Plan Ahead and PrepareTraveling into the wilderness, even on short trips, can be challenging and risky. Careful planning is required before you begin. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant observation.
What To Bring Wilderness routes are not maintained trails. The correct path is not always apparent. Be sure to have a map, a route description, and the ability to use both.
Carefully assess your location before beginning your first rappel. When you enter a canyon and pull your rope down after your first rappel, you are committed to that canyon. You must complete the route whether or not it is the one you intended to enter. Every week, canyoneers spend unintended nights camped in the wilderness of the park. A headlamp can make the difference between finding yourself trapped and finding your way home.
Even a minor injury can cause major problems in the wilderness. Help is often hours away, and rescue may be delayed by weather or other hazards.
The desert is an extreme environment. Carry enough water, one gallon per person per day, and drink it. Water is available at visitor centers, campgrounds, and the Zion Lodge. Water flow at natural springs can vary; check for information at visitor centers.
Food keeps your energy up and helps you stay warm if you remain out overnight. Always bring more food than you plan to eat. Consider bringing lightweight, calorie-dense foods like energy bars.
Could you spend an unexpected night in the canyon? Bring extra layers in case of unexpected rain or cold.
WeatherZion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with elevation and time of day. Between day and night, temperatures may change by over 30°F. Speak with a park ranger at a visitor center or check online for current conditions, weather forecasts, and flash flood potential ratings. Flash FloodsAll narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, pose real danger and can be life threatening. By entering a narrow canyon, you are taking a risk. Learn how to identify the warning signs of flash floods, and have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. Water Sources and CyanobacteriaThe desert is an extreme environment. Each person should carry enough water, at least one gallon per day, and drink it consistently. Visit our water sources page to learn about safe sources of drinking water. 
NPS Photo Your Safety Is Your ResponsibilityKnow How To Self-RescueCan you assist another group member? Are you capable of correcting problems mid-rappel or mid-climb? If not, consider taking a training course before heading out on your own. Do Not JumpLower leg fractures are the most common injuries suffered in the wilderness. The most common cause of lower leg injuries is jumping. Do not jump; bring a rope and use it to descend. Watch for Steep Drop-OffsFalls from cliffs on trails have resulted in deaths. Loose sand, pebbles, snow, ice, or wet stone are very slippery. Be careful of edges when using cameras or binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks, as there may be hikers below you.
HypothermiaHypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. It is the number one killer of outdoor recreationists, even in summer, and it usually happens without the victim's awareness. Immersion in water is the quickest cause of body heat loss. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet) and eat high-energy food before you are chilled. Wetsuits (or even drysuits) are necessary in many Zion canyons even in the hottest temperatures. Heat ExhaustionHeat exhaustion occurs when the body loses more fluid than is taken in. Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, pale appearance, stomach cramps, and cool clammy skin. Heat stroke is an advanced stage of heat exhaustion. It is caused when the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, behavior changes, and seizures. If you believe that a member of your party is suffering from heat stroke, it is imperative to cool them using any available means and obtain immediate medical assistance. Canyoneering SafetyTranscriptCanyoneering is an adventure sport combining route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking. Zion National Park has become one of the premier places in the country to participate in this exciting activity. With dozens of different canyons to choose from, some barely wide enough for a human to squeeze through, Zion offers a range of canyoneering experiences, from beginner to highly technical. Welcome. My name is Craig Thexton, and I'm going to introduce you to some of the common dangers associated with Canyoneering in Zion. Ultimately, your safety is your responsibility, and there is no substitute for planning ahead, bringing the right equipment, having the right skills, and using good judgment. Being smart will make the difference between having a wonderful trip, ending up in the hospital, or worse. Every week, canyoneering groups spend unintentional nights camped in the backcountry of Zion. There are many reasons for this, including difficulty finding roots, injuries, and flash floods. If you think these things can't happen to you, you're wrong. So as you pack for your trip, make sure you're prepared to spend the night. And if you intended on spending the night, make sure you're prepared to spend another. Every person in your group should bring extra food, clothing, water, and a headlamp. Flash floods are a constant danger in the narrow canyons of Zion, and they can occur at any hour of the day, on any day of the month, and in any month of the year. Check the weather forecast and flash flood potential