Canyoneering Route Description

Kolob Canyon - 3C IV or V
Zion National Park, Utah.

Quick Facts

09-25-10, 6 people, 2 Days (Travel time in route 20 hours) Exiting all the way down Kolob Creek and the Narrows as an overnight.
09-29-12, 4 people, 1 Day (Travel time in route 12.4 hours) Using the MIA Exit.  A very low (almost no) flow water day.

Exiting via MIA Exit (recommended route)
Time Required - 12 to 16 hours
Distance - 7.8 miles Total, 2.5 miles Technical
Rappels - 13 Rappels, Longest Rappel 165 feet.
12 raps in Kolob Canyon and 1 Rap in Oak creek between Kolob and Boundary Canyons.
Elevation Range - 7540 - 5580 Feet
Shuttle Required -No Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required - Yes A permit from Zion National Park.  If using the MIA Exit a permit to cross that land is required.

Exiting via Zion Narrows to Temple of Sinawava
Time Required - 16 to 22 hours
Distance - 14.4 miles Total, 2.5 miles Technical
Rappels - 14 Rappels, Longest Rappel 165 feet.
12 raps in Kolob Canyon, 1 Rap in Oak creek between Kolob and Boundary Canyons and 1 rap after passing the MIA Exit.
Elevation Range - 7540 - 4450 Feet
Shuttle Required -Yes 37.2 Miles Vehicle - Passenger Permit Required - Yes

Gear Used for Canyon

Rappelling and anchor gear, ropes and or pull cords for rappels up to 165 feet, 50 feet of 1 inch webbing for sling placement, and wet suits.

Time of year and water flow will affect how much cold water protection you need.  Even in winter months when water flow is down to almost nothing you still need protection since the water still in the canyon is very cold.  If you get cold easily a dry suit is recommended.  On our trip on 09-25-10 the day time temps were in the mid 90’s and water flow was at 3cfs from the Kolob Reservoir.  Under those conditions a 5mm full wetsuit was the bare minimum amount of protection needed and would keep you comfortable, as long as you stayed active.

General Comments

Kolob Canyon is beautiful but made much more exciting when water is flowing in the canyon.  During winter months water flow can drop to almost nothing.

Water flow while in the canyon is what makes this place an incredible experience.  Too much flow can make things dangerous as well.  Before descending Kolob Canyon you need to call the Washington County Water Conservancy District at 435-673-3617 and ask for the release rate of the Kolob Reservoir.  The water released from the Kolob Reservior flows through Kolob Canyon.  Anything over 5cfs is considered dangerous and you need to plan the trip another time.  

If you are not used to Class C canyons I suggest 3cfs as the maximum release rate for your first experience.  At 3cfs the canyon can be intense and a little intimidating in spots.  Talking with Class C experienced canyoneers is a good idea to learn the rules of thumb for Class C Canyoneering.

Personally I enjoy Kolob a little more when there is little to no flow.  With the reduced flow I was able to focus more on the beauty around me (and above me) and not as focus as much on combating the water flow.

The route description that follows was written from information gathered on a trip when the water flow was at 3cfs.  Higher or lower water flows may change the dynamics of this canyon dramatically.  

There are two options for exiting Kolob Canyon, the MIA Exit or down the remainder of Kolob Creek to and down The Virgin River Narrows.  The MIA Exit is recommended as it allows Kolob Canyon to be done in a day.  The exit described here is not the recommended exit as it is requires a very long shuttle, is 6.4 miles longer and is likely an overnight.

Note:
The route description here does not give details on the MIA exit.  To get details on the MIA Exit see the route description for Boundary Canyon.  Showing one exit route on one canyon and the other exit option for the other canyon helps eliminate duplicated information on the web site.  However the GPS coordinates for both exits are listed with both canyons.

Exit option 1 - recommended, but not described here
Is to use the MIA exit and go back to the cars doing Kolob Canyon in a day.  To exit using the MIA Exit you will leave Kolob Creek and follow the MIA Exit up to some dirt roads then hike back to your car at the West Rim Trailhead.  The MIA Exit option is recommended but not described here.  For more information on the MIA Exit route, check out the Boundary Canyon route description.

Exit option 2 - not recommended, but described here.
To exit down the remainder of Kolob Creek to the Virgin River Narrows and out to the Temple of Sinawava will most likely be an over night trip.  The route continues down Kolob Creek 3.1 miles to the narrows (with 1 additional 15 foot rappel) then continue 6 miles down The Narrows to exit at the Temple of Sinawava.  Virgin River camp site 7 is right at the confluence of Kolob Creek and The Narrows and makes a good spot to end day 1.  Day 2 will be a leisurely stroll down The Narrows to the Temple of Sinawava.

