Orderville Canyon, Zion National Park

An exciting way to access the Narrows, Orderville Canyon is a true slot canyon, with spots where the walls are no more than 10 feet apart and soar 1,000 feet overhead, making it tighter than the better-known Zion Narrows. Numerous rock formations, water features and a lack of difficult technical obstacles make this a spectacular canyon to explore before dinner.

Orderville Canyon is a great adventure for those looking for a less-technical route that still offers some down climbing and scrambling and waterways to spice up your day, not to mention smooth rock walls and interesting rock features along the way. Orderville is also explorable from both ends of the canyon. Although there are no required rappels, a hand rope is nice for some of the down climbing sections. Having a shuttle car waiting at the Temple of Sinawava is a convenient way to end this trip.

Be warned, because of the narrow nature of this canyon, Orderville is not recommended as route on days that have potential thunderstorm or flash flood warnings

Canyon Specs
Route distance – 11 miles
Average time – 8 hours
Canyon rating – 3B III (Canyon Rating System)
Best time to go – Because of all the water in this canyon, summer and fall months, when the weather is warmer, are ideal for visiting Orderville Canyon
Backcountry permit necessary
Route beginning – East Zion/North Fork Road
Route end – Temple of Sinawava
Number of rappels – zero