtop1
- N37.313278131186962 W-112.95100590214133
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
Mile14Nrws |
- 14 Miles from NrwsTHtop2 And 14.5 Miles from NrwsTHtop1
- N37.303802724927664 W-112.9484417103231
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
Mile15Nrws |
- 15 Miles from NrwsTHtop2 And 15.5 Miles from NrwsTHtop1
- N37.297661304473877 W-112.94715642929077
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
Rest7-1-03 |
- Place we rested on 7-3-03 No GPS reception. Coordinates obtained by counting paces from Floating Rock.
- N37.317387862131 W-112.95217735692859
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
sBigSpring |
- Big Spring
- N37.331113815307617 W-112.95687675476074
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
sWatrfalKolob |
- Very tall water fall flowing down the RDC (north) side of Kolob Canyon.
- N37.39838051609695 W-113.01452220417559
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
tKolobCyn |
- This is where you leave the road to start the route down to Kolob Canyon. This is at the apex of a sharp turn on the road. Walk north accross a meadow to start toward Kolob Canyon.
- N37.384171010926366 W-113.02400498650968
Elevation 2,298.19
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
tNarrowsBot |
- Bottom trailhead for the Virgin River Narrows at the Temple of Sinawava.
- N37.28534996509552 W-112.94785003177822
Elevation 1,353.31
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
tWestRimN |
- Northern trailhead for the West Rim Trail (by Lava Point).
- N37.381549989804626 W-113.0229833163321
Elevation 2,276.86
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wBoundaryRP-01 |
- This is where an old logging road leaves the MIA road and goes north toward Boundary Canyon. The road is not easily seen so look close.
- N37.385595012456179 W-113.01066200248897
Elevation 2,208.28
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-01 |
- A trail starts here on the north side of a meadow.
- N37.384650958701968 W-113.0238189920783
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-02 |
- Leave the trail here and cross over the drainage to the north. The drainage is the one that leads down to Boundary Canyon.
- N37.387907914817333 W-113.02525539882481
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-03 |
- Start of a route up the hill side to the saddle to the north.
- N37.388201029971242 W-113.02528901025653
Elevation 2,221.99
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-04 |
- Start of a path leading north down the other side of the saddle. The path starts about 60 feet east of the low point of the saddle.
- N37.388623980805278 W-113.02530401386321
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-05 |
- Path crosses a minor drainage. Continue north across the drainage and route find your way down to a logging road.
- N37.389113986864686 W-113.02552001550794
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-06 |
- Logging road turns sharply right (east) as it crosses over a larger drainage.
- N37.391726039350033 W-113.02736696787179
Elevation 2,154.94
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-07 |
- A path to the right leaves the road and drops down to the drainage below. There is a fallen tree blocking travel along the road where the path starts.
- N37.392488960176706 W-113.02622803486884
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-08 |
- Logging road resumes after dropping down the path to the drainage below.
- N37.392948037013412 W-113.0259240232408
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wKolobCynRP-09 |
- This is where the approach route crosses Kolob Creek then starts down the LDC side of it.
- N37.39389200694859 W-113.02535698749125
Elevation 2,097.02
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-01 |
- Rock ledge or pour over about 100 feet up out of Kolob Creek.
- N37.37928687594831 W-112.98252521082759
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-02 |
- Dry fall of about 50 feet. Climb up the dry chute RUC (north) that starts about 40 feet before reaching the fall.
- N37.37900105305016 W-112.98381711356342
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-03 |
- Just after the top of the gully is a path or route up a steep sandy slope.
- N37.379254018887877 W-112.98428012989461
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-04 |
- First climb on the MIA Exit tops out here on a saddle with rocky out croppings on each side.
- N37.379615446552634 W-112.9853927437216
Elevation 1,819.66
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-05 |
- Route in a small drainage meets a larger drainage here.
- N37.378777591511607 W-112.9857865255326
Elevation 1,789.18
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-06 |
- Steep drainage joining in from the left (west) as the main drainage is turning from west to north.
- N37.379346052184701 W-112.98746391199529
Elevation 1,802.89
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-07 |
- Approximate spot to cross over to the right (north) side of the ravine.
