Hike the Hidden Canyon Trail in Zion
Springdale, Utah
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
1000 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Kevin Abernethy
This is a great day hike with exposed sections and several areas for optional rock climbing and scrambling in the canyon.
This trail starts at Weeping Rock Trailhead, it's the same trailhead for Observation Point and the East Rim Trail. You will start this hike up a paved section with several switchbacks up the east side of the main canyon. Shortly after the paved trail ends you will reach a sign that directs you towards the Hidden Canyon Trail.
The official Hidden Canyon trail begins with uphill switchbacks that will lead you to top of a minor saddle that gives you an incredible view of Angels Landing, Big Bend, The Organ, and The Virgin River. There is a short trail that will lead you to the tip of the saddle if you want an unobstructed view of the canyon, this cutoff is unmarked and there are several exposed sections. The official trail will then lead you up the canyon wall where you will have several chains bolted to the mountainside to help you traverse up the steep ledge tucked against the mountain wall. Several portions of the trail are very narrow so be cautious of the condition of the trail. You will eventually descend to a shaded valley by using small steps carved out of the mountainside. After moving through the valley you will reach another series of stone steps that will lead you up to a short exposed section on the trail. Be cautious going up and down the stone steps, some of the areas don't have chains to help you and several of the steps are very small. Most of the trail is very narrow, if you are hiking this trail anytime in the winter crampons or ice cleats are a must!
You will now enter the entrance to Hidden Canyon, this is the end of the official trail, but you can hike several miles into the canyon. During your trek you will soon reach a small free standing arch, several obstacles with boulders and rocks to climb over, sandy open sections, and small pools of water to navigate over. My favorite obstacle included a large log to traverse across a small pool of water and two smaller logs to climb up the steep canyon wall. Be cautious on the obstacles you tackle, the hike back is always more difficult than the initial hike into the canyon. You will eventually come to an almost impassible tall overhanging wall, I would recommend turning around at this point.
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Reviews
I hiked this a few years ago although I believe it is still closed. This trail offers many of the features of classic Zion hikes (chains, narrow canyons, beautiful views, and mild scrambling) while still flying a bit under the radar. If/when it opens back up, early/mid November is a beautiful time to check it out, it'll be decorated in some extra colors.
5.0
fun little walk!! gets you out and about and ends with a gorgeous view. fun little board walks and scrambling rocks
4.0
I did this as a side hike on my way up to Observation Point. It was a really cool trail with chains, steep cliffs and narrow canyons. There is even a small arch. Highly recommended.
5.0
Hike took me out of my comfort zone but was well worth it for the experience. I would hike this trail again and again if I could.Was an amazing hike and nothing beats the views of Zion Canyon.
5.0
It can be difficult sometimes to find a hike off the main canyon in Zion that isn't overcrowded, but Hidden Canyon is that hike. There are some really nice views of Angel's Landing & the surrounding features from this trail, & the scrambling you get to do back in the actual canyon of Hidden Canyon is a lot of fun. This trail is also a great warm-up for Angel's Landing.
4.0
I didn't expect much after the stunning Observation Point hike, but decided to see where this trail went on the way down. It wasn't too long and had some really fun rock scrambles through the canyon. Beautiful!
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised with the little bit of exposure on the way to the canyon. I hike I will definitely do again!
5.0
I hiked the Hidden Canyon in the winter but there wasn't any snow like you see in the pictures above, of which I'm thankful. The initial climb was a lot steeper than I expected. Once you get past that section and reach Hidden Canyon it takes you into a little bit of a different world with a cool standing arch and plant life all throughout. Bring a headlamp if you're hiking around sunset as it gets dark pretty quickly.
4.0
I enjoyed this hike just as much as Angels Landing but it was a lot less crowded.
4.0
The hike was fantastic. Gorgeous views the whole way up. Not a super difficult hike to get up to the hidden canyon section. There is a couple of sections with chains but they weren't too bad and felt secure. A good warmup for the chains at Angel's Landing. We hiked up to the actual hidden canyon section which is a couple of miles or so in, and decided to turn around due to weather. Wasn't my favorite hike in the park, but definitely worth doing.
4.0
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Angels Landing
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