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After a morning of canyoneering, we were tired, but wanted to see more of the park. We asked our canyoneering guide, Chad, to suggest a good afternoon activity in the park that wasn’t too crowded. He suggested we hike the Hidden Canyon Trail.
This hike starts at the Weeping Rock trail-head, which is also the start of the more ambitious Observation Point hike. The two trails share the same uphill path but then we took the turnoff to the right for Hidden Canyon.
With a 940 ft elevation gain, it is fairly strenuous going up. We took the switchbacks slowly, pausing to take pictures frequently. The view of the main canyon was spectacular as we ascended.
Then the path turned away from the main canyon and into a shaded valley. Here there were chains bolted into the wall for hikers to hold onto.
My daughter and I opted not take this part of the trail, so we sat on a ledge and rested while we waited for my husband to continue.
He said this section is not as daunting as it seems because the walk is banked in towards the cliff wall and the chains.
Other Zion Posts:
- Kolob Canyons Section
- Zion National Park
- Kolob Canyon 5-mile Drive
- Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Emerald Pools
- Canyoneering
- Hidden Canyon
- Scout Lookout (Coming Soon)
- Angel’s Landing (Coming Soon)
- Pa’Rus Trail (Coming Soon)
Designation: National Park
Date designated/established: 11/19/1919
Date of my visit: April 10, 2017
