Reports surfaced, as they do, of two new bolts in Zion’s Pine Creek, and it sounded like the first one was definitely superfluous. The second – to be determined.

I went in with a friend in October but did not have the correct size socket, and the dainty little adjustable wrench I brought lacked the heft to get the dang thing spinning.

But where, you perhaps ask, was this fresh new bolt in Pine Creek, an already well-bolted canyon traversed safely by thousands of people each year (without it)? It is for what is now the fourth rappel, the 6 foot rap off a jammed stump into the pool just before the Cathedral rappel. The jammed stump is still there, solid as ever. Hard to say why anyone would go to the effort of putting a bolt in here – if you know, let me know!

With the correct tools, the bolt was easily removed. The stump rigged with fresh webbing, order restored in the universe! Erasing the hole with a bit of epoxy putty and sand will have to wait for warmer weather, and I might even be able to get the sleeve out… maybe, maybe not.

We swooshed through the rest of the canyon, found a new rappel, just before where it opens out, or, before the rappel just before it opens out (currently anchored off a log), short enough to be meat anchor/catchable. The log will not be available for long, there.

Further on, after the 60 foot rappel down the corner, the next obstacle has changed AGAIN! Last summer there was an overhead log to use, but that apparently did not like the numerous big flows and went on down the line! This is where the other new bolt is, also of the ‘Powersbolt’ style, so maybe by the same craftsperson as the previous one.

My evaluation: this bolt serves a good purpose. Natural anchors for this rappel are sparse. Perhaps a cairn could be built by moving rocks to this location, but the geometry is not favorable. This canyon is not in designated Wilderness so strict scrutiny need not be applied. I plan on coming back in warmer weather and replacing the single mechanical bolt with a hefty glue-in, perhaps in the same hole.

We trudged on downcanyon for the Boulder-Hop. Such fun! The massive water flows have rearranged the Hop Out substantially. I have done this boulder hop at least 20 times — I recognized about 20% of the route! Huge boulders were gone. Two huge cottonwoods were knocked over. Still the hop was as tedious as ever…

And that’s the news from Pine Creek – see ya when I see ya…

THAT is a long bolt - looks like 3-3/4”. This plus the very awkward drilling stance suggests to me that a power drill might have been used.

Cleanup in Aisle Pine Creek, Oct-Nov 2026

Canyoneering USA