Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Right Fork of North Creek - Zion National Park
I love Zion National Park. And over the years, I've explored a lot of the rugged back country of the park. But one route kept getting pushed back to 'next year'. That route was the Right Fork of North Creek.
North Creek includes my favorite route in the park; the famous Subway, or Left Fork of North Creek. I love the Subway. So naturally, I wanted to explore the other fork of North Creek.
The Right Fork isn't really that well known. That's mainly because it's complicated. Even though it's only about 15.5 miles, they are extremely rugged miles, including technical sections where downclimbs and rappels are necessary. Most of it is also off trail, so wayfinding is a must. So even though it's 'only' 15 miles, it takes everyone but the fastest canyoneers 2 or 3 days. That means adding overnight gear to your canyoneering gear. In case you're wondering, it's not fun carrying that much gear through this type of terrain. Day hikers can't get past the lower falls. Backpackers can't get past the technical section. And canyoneers typically don't like overnights.
On top of this, it has sections of freezing water AND a full sun exposed approach and exit. So you have to balance between extreme heat and cold.
But wait, there's more! It also starts at higher elevation, so snow melt is a concern in the spring. Because of the record low snow pack this year, we opted to go in early, hoping the run off was minimal. It actually worked out great. It was overcast so the approach and exit weren't too hot. The run off was virtually non-existent so the flow in the technical parts was manageable.
Oh, and I forgot the water issue. There was water everywhere, but Zion National Park has a cyanobacteria problem so you should only drink from springs. And the first springs were about 8 miles in.
So it lived on my list of adventures for several years until everything came together and we went for it.
Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Probably with a different approach (hammerhead) and an extra day to slow the pace and give time to explore the direct approach. (There was a section of narrows that we avoided. We were concerned about time and cold water since this section has potential keeper potholes).
And about that weather. I'm sure that people will comment about our decision to go into the canyon with rain in the forecast. Well, we did our homework and knew there were plenty of areas we could scramble up out of the canyon. (Most sections, actually). Our bivy site was set up on benches at the very top of a watershed so flash floods weren't a concern. Never go into a committing slot canyon with rain in the forecast like this, but yes, there are times when it is safe to hike in the rain. But enough of that. The people who know know, and the people who feel otherwise will not be convinced I'm right.
Anyway, Right Fork of North Creek. An incredible back country adventure in Zion National Park that will remain unseen by the vast majority of park visitors.
Music by Artlist:
Pearl - EVOE
At the Bistro - Louis Adrien
Liquid Memoirs - Shimmer
Impossible Things - Creative Cut - Dreamy - Doug Kaufman
Memento Mori - The Duke of Norfolk
Imagine a World - Risian
Years - The Hunts
Right Fork of North Creek - Zion National Park
I love Zion National Park. And over the years, I've explored a lot of the rugged back country of the park. But one route kept getting pushed back to 'next year'. That route was the Right Fork of North Creek.
North Creek includes my favorite route in the park; the famous Subway, or Left Fork of North Creek. I love the Subway. So naturally, I wanted to explore the other fork of North Creek.
The Right Fork isn't really that well known. That's mainly because it's complicated. Even though it's only about 15.5 miles, they are extremely rugged miles, including technical sections where downclimbs and rappels are necessary. Most of it is also off trail, so wayfinding is a must. So even though it's 'only' 15 miles, it takes everyone but the fastest canyoneers 2 or 3 days. That means adding overnight gear to your canyoneering gear. In case you're wondering, it's not fun carrying that much gear through this type of terrain. Day hikers can't get past the lower falls. Backpackers can't get past the technical section. And canyoneers typically don't like overnights.
On top of this, it has sections of freezing water AND a full sun exposed approach and exit. So you have to balance between extreme heat and cold.
But wait, there's more! It also starts at higher elevation, so snow melt is a concern in the spring. Because of the record low snow pack this year, we opted to go in early, hoping the run off was minimal. It actually worked out great. It was overcast so the approach and exit weren't too hot. The run off was virtually non-existent so the flow in the technical parts was manageable.
Oh, and I forgot the water issue. There was water everywhere, but Zion National Park has a cyanobacteria problem so you should only drink from springs. And the first springs were about 8 miles in.
So it lived on my list of adventures for several years until everything came together and we went for it.
Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Probably with a different approach (hammerhead) and an extra day to slow the pace and give time to explore the direct approach. (There was a section of narrows that we avoided. We were concerned about time and cold water since this section has potential keeper potholes).
And about that weather. I'm sure that people will comment about our decision to go into the canyon with rain in the forecast. Well, we did our homework and knew there were plenty of areas we could scramble up out of the canyon. (Most sections, actually). Our bivy site was set up on benches at the very top of a watershed so flash floods weren't a concern. Never go into a committing slot canyon with rain in the forecast like this, but yes, there are times when it is safe to hike in the rain. But enough of that. The people who know know, and the people who feel otherwise will not be convinced I'm right.
Anyway, Right Fork of North Creek. An incredible back country adventure in Zion National Park that will remain unseen by the vast majority of park visitors.
Music by Artlist:
Pearl - EVOE
At the Bistro - Louis Adrien
Liquid Memoirs - Shimmer
Impossible Things - Creative Cut - Dreamy - Doug Kaufman
Memento Mori - The Duke of Norfolk
Imagine a World - Risian
Years - The Hunts
