Zion National Park - Hidden Arch

Hidden Arch is a short little hike to a jug handle arch located on the east side of Zion National Park. Park your car at the Checkerboard Mesa parking lot. Look over the end of the wall for the beaten path. Its not a marked trail. Remember to stay on the path so the park does not close trails like this.

After you are in the creekbed, turn left. The water course will split. Take the fork on the right and hike up that for about 3/4 mile. Stay close to the mountainside. You can see the arch after you actually hike a bit past it.

Trail Information
Hidden Arch

Zion National Park - Two Pines Arch

Two Pines Arch

Bo and I headed out to find one of the elusive natural arches in Zion National Park. We had heard about this arch and that it could actually be seen from the road. This is true, but it helps to hike there so you know were you a the road. Look for the slot or wash by the yellow road sign. Once down in the wash hike for about 150 yards. Hike in the wash to the arch.

Detailed directions and photos
Two Pine Arch

Zion National Park - Red Cave

Red Cave Slot Canyon


Red Cave is a magnificent,impossibly narrow slot canyon canyon with curved, twisted tunnels. Canyoneers are tempted to venture into the slots, but Red Cave is a place that most can go. There is no need for ropes, but at least one in the group must be a good climber. A 4WD makes the trip much nicer, but it can be done as a long day hike if you don't have one. Upper Red Canyon is a canyoneers dream and Lower Red Canyon can usually be done by most hikers. Be careful however, the sand fills and empties making Red Cave either easy or very difficult to navigate. Never enter Red Cave without having a good climber with you.

Red Cave

Zion National Park - The Subway

The Subway



The Subway is a well known spot for photographer and beginning canyoneers. Its a pretty slot canyon that is easy to navigate, but it does require swimming through some cold pools. The pools in the summer are done without a wetsuit and that makes the hike all that more popular. The potholes and the lighting are what make The Subway something special. Water runs through The Subway splashing through the pot holes, algae grows giving a green hue to the water polished rocks below.

There is one drawback to The Subway and that's the steep, uphill hike to get out!

The Subway

Zion National Park - Keyhole Canyon

Keyhole Canyon


Keyhole Canyon is a tight slot canyon that is found in the heart of Zion National Park just off the Zion Mt. Carmel (highway9) Highway. Unlike many of the slot canyons in Zion this one has a quick hike leading to the entrance. Due to this and the easier rappels, Keyhole Canyon is usually considered the beginners slot canyon in Zion. The whole adventure is only a half mile and it takes about 2 hours to complete. Keyhole is cold and there are cold water swims. Although some people do brave keyhole without a wetsuit, its an uncomfortable and rushed trip

Trail Description - photos - map

Keyhole Canyon

Zion National Park - Orderville Canyon

Orderville Canyon


Orderville Canyon is a tributary of the Zion Narrows and the canyon that most opt for after they graduate from the Zion Narrows. Many actually get a taste of the Orderville Narrows when they are hiking the Zion Narrows and notice the off shoot. However the park only allows hikers to go to the first waterfall. Going past this without the proper gear and knowledge can be hazardous to your health. Often people end up jumping and this results in injuries.

Orderville Canyon Trail
Its nice to have a four wheel drive to get to the trailhead for Orderville Canyon, but if the weather is nice a 2WD can make it. Follow the trail description from the link below and enjoy. Orderville Canyon is one of the most dramatic slot canyon adventures in Zion National Park and the best part is that almost anyone in good condition can enjoy this hike without having to have technical canyoneering skills and rope management skills.

Orderville Canyon