Hiking Hidden Canyon at Zion National Park

October 21, 10:26 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park is literally hidden behind the cliffs that tower over Zion Canyon. The name of the trail may be accurate, but it doesn't convey the other-worldly aspects of the hike that make exploring the canyon such a cool adventure.

The hike to Hidden Canyon begins at the Weeping Rock Trailhead, located halfway up Zion Canyon. The trail starts off with several steep switchbacks as it follows the same route as the hike to Observation Point. Eventually, the paved trail comes to a fork where going right takes hikers to Hidden Canyon.

The canyon itself is a hanging canyon, which means the foot of the canyon ends at a huge cliff that drops nearly a thousand feet to the Weeping Rock trailhead below. In order to get there, one must traverse on exposed slickrock ledges above steep drop-offs to the canyon entrance. The Park Service has installed chains that are bolted into the rock that act as banisters for anyone fearful of heights on the more dangerous sections.

Once past the exposed sections, the landscape changes dramatically. The cool temperatures inside the narrow canyon allow for plant life to grow compared to the rest of the park. Within the canyon walls, a lush forest emerges filled with huge pine trees, ferns and moss that hangs like dwarf beards from sandstone overhangs. In fact, while walking up a worn staircase carved into the rock as beams of sunlight filter through the branches above, you'll feel like you're in a fantasy landscape like Middle Earth.

The Hidden Canyon Trail officially ends at the start of the canyon itself, but you are allowed to continue on inside the canyon. The constructed trail gives way to a sandy streambed that winds up through the narrow walls with the occasional dangerous scramble over boulders and fallen logs. There is a small arch to look out for where most people turn around, but anyone can keep going up as far as they like as the canyon seems to go on forever.

Details: The Hidden Canyon Trail is located at Weeping Rock in Zion National Park. It is 2 miles round-trip although you can make it a much longer hike by continuing on inside the canyon itself. Total elevation gain is 850 feet. The park recommends allowing 2 hours to complete the hike.

Check out more great hikes in Utah.