Hogs Heaven - Zion National Park

Hogs Heaven
Zion National Park
Technical Canyoneering

Hogs Heaven is a short and interesting slot canyon that deposits canyoneers into a remote and seldom visited section of Deep Creek. Canyoneers must pay a high price to visit this rarely traveled route. This slot canyon and the area surrounding it are named after Hog Allen, an early Zion settler.

Circle of Friends:
Hogs Heaven 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"

General Information:
Hogs Heaven is best described as a short and sweet slot canyon that requires paying your dues. Total time required form trailhead to trailhead is approximately 12 to 14 hours. This route is recommended for small and fast moving groups. Hogs Heaven requires complete technical gear. The scenery is spectacular. Hogs Heaven is rated 3A IV using the Canyon Rating System. The canyon does not hold water and a wetsuit should not be required in normal conditions. Completing the route does require several miles of river hiking.

A GPS is useful and good map reading skills are essential. Navigation for this route is moderate. All waypoints and maps for Hogs Heaven use the WGS84 datum. This route has a moderate flashflood danger.

Trailhead Information:
A vehicle shuttle is not required to complete this route. Any vehicle can be driven to the trailhead with no problems during dry conditions.

Legend:
I first heard the captivating legend of Hog Allen in 1997 while canyoneering in Zion National Park. As it was first told to me; Hogs Heaven dominates the area between North Fork and Deep Creek and was named after Albert "Hog Allen" Smith, an early pioneer who claimed ownership to much of the land to the east of Deep Creek. According to legend, Hog Allen swore to evict ranchers who came later to stake legal homesteads, but died before he could carry out his threats. However, neighboring ranchers and their families became subject to mysterious and fatal accidents on the anniversary of Hog Allen's death, which encouraged them to abandon the area. It is said that, on certain nights, a mist drifts down the Golden Staircase and settles over Hog Allen's grave. This phenomenon is said to be the spirit of Hog Allen returning to do a dance. For a detailed account of this story read The Legend of Hog Allen.