Hidden Canyon is perched above the east rim of Zion Canyon, offering an exciting hike with rewarding scenery. That more famous Angel’s Landing Trail is not the only trek in Zion with dangerous drop-offs that require chain railings for safe passage, because this 4.5-mile trek takes hikers across dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.

The trek begins at the Weeping Rock trailhead. Instead of turning left toward that attraction, take the trail to the right and begin a steady climb up the side of Zion Canyon. After one mile of long paved switchbacks, turn right at the junction toward Hidden Canyon. The track to the left continues to Inspiration Point and East Rim Trail.

Looking down across Zion Canyon

Above the junction, continue to climb, and chip away at the 850 feet of elevation that lie between the trailhead and Hidden Canyon. Progress southward to a panoramic landing on the wall of Zion Canyon, 1.5 miles from the start. From here, things get quite interesting. Chains appear along the sheer vertical cliff guiding hikers along a surprising course. The trail reaches a small canyon, suspended above the cliffs, but this is not Hidden Canyon, and somehow the adventure continues. Take the stone staircase up to a path cut into the rock wall on the opposite side of the little canyon. This is exhilarating hiking, but if you have a fear of heights, the thousand-foot drop-offs may not be for you.

The trail rounds the cliff face

Your hands will be gripping even more chains as the trail curls around the ledge to the mouth of a second canyon, Hidden Canyon. The maintained trail ends here, but do not let that deter you. Continue 0.3 miles to a small natural arch within this pristine and remote-feeling hanging canyon.

The small arch in Hidden Canyon

The canyon is narrow and gradual with a sandy bottom and a few rock obstacles. None are too difficult to cross, until a third of a mile in when a fifteen foot dry falls blocks progress. Technical climbing is required to go any further, so turn around here for a 4.5-mile day hike.

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Upper Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, ride the shuttle for approximately twenty-five minutes and get off at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. Head east across the parking lot past the bathrooms to the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

                                                           

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Hidden Canyon on protrails.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

A shuttle and trail map of Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park