Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Mystery Canyon is one of the classic technical canyoneering routes in Zion National Park. For this trip, we started at the East Mesa Trailhead and followed the trail for about two miles before dropping into the canyon. From there, the route descends through narrow sandstone passages, steep terrain, several rappels, and sections of water before ending with the final rappel into the Zion Narrows.
The full route is approximately six miles and generally takes between six and eight hours to complete, depending on the size and experience of the group. Mystery Canyon has around 10 rappels, although the exact number can vary depending on which shorter drops are rappelled or downclimbed. The longest rappel is approximately 120 feet. There are also a few unavoidable pools near the end of the canyon. Wetsuits may be optional during warmer weather, but they can be important during colder months (like March).
A Zion National Park wilderness permit is required, which allows for a maximum of 6 individuals per permit. You need to book in advance via a lottery or do a lottery for the day-before. Check recreation.gov for more information and billing. Entering the lottery does not guarantee a permit, unfortunately. The Subway and Mystery are the top 2 sought-after canyons for canyoneering. Unfortunately, just my sheer numbers alone you may not get a permit often. If you do, make the effort to do it.
This video provides a POV view of Mystery Canyon from start to finish, including the East Mesa approach, the canyon itself, and the final descent into the Narrows.
Mystery Canyon is a technical route that requires proper canyoneering equipment, rappelling experience, route-finding skills, and an understanding of changing canyon and weather conditions. Always check current conditions and the flash-flood forecast before entering the canyon. Canyoneering IS inherently dangerous. Seek professional training before descending.
Thanks for watching!
#MysteryCanyon #ZionNationalPark #Canyoneering #ZionCanyoneering #Rappelling #SlotCanyon #Utah #TheDiabeticHiker
Mystery Canyon is one of the classic technical canyoneering routes in Zion National Park. For this trip, we started at the East Mesa Trailhead and followed the trail for about two miles before dropping into the canyon. From there, the route descends through narrow sandstone passages, steep terrain, several rappels, and sections of water before ending with the final rappel into the Zion Narrows.
The full route is approximately six miles and generally takes between six and eight hours to complete, depending on the size and experience of the group. Mystery Canyon has around 10 rappels, although the exact number can vary depending on which shorter drops are rappelled or downclimbed. The longest rappel is approximately 120 feet. There are also a few unavoidable pools near the end of the canyon. Wetsuits may be optional during warmer weather, but they can be important during colder months (like March).
A Zion National Park wilderness permit is required, which allows for a maximum of 6 individuals per permit. You need to book in advance via a lottery or do a lottery for the day-before. Check recreation.gov for more information and billing. Entering the lottery does not guarantee a permit, unfortunately. The Subway and Mystery are the top 2 sought-after canyons for canyoneering. Unfortunately, just my sheer numbers alone you may not get a permit often. If you do, make the effort to do it.
This video provides a POV view of Mystery Canyon from start to finish, including the East Mesa approach, the canyon itself, and the final descent into the Narrows.
Mystery Canyon is a technical route that requires proper canyoneering equipment, rappelling experience, route-finding skills, and an understanding of changing canyon and weather conditions. Always check current conditions and the flash-flood forecast before entering the canyon. Canyoneering IS inherently dangerous. Seek professional training before descending.
Thanks for watching!
#MysteryCanyon #ZionNationalPark #Canyoneering #ZionCanyoneering #Rappelling #SlotCanyon #Utah #TheDiabeticHiker
