Imlay Canyon (Full)
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| | Difficulty:4B IV R (v5a2 IV) Raps:20 - 46, max ↨170ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:Required Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 5 Jun 2026
"NEW ANCHORS!. In light of the multiple near misses due to large unstable flakes on the big wall sequence in Upper Imlay, we’ve decided to install |
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| Best season: | BEST in Jun;Jul;Aug;Sep
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37.3199, -112.9860
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Introduction
One of the hardest canyons in Zion. Easy when potholes are full, it can become extremely difficult in adverse conditions. Should start hiking pre-dawn if attempted in one long day.
Approach
Hike in from Lava Point on West Rim trail about 5 miles until reaching Potato Hollow. Take the side trail towards Campsite 8. Before reaching the campsite turn right into the field, hike over the berm and follow the faint use trail along the canyon edge and down to R1 tree.
Descent
R1 - 150’ off large pine, low angle slope
R2 - 70’ off large pine in direct succession into canyon
R3 - 30’ bolt DCL
R4 - 70’ bolder DCL multistage, then downclimb
Move though drainage, pushing through bushes
R5 - 50’ tree DCL or downclimb slab
More bushy drainage
~ Big Wall Sequence ~ Updated 6/26
R6 - 130’ 2 bolts DCL to hanging midwall station
R7 - 170’ 2 bolts hanging station into shallow crack. (Only room for 2, no ledge) lands just above seasonal pool.
Scramble up and hike down brushy nose into canyon.
Only the first 7 rappels are described for clarification on updated anchors and new big wall sequence that avoids rock fall risk of old sequence. For more detailed info of subsequent rappels, see attached beta sites.
Exit
Red tape
Permits
Permits are required with a group-size limit of 6 people.
The permit system is complicated and is no longer administered by the park service. However, it is advisable to start at the park's webpage for canyoneering permit information when looking for permits and details about how they are obtained and other regulations and timeframes. Zion NP Canyoneering Permits: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
Vehicle (Yellow) Passes
If you are starting Heaps or Imlay from the main Zion Canyon floor and hiking up the West Rim Trail, the park WILL issue you a vehicle pass. This is because these canyons require an early start—well before the in-canyon shuttles begin operating for the day—and you’ll need a permit to drive up Zion Canyon and leave a vehicle at the trailhead.
If you are starting from Lava Point, however, the park WILL NOT issue a vehicle pass. Even though you’ll be relying on the in-canyon shuttle to return at the end of the day, the Park’s reasoning is that since you can reach Lava Point on your own schedule, you should be able to start early enough to complete the canyon and catch the last shuttle without needing to leave a vehicle in Zion Canyon.
It's possible that some rangers better understand the implications of the policy and may be willing to issue vehicle passes for those doing the top-down route. Rangers do have some discretion, but the above information is based on the official policy and email correspondence with the Zion Wilderness Desk.
Beta sites
BluuGnome.com : Imlay Canyon- HikeArizona.com : Imlay Canyon
Zion Canyoneering Book by Tom Jones : Imlay Full- CanyoneeringUSA.com : Imlay; Full
- ZionCanyoneering.com : Imlay Canyon
- SummitPost.org : Imlay Canyon
Trip reports and media
- Dennis Turville on Canyon Tales : Troll's Treat (aka Imlay Canyon), June 7-9, 1978
- Scott Card on Canyon Tales : Sneak Route & Full Imlay
6.21.2017: Group of 6, from West Rim TH to Temple 13 hours, 4 hookers, low water conditions; wetsuits not needed in upper section or first narrows in lower section.
The dirty part of Imlay.
- http://adamhaydock.blogspot.com/2015/10/imlay-canyon-full-zion-national-park.html
- Candition.com : Imlay
Background
Big wall rappel sequence moved and rebolted 6/26 due to rockfall hazard