Driving Directions

To get to the Trailhead

From the South Gate of Zion National Park, drive about 14 miles west on highway 9 to the turn off for the Kolob Reservoir Road.  Follow the Kolob Reservoir Road 20.1 miles to the turn off for Lava Point (extLavaPoint).  Turn right and follow Lava Point Road 2.2 miles to the West Rim Trailhead (tWestRimN).  There are a few roads around Lava Point which may mislead but there are signs that will point you toward the West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point.

To leave the Exit Vehicle / Escape Pod

If you are using the MIA Exit no exit vehicle will be needed since the route will be a loop and get you back to your start point back at the West Rim trailhead.  

If you are exiting down Kolob Creek, down The Narrows and out the Temple of Sinawava you can leave an exit vehicle at the Zion National Park Visitor Center.  After Exiting at the Temple of Sinawava ride the shuttle back to the Visitor Center to get to the exit vehicle.  Then you will need to make the 37.2 mile drive up to the West Rim Trailhead to get your entry vehicle.  Just one more reason to use the MIA Exit instead of this one.

Maps

GPS coordinate information listed at the bottom.  For information about waypoint naming and map symbols, refer to the Glossary page.

Click the links for maps of the route. Map of the entire route.
Map of the technical section and MIA exit.

Details

The Approach:
From the West Rim Trailhead (tWestRimN) walk about 1000 feet north back the way you came on the road you drove in on.  This is where the road makes a sharp left turn.  At the apex of this turn (tKolobCyn) leave the road and continue walking north across a small meadow.  

About 200 feet from the road on the north side of the meadow a trail starts (wKolobCynRP-01) down through the trees.  Follow this trail down through the trees.  The trail starts heading north then quickly veers left and continues northwest.   

About 0.3 miles after leaving the meadow, the trail will come close to a drainage running east to west.  The trail then turns right and travels east along the side of the drainage.  About 50 feet after the trail turns right (wKolobCynRP-02), look for a convenient place to leave the trail and continue north over to the drainage.  

Cross over the drainage, which is the drainage leading down to Boundary Canyon.  Some maps show a spring here.  

On the other side of the Boundary drainage, look for the start (wKolobCynRP-03) of a route up the hill side and up to the saddle to the north.  The saddle is about 200 feet after crossing the Boundary Drainage.  

Once at the saddle look for the start of a path (wKolobCynRP-04) continuing north down the other side of the saddle.  The path does not start from the low point of the saddle.  Instead it starts from about 60 feet east of the low point.  

After about 200 feet the path down from the saddle crosses a minor drainage (wKolobCynRP-05).  Cross over this drainage and continue north (you may have to push through a little Manzanita to cross the drainage).  Continue north and slightly down hill (slightly to your right) to find your way onto an old logging road.  

Follow the logging road downhill and north or northwest.  A couple of spots are difficult to follow and you may lose the logging road for a moment.  These are short sections and it is very easy to find the road again.  Most of the road is wide and easy to follow although it is obvious it has not been used in a very long time.  About 0.2 miles after crossing the drainage, the road will cross another larger drainage and turn sharply right or east (wKolobCynRP-06).  

Continue east on the logging road.  About 300 feet later the logging road will appear to end at a clearing where you can see the drainage on the right getting deeper.  Look on the left (north) to see the continuation of the road.  Then another 150 feet there will be a path on the right leaving the road (wKolobCynRP-07).   There is a fallen tree next to the start of the path that leaves the road.  

Follow the path to the right down to the drainage below.  After about 200 feet the path drops down to the drainage (which will be on your right) and becomes a logging road again (wKolobCynRP-08).   

Continue northeast along the road (scrambling over a couple of very large fallen trees) for about 300 feet to an open meadow like area.  This open area will be in the middle of the fork of two drainages and feels like a natural area to stop and figure out where to go.  The drainage to the south is the one the road had been traveling down and the drainage to the north is Kolob Creek.  Walk over to Kolob Creek and Cross over it (wKolobCynRP-09).  

After crossing over Kolob Creek (wKolobCynRP-09) follow a path along the LDC side of the creek.  The path is relatively easy to follow but is over grown with vegetation and you will have to push through sections of trees and bushes.  

