A classic Zion canyon. Big raps and walking in the sun. Rarely wet, though in winter and spring it CAN be quite wet with freezing water on the third rappel. For those with good rappelling skills, a fun, low-stress day out. Can be hot in summer as it faces south.
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The Hype
Getting There
From the Grotto shuttle stop, climb the West Rim trail for about 2 hours to Behunin Pass - a pass over into Behunin Canyon before the final climb to the West Rim. Follow small trails down then right across the top of a big slab, then down into the canyon. Follow the bottom of the canyon, sometimes on a bench to the left, to where the canyon turns and starts to drop. Gear up for the first rappel.
The Canyon - Rating: 3A III Longest Rap: 165' # of Raps: 9
First rap has several choices, probably the best is to traverse on a narrow ledge to the left and rap from a 2-bolt anchor 100 feet. Second rap is off a big Ponderosa - stay on rope all the way to the anchor, as crossing the wet watercourse can be very slippery. Continue downcanyon with many rappels, generally staying in the watercourse as much as possible. Second-to-last rappel is often used to get the rope stuck - set yours up carefully. Last rap is 165 feet free rappel.
The Exit
Boulder-hop down the streambed to the Emerald Pools Trail. Head left and down under the waterfall to get to Zion Lodge, or Head left and left to return to the Grottom Trailhead.
Red Tape
Zion National Park: permit required - group limit of 6, daily quota of 12.
From the Grotto shuttle stop, climb the West Rim trail for about 2 hours to Behunin Pass - a pass over into Behunin Canyon before the final climb to the West Rim. Follow small trails down then right across the top of a big slab, then down into the canyon. Follow the bottom of the canyon, sometimes on a bench to the left, to where the canyon turns and starts to drop. Gear up for the first rappel.
First rap has several choices, probably the best is to traverse on a narrow ledge to the left and rap from a 2-bolt anchor 100 feet. Second rap is off a big Ponderosa - stay on rope all the way to the anchor, as crossing the wet watercourse can be very slippery. Continue downcanyon with many rappels, generally staying in the watercourse as much as possible. Second-to-last rappel is often used to get the rope stuck - set yours up carefully. Last rap is 165 feet free rappel.
Boulder-hop down the streambed to the Emerald Pools Trail. Head left and down under the waterfall to get to Zion Lodge, or Head left and left to return to the Grottom Trailhead.
Zion National Park: permit required - group limit of 6, daily quota of 12.
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Condition Reports for Behunin Canyon
The information provided here is intended for entertainment purposes only. The creator of this information and/or Canyon Collective are not liable for any harm or damage caused by this information. Conditions in the backcountry are constantly changing, only you are responsible for your safety and well being.
