Upper Orderville Canyon Trail

Upper Orderville Canyon is a semi-technical canyoneering route in East Zion, often called the Narrows' little sister — narrower, darker, and shorter, but still a serious canyon trip rather than a hike. The route starts at the Orderville Canyon Trailhead off North Fork Road and drops roughly 1,900 feet before joining the Narrows near the Temple of Sinawava, the last shuttle stop in the main canyon.

It's technical: expect downclimbing, cold-water swims through deep pools, and two rappels under 20 feet, so a 50-foot rope, rappelling gear, and webbing for anchors are standard kit. A Zion wilderness permit is required, and the canyon closes during spring runoff, typically April into May, when flows are too high and cold to be safe.

Like every route feeding into the Narrows corridor, it carries real flash-flood risk — check the park's current flood potential rating and weather forecast before committing, since a storm well upstream can raise water fast with little warning at the trailhead.