Continue about 1000 feet along the LDC side of Kolob Creek bush whacking where needed to an open area with a huge fallen tree (yKolobTp).  From this fallen tree you can see that Kolb Creek has turned from a shallow meandering creek to a deep rock walled canyon.

The Canyoneering / Technical Section:
Take time at this very large fallen tree (yKolobCanyonTp) to put on wet suits and harnesses.  Some canyoneers rap in from a tree near here but this is not the preferred spot.  

Walk east along the LDC side of Kolob Canyon about 140 feet to find a tree that has bent over and grown into an arch shape.  That tree is the anchor for rap 1 (dKolobR1).  

Rap 1 (dKolobR1) is anchored from the tree that has grown in a bent over shape like an arch.  Rap 1 drops about 85 feet to the canyon floor below with about half of the drop being free hanging.  

Down canyon of rap 1 are a couple down climbs of about 4 or 5 feet into waist deep pools.  

Rap 2 (dKolobR2-3) is about 250 feet down canyon of rap 1.  Rap 2 is anchored from logs that are jammed at the top of the rappel and drops about 25 feet.  Be careful not to get your rope stuck in pinch points in the logs near the top of the rap.  The log at the top of rap 2 is huge and extends down canyon to the floor.  Optionally you can shimmy along this log but slipping could result in a dangerous fall so rappelling is recommended.  

After rap 2 you will need to climb up and over the root end of the log you rapped down off of.  

Rap 3 is about 80 feet down canyon after climbing over the root end of the log for rap 2.  Rap 3 is anchored RDC from two bolted hangers just over head high.  Rap 3 drops down over 2 stages of about 15 feet each with a water filled pothole between to swim through.  At the bottom of rap 3 is a pool large pool a little over waist deep.  

Rap 4 (dKolobR4-5) is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 3 and has a few logs jammed near the top of the rap.  Rap 4 is anchored RDC by 2 bolted hangers just overhead.   Rap 4 drops about 30 feet to a pool that is a swimmer.  On the other side of the pool is the top of rap 5.  

Rap 5 is on the other end of the pool at the bottom of rap 4.  Rap 5 is anchored RDC from two bolted hangers set out around the corner.  There are other anchors in the wall a little back from the drop where you can clip in on safety.  Rap 5 is an intense feeling rap as it drops over 2 stages.  While on rap 5 you are in and out of the water fall on the way down.  The first stage is about 110 feet while and the second stage is about 35 feet.  Between stages is a pool that is a swimmer.  At the bottom of rap 5 is another pool that is about waist deep.  

After the pool at the bottom of rap 5 is a short down climb to another pool which is a swimmer for about 40 feet.  On the other end of the pool is rap 6.

Rap 6 (dKolobR6) is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 5.  Rap 6 is anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 20 feet to a pool about chest or neck deep.  Rap 6 drops down along a chute where the water is flowing through it.  You can slide down the chute rather than rap.  The chute is sized so you can spread yourself out in it if desired to slow yourself down.  So rap 6 is optional with a slide or rap option.  

Down canyon of rap 6 are a couple down climbs of 6 to 8 feet.  Both down climbs drop down to pools that are deep enough to possibly be swimmers for some.  These pools may be walk able by taller people.  

Rap 7 (dKolobR7-8) is about 200 feet down canyon of rap 6.  Rap 7 is anchored from 3 bolted hangers RDC about head high.  Rap 7 drops about 50 feet with a large pool at the bottom that is a swimmer.  

Rap 8 is about 50 feet down canyon of rap 7 and is anchored LDC from 2 bolted hangers.  Rap 8 drops about 30 feet down to a very large pool.  The pool is a swimmer for about 50 feet before being able to stand.  

Rap 9 (dKolobR9-10) is shortly after the pool at the bottom of rap 8.  Rap 9 is anchored from two bolted hangers RDC about head high and drops about 35 feet down a log jam.  Be careful on the rope pull here since the logs provide a lot of opportunities to stick the rope.  At the bottom of rap 9 is a large pool that is a swimmer for about 35 feet before being able to stand.  

Rap 10 is about 60 feet down canyon of rap 9 on the other side of the pool.  Rap 10 is anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers up the slopped rock and drops down 2 stages with a total of about 75 feet to a waist deep pool.  

Just after the pool below rap 10 is scramble or down climb to the top of rap 11.  The down climb is along logs, rocks and through a couple of small pools.  The first pool is small but deep.  At the other end of the second pool is the top of rap 11.  This scramble down to rap 11 can be hazardous since the section is narrow and all water is funneled through it.  At the other end of the scramble rap 11 drops off.  It would be easy to ge washed over rap 11 if something went wrong.  

