Canyon Name:Middle Echo Canyon
Class: WCCM 4B II – III
Gear: WCCM layers, cold / icy water most of the year, 3 – 40′ ropes, 40′ webbing, 4 rappel rings, dry bags, headlamp, self-rescue gear. Permits from the Zion N.P. Visitors Center. Please note the longest rappel in bold below and the rope lengths mentioned above serve as the WCCM rule of thumb of bringing 3 times the longest rappel of rope into any canyon route.
Expected Time Commitment: For a solid team, car to car 4-6 hours
Technical Obstacles: Rappels and swims up to 30′, awkward starts, frigid icy water, partner assist to escape pothole at base of third rappel, possible ice/ snow large enough to block down canyon progress. Check with the backcountry desk for updated conditions.
Non Technical Obstacles: Large accumulation of snow and ice which slides in from the upper canyon rim possibly blocking down canyon progress and or forcing one to crawl under and or climb over. Without proper ice climbing gear this could be hazardous. Check with the backcountry desk for updated conditions. High heat on the approach very cold in the canyon with frigid water temps.
Recommended Time of Year: Summer or Fall. Never during the threat of Flash Floods.
Finding the Trailhead: Trailhead begins and ends up at the “Weeping Rock” shuttle stop.
The Approach: Climb the Observation Point trail to the point where it crosses Echo Canyon proper. (the actual water course). This is where you will end up after your descent. Continue up the trial 1/2 mile (800 m) to where Echo Canyon trail branches off right. This smaller trail will work its way into the creek bed of Echo Canyon. Follow the trail 50′ (15 m) further through the woods and begin your descent.
The Canyon Descent: Good gear up spot just before the first pool, from there 4 rappels with a small pothole escape at the base of the third drop.
Rappel #1 20′ through a V shaped notch.
Rappel #2 25′ into pool.
Rappel #3 25” into pool with possible partner assist to escape the pool. not wise to solo unless you can solo exit a pothole.
Rappel #4 30′ into pool.
Pack up the ropes and get ready for a few down climbs and deep wades/ small swims during the final 1/2 hour of deep slot canyon hiking.
Egress: Hang a left when you reach the Observation Point trail and follow it down the switchbacks to the shuttle stop.
