Quiet Exploration. Spring Creek is a small, westward-draining canyon, just north of the Zion National Park boundary. A seldom visited canyon, Spring Creek may not provide the majestic views Zion is known for, but it makes for a really nice half-day hike where you're all but guaranteed to have the place to yourself. AND Spring Creek is a rare canyon hike for this area, in that you can legally bring your dog with you!
- Profile
- The Hike
- Maps & Info
LOGISTICS |
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| Rating | Mild to moderate hike |
| Preferred Season | Spring, summer, fall |
| Length | 3 to 6 miles (5 km) roundtrip |
| Time Commitment |
2 to 4 hours |
| Altitude Gain |
500 (152 m) |
| Shade |
Most of the hike is in the shade and cool water. |
| Access |
Starts and finishes immediately outside Kanarraville. |
EQUIPMENT
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| Essentials | Sticky-soled river hiking shoes can be helpful. Warm clothes to cut the chill of the shade and cool water. Food and water for a day hike. |
| Drinking Water | Water is available to purify along most of the hike, but it's easier to bring your own. |
DIFFICULTIES
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| Flash Flood |
High. Sustained narrows prohibit escape in some areas. Do not hike during or after significant rain. |
SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS
Winter - Snowpack and ice will likely be present December thru April. Not recommended in these conditions.
Getting There
From Springdale, take Hwy 9 west to La Verkin, then head north through Toquerville to reach the interstate. Take I-15 North and take the Kanarraville exit. The canyon is visible from I-15, so keep your eye on it. Follow Hwy 91 to the south edge of Kanarraville, at 400 South Main Street, take the road southeast toward the cliffs. After about 0.8 miles, you'll find a parking turnaround and BLM trail marker.The Hike
The beginning of the hike showcases interesting volcanic tufa, with lots of vegetation growing. A small stream flows; follow the road west toward the obvious canyon entrance.The stream will fade away once in the canyon. The narrow sections have boulders and vegetation and while never less than 3 meters wide, provides some neat looking twisty narrows, similar to Orderville Canyon. The canyon has plenty of footpaths to follow to find the easiest way over boulder obstacles or small drywalls.
It's about 1.5 miles to the narrow sections. If you want to explore further, you'll find the canyon splits into two branches about 3 miles from the trailhead; the northern branch becomes Sweetwater Gulch, which features some very nice scenery in a deep canyon setting.
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PDF Canyon GuideA printable canyon description |
Zion: CanyoneeringHave all Zion's classic canyons |
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Detailed Route MapsClick on any map to browse a larger view, |