Rap 11 (dKolobR11) is about 50 feet down canyon of rap 10.  Rap 11 is anchored RDC from bolted hangers over head.  There are 4 or 5 anchors here.  Some good, some not so good.  Rap 11 is the most intense of the rappels in Kolob Canyon.  Rap 11 drops about 165 feet down along and in a water fall.  While on rap 11 you will have moments of being completely in the flow of the water.  3 cfs being released from the Kolob Reservoir creates a great experience that will grab your attention.   5 cfs might be a bit much to be enjoyable.  

About 300 feet down canyon of rap 11 Kolob Canyon makes a sharp left turn.  Down canyon after rap 11 the canyon widens out a lot but still has incredibly high straight walls.  There is now vegetation along the way and travel is wash walking, scrambling and wading through pools.  

About 0.5 miles down canyon of rap 11 keep your eyes on the LDC wall.  There is an incredibly tall waterfall showering down the side of the canyon (sWatrfalKolob).  From the look of the stains and green growth on the wall this may be a year round water fall.  This is well worth taking a break to eat lunch and watch it flow.  

Continuing down canyon is moderately easy travel walking in the wash mixed with short down climbs and pools knee to waist deep.  A few of the pools are swimmers but for only a few feet before you can stand up again.  Further down canyon the walls start to tighten up again giving a nice hallway feel.  

About 1 mile down canyon of the huge water fall on the left is another small drainage dropping in from the left (north).  Where this small drainage drops in there is a small water fall cascading down the drainage as it drops to Kolob Creek.  This drainage is about 450 feet after leaving the Zion National Park boundary.  

Rap 12 (dKolobR12) is about 0.2 miles after passing the side drainage with the small water fall.  Rap 12 is anchored from a single anchor LDC about head high and drops about 12 feet to a pool.  The pool below is a swimmer for about 40 feet and the water is very cold so pull up that wet suit.  

After rap 12 continue down canyon for about 0.2 miles to the confluence of Kolb Creek with Oak Creek.  Along the way are a few short down climbs and a few pools to wade through.  One of the drops may be a sketchy down climb and is about 8 feet.  There is an old bolted strap anchor where a hand line can be set up to assist.  

From the Confluence of Kolob Creek and Oak Creek (yKolobCanyonBt) turn right (south) and continue down Kolob Creek.  Continuing down canyon in Kolob Creek after meeting with Oak Creek is a combination of walking on large bowling ball sized rocks and over or around large boulders.  Travel in this area is very slow compared to the speed of travel before reaching Oak Creek.  

Shortly down canyon of the confluence is a drop of about 12 feet.  There is water flowing over logs on the LDC side and a large flat rock ledge to walk out onto RDC.  Walk out onto the flat rock and look on the left side for a few ledgy foot holds to climb down.  

Rap 13 (dKolobR13) is about 500 feet down canyon of the confluence.  Rap 13 is anchored from a single bolted old strap on the LDC wall and drops about 15 feet to a pool below which is a swimmer for about 30 feet.  

Note:
 If you are going to exit using the MIA Exit this will be last you will need your ropes or harnesses.  If you will be exiting all the way down Kolob Creek to The Narrows you will encounter one more 15 foot rappel about 0.5 miles down canyon of the MIA Exit junction.  

Down canyon about 0.2 miles from rap 13 is the confluence where Boundary Canyon joins from RDC (yBoundaryBt).  Boundary is very easy to spot as it is the first (ok only) drainage on the RDC side that would be easy to take a hike up it.  

Down canyon of the Boundary confluence travel is like a walk in the Narrows.  The scenery is great with high narrow walls and you are walking in the water course.  Unlike the Narrows Kolob has no use trails to make travel easier.  Depending on the flow rate of the water travel may be a bit difficult as you try to walk on the rock under flowing water you can’t see through.

As you travel downstream in Kolob Creek keep an eye on the right (west) wall.  The right (west) wall from Boundary to the MIA Exit is high and sheer.  About 1.2 miles downstream from the confluence of Boundary and Kolob Creek is the next major drainage that looks like it might allow travel up it.  This drainage is the access to the MIA Exit (jMIA-Exit).  The drainage up the MIA Exit does not look like it is easy travel but does stand out in contrast to the sheer walls along the canyon up until that point.  Another feature that makes the MIA Exit stand out is the dense vegetation covering the area where this drainage drops to Kolob Creek.  There may be cairns left on large boulders here to help mark the MIA Exit.  But do not count on them being there.  Keep an eye on the right (west) wall on the way down Kolob Creek and you should easily be able to spot it.  Finding this in the dark would be next to impossible unless you had been there before.  