before beginning your trip. When the National Weather Service says that there is a 20% chance of rain, it actually means that 20% of the forecast area will receive measurable precipitation. This fact is often misunderstood, so let me repeat it. A 20% chance of rain is that 20% of the forecast area will receive measurable precipitation. When considering whether you need to ask yourself two questions, what is the likelihood of rain and how large is the drainage area of the canyon that I intend to hike? Even a short period of heavy rain will cause flooding in Zion’s slot canyons. Floods have occurred on days when the potential for flash flooding was low. A rating of moderate, high or very high should be a serious cause for concern. If you have any doubt, stay out. Once you have made the decision to enter a canyon, assessing flash flood danger becomes much more difficult. Things to watch out for include cloud buildup, thunder, a sudden drop in water clarity, floating debris, stronger currents and rising water levels. If you have the misfortune of observing any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately and stay there until conditions improve. Never try to beat a flash flood out of a canyon. Believe it or not, jumping is the leading cause of preventable injuries in Zion's backcountry. A jump of only a few feet can cause serious lower leg injuries, requiring a costly rescue and a lengthy recovery. Don't jump. Bring a rope and use it. Route finding is a critical canyoneering skill. The park’s canyons lack signs or maintained trails, so following maps and route descriptions is essential. GPS units are useful tool, but they are no substitute for common sense and map reading skills. If you are traveling through a popular canyon, make sure the social trails and other signs of use match what you would expect to see. Recognize that your first rappel is a critical decision point. Once you rappel and pull your rope, you must complete the canyon that you are in whether or not it is the canyon you intended to travel through. Many accidents occur while rappelling. Before you begin your trip. Evaluate your group's rappelling skills with a few simple questions. Are you able to evaluate the condition of anchors and replace them if necessary? Do you know how to create extra friction on longer rappels or free rappels? Do you know how to ascend a rope? If you answered no to any of these questions, consider taking a class before striking out on your own. A number of organizations and outfitters in Springdale and the local area offer instruction on canyoneering techniques, in addition to protecting yourself and your group during your visit to Zion, it is also your responsibility to help us protect the park. So while you're here, show your respect for the park and your fellow visitors by observing the following guidelines. Access trails often suffer the worst impacts along a route. If there are several different trails leading into or out of a canyon, use the one that crosses durable surfaces like rock or sandy washes. Avoid walking on steep slopes and other areas that are susceptible to erosion. Large groups cause unacceptable impacts to the wilderness experience of others. Big groups are not permitted to split into smaller groups and visit the same canyon on the same day. Please keep your group size small and think about how your actions and behavior affects others. Prevent bottlenecks. If another group catches up to your party, find a convenient place to allow that faster party to pass. Avoid bolting. Use natural anchors whenever possible, and if you must place a bolt, do so so that it will last for many years and will cause minimal damage to the rock during rope pulls. And carry out your toilet paper. Don't bury it, don't burn it, and don't leave it for someone else. With your help, we can ensure that Zion's backcountry remains wild and beautiful for generations to come. I'm Craig Thexton. On behalf of everyone here at Zion National Park, I wish you a safe and enjoyable visit.
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Canyoneering is an adventure sport combining route finding, rappelling, problem-solving, swimming and hiking. Please watch this video for an introduction to some of the common dangers you are likely to face. Canyoneering Gear Canyoneering requires specialized equipment and the ability to use it properly. Be sure to bring all necessary gear, with extra supplies in case of equipment breakage or unexpected challenges.
Know how much rope you will need to complete the canyon safely, and consider bringing extra. Ropes frequently get stuck when being pulled after rappels.
Every group member should have their own harness and rappel device. Sharing this equipment slows down your group, as well as the groups behind you. A minimum group size of 2 people is recommended for all technical canyons involving the use of rope, webbing, or other device for descent or ascent. Can you replace webbing if it is worn? Can you create a new anchor if needed? Bring any anchor equipment that may be necessary for your route.
Can you create extra friction? Do you have ascenders? Can you belay the less experienced members of your group? The ability to stop, move up, or down while hanging mid-rope is a lifesaving skill that must be learned before you need it.
Rock falls can cause severe injuries. Helmets reduce the risk of life-threatening injuries.
Wilderness Information
Planning and permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other Wilderness trips. 
Your Safety
Your safety is your responsibility. |
Last updated: January 14, 2026