Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
March 2023. This is a full POV route of Johnson Arch Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah—including the approach hike, full canyon descent, and exit hike out.
Unlike highlight-style videos, this shows the entire experience from start to finish, so you can get a realistic feel for timing, terrain, and overall flow of the route.
On this trip, I brought Sarah (my wife), Liam (age 9—first time canyoneering), and Brian (father-in-law) through the canyon. With recent rain and elevated water levels, we came prepared with wetsuits—but partway through, we discovered a bypass route that avoids the chest-deep water section.
The highlight of the route is the final ~180 ft rappel, which offers incredible views and a fun finish to the descent.
At the end, our dog Clark (Border Collie) meets us at the bottom—a great way to wrap up the canyon day.
📍 Route Overview
Johnson Arch Canyon is a short but technical canyon located in Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah. The route begins with a straightforward approach hike across desert terrain before dropping into a narrow drainage.
The canyon features a mix of downclimbs, narrow sections, and multiple rappels, with the final rappel being the most notable at around 180 feet. Water levels can vary significantly depending on recent weather, and sections of the canyon may require wading or swimming—though, as shown in this video, a bypass route can sometimes be used to avoid the deepest water.
The exit is relatively short and leads back out to the desert terrain near the park road, making this a compact but rewarding canyon when conditions and seasonal access allow.
📊 Route Stats
Rating: 3B
Length: 5–7 hours (~5.9 miles)
Maps: Washington, UT; Santa Clara, UT
Season: September 14th – March 15th
Gear: Standard technical canyoneering gear
Rappels: Up to 60 m (197 ft)
Water: Several pools possible; wetsuit recommended in cool/cold conditions
Flash Flood Risk: Moderate
💡 Important Info
Johnson Arch Canyon is seasonally restricted (typically mid-October through mid-March)
Access outside that window is not permitted (even hiking)
Always verify current regulations and conditions before going
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, and urban exploring.
March 2023. This is a full POV route of Johnson Arch Canyon in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah—including the approach hike, full canyon descent, and exit hike out.
Unlike highlight-style videos, this shows the entire experience from start to finish, so you can get a realistic feel for timing, terrain, and overall flow of the route.
On this trip, I brought Sarah (my wife), Liam (age 9—first time canyoneering), and Brian (father-in-law) through the canyon. With recent rain and elevated water levels, we came prepared with wetsuits—but partway through, we discovered a bypass route that avoids the chest-deep water section.
The highlight of the route is the final ~180 ft rappel, which offers incredible views and a fun finish to the descent.
At the end, our dog Clark (Border Collie) meets us at the bottom—a great way to wrap up the canyon day.
📍 Route Overview
Johnson Arch Canyon is a short but technical canyon located in Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah. The route begins with a straightforward approach hike across desert terrain before dropping into a narrow drainage.
The canyon features a mix of downclimbs, narrow sections, and multiple rappels, with the final rappel being the most notable at around 180 feet. Water levels can vary significantly depending on recent weather, and sections of the canyon may require wading or swimming—though, as shown in this video, a bypass route can sometimes be used to avoid the deepest water.
The exit is relatively short and leads back out to the desert terrain near the park road, making this a compact but rewarding canyon when conditions and seasonal access allow.
📊 Route Stats
Rating: 3B
Length: 5–7 hours (~5.9 miles)
Maps: Washington, UT; Santa Clara, UT
Season: September 14th – March 15th
Gear: Standard technical canyoneering gear
Rappels: Up to 60 m (197 ft)
Water: Several pools possible; wetsuit recommended in cool/cold conditions
Flash Flood Risk: Moderate
💡 Important Info
Johnson Arch Canyon is seasonally restricted (typically mid-October through mid-March)
Access outside that window is not permitted (even hiking)
Always verify current regulations and conditions before going
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, and urban exploring.