The Exit:

When you reach the MIA Exit you have a choice to make as to how to exit.
If you plan this as an overnight trip, you can exit down Kolob Creek to the Zion Narrows then out to the Temple of Sinawava which will require a shuttle trip to retrieve your entry vehicle.  If you plan to do the route as a day trip, you can use the MIA Exit to get back up to the West Rim Trailhead.

NOTE:
This route description will cover the overnight exit down Kolob Creek.  After doing both I recommend using the MIA Exit instead.  The MIA Exit is strenuous and just plain un-nerving in some sections.  However it is short lived and better than the 4 miles of trail-less walking over rock covered wash in flowing water 4 miles down Kolob Creek to the Narrows then traveling another 6 miles down the Narrows.  Using the MIA Exit will also allow the canyon to be done in a day and eliminate the need for overnight gear.

To follow the preferred route and use the MIA Exit, refer to the Exit for Boundary Canyon.

To exit down Kolob Creek (and not use the preferred MIA Exit), continue south east down Kolob Creek from the MIA Exit junction (jMIA-Exit).

Note:
Continuing down Kolob Creek has you walking in the water course over rocks ranging in size from softballs all the way up to boulders.  There are no easy to walk bypass trails etc.  I personally do not enjoy this style of travel since you need to think about where and how to place your feet on every single step.  This constant thought of where and how to step continues for about 3 miles.  As you get closer to the Zion Narrows travel does become a little easier.  This is the reason I prefer to use the MIA Exit.  To offset this nuisance is the beauty.  Kolob Canyon looks and feels like some of the good parts of the Zion Narrows without all the people.  

About 0.25 miles down canyon of the MIA Exit are a couple of down climbs of about 6 feet each.  Both of these down climbs drop into pools that are swimmers for about 20 or 30 feet.       

Note:
If you are losing day light and decide to camp in Kolob Creek now is a good time to look for a spot to set up camp.  About 80 feet down canyon after the second down climb to a pool is a spot that can work if you need it.  Further down canyon the options are slim until reaching the Zion Narrows which is the preferred place to camp.  

Another 0.25 miles down canyon after the down climbs will be a drop of about 15 feet.  The drop has a pool below and is not down climbable since there is significant overhang.  This is rap 14 for Kolob Canyon.  

Rap 14 (dKolobR14) is about 0.5 miles down canyon after the MIA Exit junction.  Rap 14 is anchored from a single anchor bolted to the rock at your feet near the center of the water course.  The anchor looks like a hand cut thick piece of aluminum.  Rap 14 drops about 15 feet to a large pool below which is a swimmer for about 40 feet before you can stand up.  This is the last you will need your ropes so feel free to put everything away.  

After rap 14 it is about 2.6 miles of wash walking and a few small down climbs to the end of Kolob Creek at confluence with the Virgin River Zion Narrows.  

Note:
At the confluence of Kolob Creek and The Narrows (yKolobCreekBt) is Narrows Camp 7.  The camp is up out of the water course RDC as you exit Kolob Creek and is signed.  This is a great place to camp when doing this route if you are fast enough to get here before dark on your first day.  Camp sites 7 through 12 are spread out along the 1.7 miles down canyon of the confluence of Kolob Creek.  

From the confluence of Kolob Creek and The Narrows (yKolobCreekBt), turn right (south) and hike 6.4 miles down The Narrows to the Temple of Sinawava Trailhead.  

1.2 miles from the Kolob Creek is Goose Creek joining in from RDC (west).
0.6 miles from Goose Creek is Corral Hallow joining in from RDC (west).
Big Spring is just down canyon from Corral Hallow on the RDC side (west).
1.9 miles from Corral Hallow is Imlay joining in from RDC (west).
Imlay Canyon is not visible from The Narrows since it joins via a 170 foot rappel.
0.2 miles down canyon of Imlay is Orderville Canyon joining in from LDC (east).
1.3 miles down canyon of Orderville is Mystery Canyon joining in from LDC (east).
Mystery Canyon is noted as a smooth wall with a trickling water fall flowing down it.
0.2 miles down canyon of Mystery is where the paved sidewalk part of the trail begins.
1.0 miles of paved trail gets you to The Temple of Sinawava trailhead and shuttle stop.  

