Canyon Name: Lower Echo Canyon.
Class: 4 B IV
Gear: WCCM layers, 14 – ropes of varied length up to 120′ long, 70′ webbing, dry bags, headlamp, self-rescue gear. Permits from the Zion N.P. Visitors Center. This is a “Down and Back” canyon route utilizing “fixed rope” techniques for re-ascending.
Expected Time Commitment: For a solid team, trailhead – trailhead 8-11 hours
Technical Obstacles: Rappels and swims up to 110′, awkward starts, swimming disconnects, Fixed rope reascending, possible partner assist out of one pothole mid route.
Non Technical Obstacles: Heat on the approach cold in the canyon with frigid water temps.
Recommended Time of Year: Spring, Summer or Fall. After the snow melt and never during threat of a Flash Flood.
Finding the Trailhead: Weeping Rock Trailhead / shuttle stop
The Approach: Follow the trail up towards Observation Point for about 45 minutes. Depart the trail when it crosses the water course for Echo Canyon.
The Canyon Descent: Take time to find and anchor and conceal your fixed rope at the first drop as it will be subjected theft if found by the wrong hiker Joe. We left a note in the anchor stating that there is a group down canyon who’s lives will depend on this rope not being touched in anyway. Also advisable to fix the tail of your rope at the bottom so that it cannot be pulled up by someone who cant read your note.
Rappels: Up to 14 rappels with several in the 60′ – 80′ up to 120′ with one possible pothole to duo climb out of. The end of the route stops above a 335′ free hanging rappel which is dangerous and illegal. This rappel ends up at the base of the Weeping Rock overlook and will frequently have hikers sitting on the benches below. Not cool to have your ropes drop down onto them. Plus you will be turned into the park service.
Egress: Reascend your fixed ropes then return hike back down towards the main canyon and Weeping Rock shuttle. There is a 5th class climb that leads back up to the Observation Point trail. It goes at a loose dirty 5.6 and can be protected with fixed pitons (if you can find them) and or stoppers if you wish to try. Remember not to lead climb on your static ropes and to stay way away from the exposed rim of the canyon. There are several loose death blocks that can easily be knocked loose and will most likely hit people hiking 400+ feet down on the Weeping Rock trail. A thorough assessment of this upclimb can be made by rappelling the route. You can find this route by carefully walking the slick rock ridge down where the Observation Point trail turns into Echo Canyon for the first time. Remember to stay far away from the edge overlooking the parking area below!
