Canyoneering Benson Creek

Disclaimer: Canyoneering is a dangerous and technical activity. Don’t enter any canyon without the skills to match it, or the knowledge to navigate it.

Benson Creek is a pleasant little spot for families to hike a waterfall (Hidden Haven Falls), or a fantastic spot for canyoneers to rappel some waterfalls and explore a unique section of narrows. It’s a great diversion from a long road trip and worth every minute.

To get to Benson Creek, park at the Hidden Haven trailhead, just 10 minutes off of I-15 through Parowan. Hike down Parowan Creek for about 5-minutes until the trail crosses a footbridge and begins following Benson Creek. Take this trail uphill for about 10-minutes, and you’ll come to a sagebrush clearing. You should see a smaller trail splitting off to the right. Follow the smaller trail, keeping a watchful eye on the slope to your left. When you see a reasonable route up this slope, have at it. It’s a bushwhacking scramble to the top.

At the top of the crest, keep heading the same direction for ten or fifteen minutes until you come to a drainage that slopes to the left. A trail will materialize somewhere in this wash, follow it to the bottom of the canyon. You are now in Benson Creek just above the first rappel.

The next hour is pure joy, starting with a 105-foot fluted rappel in running water that drops you into a fantastic slot canyon. Three rappels follow in rapid succession. The final rappel is Hidden Haven Falls, and on a hot summer day, you will likely have an audience to cheer you on. 

The entire adventure will take 2-4 hours.