From here get on the shuttle and ride it back to the Zion Visitor Center.

GPS Waypoint Information

Click to show / expand the list of waypoints below........

Kolob (1) - Drive to Trailhead

extKolobRes          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.20374   W -113.18604        Elev: NaN Feet Turn off for Kolob Reservior Raod. tLftFrkNrthCk          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.28480   W -113.09576        Elev: 5,070 Feet Trailhead for the Left Fork of North Creek trail. tWildCatCyn          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.33985   W -113.07587        Elev: 6,970 Feet Wild Cat Canyon Trailhead. extLavaPoint          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39454   W -113.05287        Elev: 7,898 Feet Turn off for Lava Point off of the Kolob Reservoir Road. tWestRimN          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38155   W -113.02298        Elev: 7,470 Feet Northern trailhead for the West Rim Trail (by Lava Point).

Kolob (2) - Approach

tWestRimN          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38155   W -113.02298        Elev: 7,470 Feet Northern trailhead for the West Rim Trail (by Lava Point). tKolobCyn          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38417   W -113.02400        Elev: 7,540 Feet This is where you leave the road to start the route down to Kolob Canyon. This is at the apex of a sharp turn on the road. Walk north accross a meadow to start toward Kolob Canyon. wKolobCynRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38465   W -113.02382        Elev: NaN Feet A trail starts here on the north side of a meadow. wKolobCynRP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38791   W -113.02526        Elev: NaN Feet Leave the trail here and cross over the drainage to the north. The drainage is the one that leads down to Boundary Canyon. wKolobCynRP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38820   W -113.02529        Elev: 7,290 Feet Start of a route up the hill side to the saddle to the north. wKolobCynRP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38862   W -113.02530        Elev: NaN Feet Start of a path leading north down the other side of the saddle. The path starts about 60 feet east of the low point of the saddle. wKolobCynRP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38911   W -113.02552        Elev: NaN Feet Path crosses a minor drainage. Continue north across the drainage and route find your way down to a logging road. wKolobCynRP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39173   W -113.02737        Elev: 7,070 Feet Logging road turns sharply right (east) as it crosses over a larger drainage. wKolobCynRP-07          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39249   W -113.02623        Elev: NaN Feet A path to the right leaves the road and drops down to the drainage below. There is a fallen tree blocking travel along the road where the path starts. wKolobCynRP-08          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39295   W -113.02592        Elev: NaN Feet Logging road resumes after dropping down the path to the drainage below. wKolobCynRP-09          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39389   W -113.02536        Elev: 6,880 Feet This is where the approach route crosses Kolob Creek then starts down the LDC side of it. yKolobCanyonTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39445   W -113.02236        Elev: 6,790 Feet Top entry for Kolob Canyon. Very large fallen tree makes a great place to get the wet suits and harnesses on. Some people rap in here but this is not the preferred spot to do so.

