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Hidden Canyon Trail

Springdale, Utah

4.6/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

3.22 miles

Elevation Gain

2185 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kevin Abernethy

This is a great day hike with exposed sections and several areas for optional rock climbing and scrambling in the canyon.

NOTE: This trail is currently closed due to a large rockfall. Please visit the NPS.Gov website for updates. 

This trail starts at Weeping Rock Trailhead, it's the same trailhead for Observation Point and the East Rim Trail. You will start this hike up a paved section with several switchbacks up the east side of the main canyon. Shortly after the paved trail ends you will reach a sign that directs you towards the Hidden Canyon Trail.

The official Hidden Canyon trail begins with uphill switchbacks that will lead you to top of a minor saddle that gives you an incredible view of Angels Landing, Big Bend, The Organ, and The Virgin River. There is a short trail that will lead you to the tip of the saddle if you want an unobstructed view of the canyon, this cutoff is unmarked and there are several exposed sections. The official trail will then lead you up the canyon wall where you will have several chains bolted to the mountainside to help you traverse up the steep ledge tucked against the mountain wall. Several portions of the trail are very narrow so be cautious of the condition of the trail. You will eventually descend to a shaded valley by using small steps carved out of the mountainside. After moving through the valley you will reach another series of stone steps that will lead you up to a short exposed section on the trail. Be cautious going up and down the stone steps, some of the areas don't have chains to help you and several of the steps are very small. Most of the trail is very narrow, if you are hiking this trail anytime in the winter crampons or ice cleats are a must!

You will now enter the entrance to Hidden Canyon, this is the end of the official trail, but you can hike several miles into the canyon. During your trek you will soon reach a small free standing arch, several obstacles with boulders and rocks to climb over, sandy open sections, and small pools of water to navigate over. My favorite obstacle included a large log to traverse across a small pool of water and two smaller logs to climb up the steep canyon wall. Be cautious on the obstacles you tackle, the hike back is always more difficult than the initial hike into the canyon. You will eventually come to an almost impassible tall overhanging wall, I would recommend turning around at this point. For another unparalleled Zion experience, the hike to Angels Landing is a must-do as well.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Photography
Hiking
Scenic

Hidden Canyon Trail Reviews

Many exposed spots on the mountain, with rail.

I hiked this a few years ago although I believe it is still closed. This trail offers many of the features of classic Zion hikes (chains, narrow canyons, beautiful views, and mild scrambling) while still flying a bit under the radar. If/when it opens back up, early/mid November is a beautiful time to check it out, it'll be decorated in some extra colors.

fun little walk!! gets you out and about and ends with a gorgeous view. fun little board walks and scrambling rocks

I did this as a side hike on my way up to Observation Point. It was a really cool trail with chains, steep cliffs and narrow canyons. There is even a small arch. Highly recommended.

Hike took me out of my comfort zone but was well worth it for the experience. I would hike this trail again and again if I could.Was an amazing hike and nothing beats the views of Zion Canyon.

It can be difficult sometimes to find a hike off the main canyon in Zion that isn't overcrowded, but Hidden Canyon is that hike. There are some really nice views of Angel's Landing & the surrounding features from this trail, & the scrambling you get to do back in the actual canyon of Hidden Canyon is a lot of fun. This trail is also a great warm-up for Angel's Landing.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Canyoneering Echo Canyon, Zion

Hike Observation Point

Weeping Rock

Zion National Park Bus stop 8

Aid Climbing Moonlight Buttress

Angels Landing