Echo Canyon, Zion National Park

Echo Canyon, visible and accessible from the East Rim Trail through Zion, offers visitors a technical and beautiful canyon adventure. Rappels, down climbs and water-filled pot holes, along with the canyon's namesake Echo Chamber, combine to produce a fun, five-hour adventure that should be on every canyoneer's must-do list.

Echo Canyon is one of Zion's classic slot canyons that, although it is easily accessible and can be looked down into from the East Rim Trail, has yet to become overly popular and crowded. Despite this, the exciting down climbing, fun rappels and pools of water that require swimming and wading all make Echo Canyon a great adventure. Be sure to check the weather report before dropping in, as flash floods can occur, and bring a wetsuit and dry bag, as the numerous pools can be rather cold. Be aware – some potholes in this canyon would prove difficult for a single person to escape from, so share this adventure with a friend.

Canyon Specs
Route distance – 5 miles
Average time – 5 hours
Canyon rating – 3B II (Canyon Rating System)
Best time to go – due to the amount of water, mid-June to mid-September offers the best temperatures for exploring Echo Canyon; early spring sometimes presents canyoneers with snow and ice blockages and barriers
Backcountry permit necessary
Route beginning – Weeping Rock parking lot
Route end – Weeping Rock parking lot
Number of rappels – 6