Kolob (3) - The Canyon,

yKolobCanyonTp          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39445   W -113.02236        Elev: 6,790 Feet Top entry for Kolob Canyon. Very large fallen tree makes a great place to get the wet suits and harnesses on. Some people rap in here but this is not the preferred spot to do so. dKolobR1          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39480   W -113.02220        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 1 - Kolob Canyon. Anchored from a tree that has bent over into an arch shape and drops about 85 feet with about half it free hanging. dKolobR2-3          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39507   W -113.02112        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 2 and 3 - Kolob Canyon. Rap 2 about 250 feet down canyon of rap 1, anchored from logs jammed at the top of the drop with a total drop of about 25 feet. Rap 3 about 90 feet down canyon of rap 2, anchored RDC by 2 bolted hangers and drops down 2 stages of about 15 feet each with a swimming pothole between stages. dKolobR4-5          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39511   W -113.02083        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 4 and 5 - Kolob Canyon. Rap 4 about 60 feet down canyon of rap 3, anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 30 feet to a pool. Rap 5 is at the other end of the pool after rap 4, is anchored RDC by 2 bolted hangers and drops down 2 stages of about 110 feet and 35 feet with a swimmer hole between stages. dKolobR6          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39514   W -113.02056        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 6 - Kolob Canyon. Ancored from 2 bolted hangers RDC and drops about 20 feet to a chest deep pool. Optionally you can slide down the chute where the water is flowing. dKolobR7-8          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39499   W -113.01983        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 7 and 8 - Kolob Canyon. Rap 7 about 200 feet down canyon of rap 6, anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers and drops about 50 feet to a pool. Rap 8 about 50 feet down canyon of rap 7, is anchored LDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 30 feet to a large pool. dKolobR9-10          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39489   W -113.01944        Elev: NaN Feet Raps 9 and 10 - Kolob Canyon. Rap 9 shortly after the pool at the bottom of rap 8, anchored RDC from 2 bolted hangers and drops about 35 feet down a log jam. Rap 10 about 60 feet down canyon of rap 9, anchored RDC from 3 bolted hangers and drops about 75 feet down 2 stages to a waist deep pool. dKolobR11          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39477   W -113.01912        Elev: 6,565 Feet Rap 11 - Kolob Canyon. Achored RDC from 3 or 4 bolted anchors and drops about 165 feet down and in a water fall. This is the most intense rap in the canyon. sWatrfalKolob          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39838   W -113.01452        Elev: NaN Feet Very tall water fall flowing down the RDC (north) side of Kolob Canyon. dKolobR12          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39683   W -112.99625        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 12 - Kolob Canyon. Anchored LDC from a single old strap anchor bolted to teh wall about head high and drops about 12 feet to a deep pool below. yKolobCanyonBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39813   W -112.99252        Elev: 5,810 Feet Bottom exit of Kolob Canyon at the confluence of Kolob Creek and Oak Creek. dKolobR13          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39688   W -112.99151        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 13 - Kolob Canyon. Drops about 15 feet to a pool with a swim of about 30 feet and is anchored from a single bolted old strap bolted in the wal or optionaly a piton on the RDC wall. yBoundaryBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39449   W -112.98952        Elev: 5,750 Feet Bottom exit of Boundary Canyon where it meets Kolob Creek.

Kolob (4) - Exit - MIA option

yBoundaryBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39449   W -112.98952        Elev: 5,750 Feet Bottom exit of Boundary Canyon where it meets Kolob Creek. jMIA-Exit          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37983   W -112.98219        Elev: 5,590 Feet This is where the MIA Exit leaves Kolob Creek. The route up out of the creek starts about 70 feet upstream of the drainage and goes up very steep dirt and rock on the right (north) side of the drainage looking up. wMIA-RP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37929   W -112.98253        Elev: NaN Feet Rock ledge or pour over about 100 feet up out of Kolob Creek. wMIA-RP-02          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37900   W -112.98382        Elev: NaN Feet Dry fall of about 50 feet. Climb up the dry chute RUC (north) that starts about 40 feet before reaching the fall. wMIA-RP-03          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37925   W -112.98428        Elev: NaN Feet Just after the top of the gully is a path or route up a steep sandy slope. wMIA-RP-04          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37962   W -112.98539        Elev: 5,970 Feet First climb on the MIA Exit tops out here on a saddle with rocky out croppings on each side. wMIA-RP-05          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37878   W -112.98579        Elev: 5,870 Feet Route in a small drainage meets a larger drainage here. yPipeSpringBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37914   W -112.98696        Elev: 5,890 Feet Bottom of the Pipe Spring Canyon.. wMIA-RP-06          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37935   W -112.98746        Elev: 5,915 Feet Steep drainage joining in from the left (west) as the main drainage is turning from west to north. wMIA-RP-07          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37963   W -112.98901        Elev: NaN Feet Approximate spot to cross over to the right (north) side of the ravine. jMIA-climb/rd          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38031   W -112.99060        Elev: 6,540 Feet Junction where the climb up the MIA Exit intersects with a road. Turn left (south) to start the hike out along the roads. wMIA-RP-08          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37944   W -112.99105        Elev: NaN Feet A VERY FAINT old road coming in from the northwest to join the well defined and well used road here. On the MIA Exit turn right (northwest) and leave the main road here going up this steep, old, faint road that looks more like a ravine / shallow draiange at this point. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon turn right and walk the well defined road southwest about 200 feet over to Pipe Spring. sPipeSpring          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37912   W -112.99171        Elev: NaN Feet Fork in the road. Stay right to exit out to the West Rim Trailhead. There is also a pipe flowing with water routed from a spring here. Good place to get some water and clean up a little. wMIA-RP-09          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37972   W -112.99173        Elev: NaN Feet A bend in the road. On the MIA Exit follow the road around the corner to the right (north) and continue following it up hill. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon, follow the road around the corner to the left (southeast) and walk about 200 feet down the slope to meet with a well used well maintained dirt road. wMIA-RP-10          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38083   W -112.99173        Elev: NaN Feet Bend in the road. On the MIA Exit, follow the bend to the left and begin travel up the road to the northwest. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon follow the bend to the right and begin travel down the road to the south. wMIA-RP-11          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38123   W -112.99338        Elev: NaN Feet Fork in the road. On the MIA Exit, stay straight and continue northwest. The road here is in much better shape than what you have been on. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon stay left at the fork traveling southeast (not south). The left fork that you will follow is the road that looks the least traveled and unused. The fork to the right going south that you do not follow is in much better condition. wMIA-RP-12          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38206   W -112.99688        Elev: 6,960 Feet Intersection of roads. On the MIA Exit stay straight and continue up the road to the northwest. Do not turn left onto the side road going south. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon stay straight and follow the road down to the southeast. Do not turn right onto the side road going south. wMIA-RP-13          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38306   W -113.00042        Elev: 7,090 Feet Gate nailed to a tree and has Top King welded onto it. This is right at the park boundary. Continuing west will travel into the park. On the MIA Exit continue west. On the approach to Pipe Spring Canyon continue east. wMIA-RP-14          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38471   W -113.00358        Elev: NaN Feet A Tee in the Road. On the exit out the MIA Exit turn left at this tee and start down a hill to the west. On the approach into Pipe Spring Canyon turn right at this tee and continue southeast. wMIA-RP-15          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38435   W -113.00538        Elev: NaN Feet On the exit from Boundary using the MIA Exit you will continue straight at this fork passing a road that joins in from the left (south east). On the approach into Boundary Canyon you will see this fork in the road ONLY IF you have walked 1600 feet too far past the logging road you were supposed to turn off onto. On the Approach to Pipe Spring Canyon stay left at this fork continuing east. wBoundaryRP-01          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38560   W -113.01066        Elev: 7,245 Feet This is where an old logging road leaves the MIA road and goes north toward Boundary Canyon. The road is not easily seen so look close. If you are going to Pipe Spring Canyon you will likely pass by this spot and never know you passed the old logging road. wMIAgate          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38190   W -113.02256        Elev: NaN Feet MIA Gate. Do not drive past here. You may find the gate locked on your return. tWestRimN          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.38155   W -113.02298        Elev: 7,470 Feet Northern trailhead for the West Rim Trail (by Lava Point).

