Grotto Canyon (Zion National Park)

Grotto Canyon (Zion National Park) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3B III (v3a2 III) Raps:‌9, max ↨260ft Metric Overall: 4-8h  ⟷5.8mi Yes Red Tape:‌Permit required Shuttle:‌Required
Location:	37.2511, -112.9435
Condition Reports:	28 Mar 2026 "Actually a pretty great route! Seriously underrated! Hike in from Stave is super cruiser, clean trail whole way to drainage. Initial bushwack to get o
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Regions:	North America United States Utah Southwest Utah Zion National Park  Zion East Side

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/technical/grotto-canyon,http://ropewiki.com/User:Zion_Canyoneering_Book?id=Grotto_Canyon,http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=Grotto_Canyon_-_Zion_Area,http://zioncanyoneering.com/Canyon/Grotto-Canyon,http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/zion/zion_grotto/zion_grotto.aspx

http://bluugnome.com/cyn_route/zion/zion_grotto/zion_grotto.aspx

37.2511, -112.9435https://ropewiki.com/images/b/b2/Grotto_Canyon_%28Zion_National_Park%29.kmltopo

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Introduction

A rugged seldom descended canyon starting in a wooded watercourse ending in dramatic slotted cliffs. Featuring multiple large rappels and many downclimbs.

Approach

Leave a vehicle at Canyon Junction or Visitors Center and drive up to Stave Spring TH to start. Hike Stave Spring a short distance before turning left on to Deer Trap Trail. After about 4 miles of easy trail hiking, turn off into a short bushy thicket at the head of the drainage. After a very short and not overly terrible bushwhack, the drainage opens a bit and the downclimbing begins…

Descent

Down climb the dirty log/rock filled drainage a little ways before reaching R1

Some rap lengths/anchors copied from BlueGnome, a few have been updated and verified 3/28/26

R1 50ft - tree high DCR

R2 205ft - tree high DCR (2 stage)

R3 80ft - tree DCR

R4 80ft - tree high DCL

R5 60ft - bolts high DCL into pool (potential to stick rope on hanging chock stone) - length verified 3/28/26

R6 215’ - bolts high DCR - length verified 3/28/26

R7 50ft - bolts DCL

R8 205ft - bolts center floor - length verified 3/28/26

R9 260ft - bolts center floor

Exit

Follow the spring a short ways down and out to the Grotto Bus stop.

Red tape

Entry to this area may be restricted; check for information regarding permits before attempting this trip

Beta sites

• CanyoneeringUSA.com  : Grotto
• Zion Canyoneering Book by Tom Jones  : Grotto Canyon

 - Trails have been re-located since the book was published, so the approach description is likely incorrect. Please check the website for up to date information.

• Super Amazing Map  : Grotto Canyon
• ZionCanyoneering.com  : Grotto Canyon
• BluuGnome.com  : Grotto Canyon

Background

Incidents

Credits

Grotto Canyon (Zion National Park)

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).