Hidden Canyon, Weeping Rock Trailhead, Zion National Park, Utah
Hidden Canyon - 2.0 miles
Weeping Rock Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.0 miles (unmaintained travel continues up canyon) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 4,320' - 5,130' (5,130' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +810' net elevation gain (+855' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Hidden Canyon - 2.0 Miles Round-Trip
The Hidden Canyon Trail climbs the east wall of Zion Canyon to a side canyon featuring a narrow slot, a free standing arch and a series of challenging scrambles. Steep drop-offs en route may discourage some, but those who reach the Hidden Canyon entrance will enjoy great views across Zion Canyon and the option to explore this intimate slot.
The Hidden Canyon Trail climbs 810' in just one mile through riparian systems on the canyon floor, hanging gardens where springs seep from sandstone walls, deciduous clusters of maple and oak and coniferous stands of ponderosa and fir.
Narrow, slickrock ledges can be hazardous. Avoid hiking when wet and descend these sections before storms arrive. Slot travel requires athleticism and moderate-advanced scrambling skills.
Hidden Canyon may hold snow well into early summer. Thawing snow may slicken obstacles, rendering them unsafe to climb. Call ahead for trail and canyon conditions:
Follow signs from the Weeping Rock shuttle stop to the East Rim Trail. The East Rim Trail climbs steeply on rough-pour switchbacks to the Observation Point - East Rim Trail - Hidden Canyon Trail junction (.55 miles : 4.805'); bear right towards Hidden Canyon on what are now quick intervals of packed dirt and uneven sandstone.
Magnificent panoramas of The Spearhead, Angels Landing, The Organ and the Big Bend in the Virgin River emerge on this fast climb.
The trail curls to a deep, shaded crevice in the main canyon up which stone steps lead to the first of several narrow, chain-aided ledges (.75 miles : 4,945'). Be mindful of others sharing and negotiating these tight spaces.
The ledge curls inward once more (.9 miles), circumvents a natural pothole and rises one final time along notched-stairs blasted in sandstone to the Hidden Canyon entrance (1.0 miles : 5,130').
Those continuing on will enter the canyon and immediately veer left, up and over the first obstacle. Once through you'll be dwarfed and confined by tall walls and minimal natural light.
Not far in, up and to the right is the arch, which lies relatively flush with the canyon's east wall. Travel is more challenging as you progress, with one of the toughest approximately .6 miles in where a dry fall can only be scaled with rope assitance.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N37 16.255 W112 56.308 — 0.0 miles : Weeping Rock Trailhead
- N37 16.135 W112 56.197 — .55 miles : Observation Point-Hidden Canyon Trail split
- N37 16.063 W112 56.246 — .65 miles : Climb stone stairs up slot
- N37 16.080 W112 56.309 — 1.0 miles : Trail ends at Hidden Canyon entrance
Worth Noting
- Steep drop-offs make this trail unsuitable for anyone fearful of heights. Avoid hiking when wet or when storms threaten.
- Some canyon obstacles are more easily scaled up than down. Only confident, experienced scramblers should push deep into Hidden Canyon.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips in Zion National Park. This includes climbing bivouacs, all thru-hikes of the Virgin River Narrows and tributaries, any trip into the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway), and all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes.
Permits are available at both Visitor Centers the day of or day before your trip. Permits are limited.
- $15: 1-2 people
- $20: 3-7 people
- $25: 8-12 people
Permits may also be reserved up to 3 months in advance through the online reservation system. A $5 non-refundable fee + an additional fee determined by the size of your group is required when using the online reservation system. Click here to reserve.
- Camp only in designated sites.
- Fires are not permitted at backcountry campsites or within the backcountry in Zion National Park.
- Desert water sources are scarce and fragile. Do not bathe or wash dishes in creeks or pools.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $30 fee per vehicle to enter Zion National Park (defined as private passenger cars with 15 people or less). Passes are good for 7 consecutive days.
- $25 per motorcycle.
- $15 per person (walk or bike).
- Dogs are not permitted on trails in Zion National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Weeping Rock Trailhead.
Contact Information
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
435.772.3256
Open: Daily
Closed: December 25
Spring: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fall: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kolob Canyon Visitor Center
435.772.3256
Open: Daily
Closed: December 25
Spring: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fall: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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