Kolob (5) - Exit - The Narrows option

yBoundaryBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.39449   W -112.98952        Elev: 5,750 Feet Bottom exit of Boundary Canyon where it meets Kolob Creek. jMIA-Exit          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37983   W -112.98219        Elev: 5,590 Feet This is where the MIA Exit leaves Kolob Creek. The route up out of the creek starts about 70 feet upstream of the drainage and goes up very steep dirt and rock on the right (north) side of the drainage looking up. dKolobR14          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.37446   W -112.97633        Elev: NaN Feet Rap 14 - Kolob Creek. Anchored at your feet near the center of the water course from a single bolted aluminum piece. Drops about 15 feet to a pool below which is a swimmer for about 40 feet. yKolobCreekBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.34941   W -112.95053        Elev: 4,940 Feet Bottom of Kolob Creek where it meets the Zion Narrows. Labeled as technical since there is one 15 foot rappel between here and the MIA Exit. yGooseCreekBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.33845   W -112.95709        Elev: 4,790 Feet North Fork Virgin River yCorralHlwBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.33138   W -112.95711        Elev: 4,740 Feet Bottom exit of Corral hollow where it meets the Narrows just above Big Springs. sBigSpring          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.33111   W -112.95688        Elev: NaN Feet Big Spring yImlayBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.30986   W -112.94923        Elev: 4,670 Feet Bottom of Imlay Canyoneering route where it dumps into The Zion Narrows. yOrdervilleBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.30803   W -112.94661        Elev: 4,670 Feet Bottom exit of Orderville Canyon. Junction where Orderville Canyon meets the narrows in the North Fork of the Virgin River. Zion Ntl. Park yMysteryBt          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.29928   W -112.94447        Elev: 4,560 Feet Bottom exit of Mystery Canyon where it meets the Virgin River Narrows after the 120 foot Rap 11. jRiverWalkEnd          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.29672   W -112.94818        Elev: 4,560 Feet This is where the river walk side walk meets the river in The Narrows. tNarrowsBot          Lat/Lon (WGS84):  N 37.28535   W -112.94785        Elev: 4,440 Feet Bottom trailhead for the Virgin River Narrows at the Temple of Sinawava.