Heaps Canyon - Zion National Park

Heaps Canyon
Zion National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Heaps Canyon is a difficult, dangerous, physically demanding and technically challenging adventure. The beauty of this canyon is unsurpassed; the narrows are extremely long, spectacular and unrelenting.

Heaps Canyon offers its charm at a high price. The route is difficult and should be considered for advanced and highly skilled canyoneers only. Descent requires icy cold swimming and numerous rappels, including a breath-taking 285-foot, free air finale.

Circle of Friends:
Heaps Canyon is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

Warning:
Every member of your group must be a skilled canyoneer. This canyon has proven deadly to those that make a mistake. This canyon is not suitable for novice or intermediate canyoneers, even with competent leadership.

Heaps Canyon is rated 4B R V using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has an extreme flash flood danger, check the local weather report before entering this canyon.

General Information:
Heaps Canyon is a technical canyoneering adventure which usually requires two full days to complete. I strongly suggest not attempting this route in a single day unless you have completed it before. This route requires complete technical gear. Heaps Canyon has two major entrance routes and both a detailed in the Circle of Friends route description. Full wetsuits are required. A GPS is useful and good map reading skills essential.

Trailhead Information:
Several different trailheads exist for Heaps Canyon. Any vehicle can easily reach any of the Heaps Canyon trailheads in dry conditions.

Permits:
A Zion backcountry permit is required to descend this canyon.

Video:
A short video of a trip through Heaps Canyon in Zion National Park. If this video fails to play on your mobile device or computer you can always watch the Original YouTube Version here.