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Echo Canyon Hike

Hikers on the East Rim Trail get the Echo Canyon section of the hike and peer over the rock's edge wondering what is down in that dark, skinny slot.  This slot canyon exploration will answer that question.  This hike is only done in the summer season and often only in dry years when the water that runs through Echo Canyon dries up so parts of the canyon can be explored by hikers.  Be aware there are pockets of water that may stagnate. The more water that is present the harder exploration will be.  Do not go into any section of this canyon that must be swam or climbed. (Remember you would have to climb up what you climb down to get out!) Going past any section that requires simple hiking skills is not allowed without a permit. The water deep in this canyon is ice cold and wetsuits, ropes and other equipment are required.

Echo Canyon technical information

At a Glance
Photo Album: Echo Canyon Pictures (non technical)
Trail Map: Echo Canyon Map
Day Hike: Yes
Distance: To explore Echo Canyon when dry: 2 miles one way to the slot, then about 2 miles through the slot and back out to the Observation Point Trail. 8 miles round trip.
Average Hiking Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Hikers should only explore the canyon as far as is comfortable. The conditions in Echo Canyon change rapidly and constantly. Often there is standing water the entire summer, limiting exploration by hikers. Do not enter the technical sections without a ZNP permit or the proper gear and knowledge. Echo Canyon is a technical slot canyon that often has cold water sections that must be swam. The water is cold enough that canyoneers shiver in a 3mm suit in the summer. There are difficult down climbs and a keeper pot hole might be present depending on the current conditions of the canyon. The trail up to Echo Canyon is an uphill strenuous hike on a paved and populated trail. Obtain current canyon conditions at the Zion backcountry desk before attempting any slot canyon hike.
Permits: Required if doing Echo Canyon as a technical canyon.
Trailhead: Weeping Rock parking lot
Trailend: Same as trailhead.

Directions to Zion National Park From the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to Zion's east entrance. From Arizona: Travel US-89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance. From the South: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and travel through Hurricane to LaVerkin. Continue on SR-9 to the south entrance of the park. SR-9 through Zion National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. See restrictions for RV's.			During long periods of drought a short section of Echo Canyon can be dry enough it can be explored without technical canyoneering gear.
	Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.

The Trail to Echo Canyon - Begin at the Weeping Rock parking lot about midway in Zion Canyon. Hike 2 miles up the Observation Point Trail to where the trail crosses a wash. There is often water present especially in the winter and spring. This is where the slot canyon is entered. Bypass this area for a moment and continue up the Observation Point Trail so that you can look down into the slot canyon. Backtrack to the wash and make your way into the slot canyon entrance. In the winter and spring the water in the slot canyon is ice cold. Bring a rope for emergencies. As with all slot canyons there is a danger of flash flooding. Check the Zion Visitors Center for the weather report.

Echo Canyon - The slot canyon is impressive with many high wall sections and erie lighting. Do not enter any pools water or do any climbing in the slot without a permit. The conditions in this slot canyon change. After the initial section the path leads to an opening and a choice of direction. Take the slot to the left.

Trail Options - This section of Echo Canyon can be accessed as part of an East Rim Trail hike or Observation Point hike.

Best Trail Features - This is a magnificent slot canyon right in the heart of Zion Canyon that most hikers can explore when the canyon is dry.

Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo Beck and zionnational-park.com author Mary Cisneros.

To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more information please visit the Zion National Park Forum

Suggested Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury.

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Emerald Pools

Kayenta Trail

Grotto Trail

Pa'rus Trail

Watchman

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Hidden Canyon

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Angels Landing

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Zion Narrows

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Hiking to Water

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Hiking along SR-9