- N37.379634724929929 W-112.98901213333011
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-08 |
- Fork in the road. Stay right to exit out to the West Rim Trailhead. There is also a pipe flowing with water routed from a spring here. Good place to get some water and clean up a little.
- N37.379122003912926 W-112.99171102233231
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-09 |
- Fork in the road. Turn right on the fork that looks less well traveled.
- N37.37947597168386 W-112.99658602103591
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-10 |
- Road pops up onto another road where there are 3 choices of roads to follow. Turn onto the well traveled road farthest to the right.
- N37.381232986226678 W-112.99854596145451
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-11 |
- Water tank as the road dead ends. From the water tank walk up a path on the west side and walk up to another road.
- N37.38160396926105 W-112.99909799359739
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-12 |
- Intersection of roads. Turn left (west) and follow a well traveled road. It is the only road going up hill.
- N37.382063968107104 W-112.9968819860369
Elevation 2,121.41
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-13 |
- Gate nailed to a tree and has Top King welded onto it. This is right at the park boundary. Continuing west will travel into the park.
- N37.383062001317739 W-113.00041596405208
Elevation 2,161.03
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-14 |
- Road comes to a T. Turn left and head west down hill.
- N37.384705021977425 W-113.0035839881748
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIA-RP-15 |
- On the exit from Boundary using the MIA Exit you will continue straight at this fork passing a road that joins in from the left (south east).
On the approach into Boundary Canyon you will see this fork in the road ONLY IF you have walked 1600 feet too far past the logging road you were supposed to turn off onto.
- N37.384350970387459 W-113.00538400188088
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
wMIAgate |
- MIA Gate. Do not drive past here. You may find the gate locked on your return.
- N37.381895994767547 W-113.02255801856518
Elevation NaN
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yBoundaryBt |
- Bottom exit of Boundary Canyon where it meets Kolob Creek.
- N37.394485613331199 W-112.98952233977616
Elevation 1,752.60
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yBoundaryTp |
- Top Entry for Boundary Canyon. This is where the route down the ravine empties out onto a trail that parallels along the boundary Canyon Creek. Follow the trail east toward rap 1 for Boundary.
- N37.390222996473312 W-113.00669400952756
Elevation 2,057.40
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yCorralHlwBt |
- Bottom exit of Corral hollow where it meets the Narrows just above Big Springs.
- N37.33138027600944 W-112.95711471699178
Elevation 1,444.75
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yGooseCreekBt |
- North Fork Virgin River
- N37.338450914248824 W-112.95708755962551
Elevation 1,459.99
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yImlayBt |
- Bottom of Imlay Canyoneering route where it dumps into The Zion Narrows.
- N37.309858482331038 W-112.94922525063157
Elevation 1,423.42
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yKolobCanyonBt |
- Bottom exit of Kolob Canyon at the confluence of Kolob Creek and Oak Creek.
- N37.398126125335693 W-112.99251794815063
Elevation 1,770.89
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yKolobCanyonTp |
- Top entry for Kolob Canyon. Very large fallen tree makes a great place to get the wet suits and harnesses on. Some people rap in here but this is not the preferred spot to do so.
- N37.394454013556242 W-113.02236003801227
Elevation 2,069.59
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yKolobCreekBt |
- Bottom of Kolob Creek where it meets the Zion Narrows. Labeled as technical since there is one 15 foot rappel between here and the MIA Exit.
- N37.349407821893692 W-112.95052662491798
Elevation 1,505.71
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yMIA-Slot-Bt |
- Bottom of the MIA Slot.
- N37.379139019176364 W-112.98695630393922
Elevation 1,795.27
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yMysteryBt |
- Bottom exit of Mystery Canyon where it meets the Virgin River Narrows after the 120 foot Rap 11.
- N37.299283286556602 W-112.94447111897171
Elevation 1,389.89
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
|
yOrdervilleBt |
- Bottom exit of Orderville Canyon.
Junction where Orderville Canyon meets the narrows in the North Fork of the Virgin River. Zion Ntl. Park
- N37.308029970154166 W-112.94661227613688
Elevation 1,423.42
Meters - (for feet multiply by 3.28083)
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