Refrigerator Canyon (Lower)
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:3, max ↨190ft
Red Tape:Permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 15 Mar 2025
"Attempted Lower Refrigerator early afternoon. Spent at least an hour looking for first anchors, including lowering on a rope from near the trail..  |
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| Best season: | Spring;Summer;Fall;Winter
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37.2694, -112.9502
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Introduction[edit]
A short trip with beautiful views. Not really a canyon, but a couple +100' rappels down a wall. Best combined with Angels Landing for those seeking a medium day of adventure where you can get a little later start or have an afternoon finish.
The canyon is on the same approach/exit to Angels Landing. If combining, drop all vertical gear at the drop in; stowing out of sight of the hiking trail and passing visitors. Continue on the trail to summit Angels Landing and return to the drop in, completing the canyon and picking up the same exit trail.
Approach[edit]
Utilize the free Zion Shuttle by parking at the Visitor's Center and taking the shuttle to stop #6 The Grotto Trail. Follow signs/trail for Angels Landing. Approximately 1 mile in, the trail turns sharp left into the narrows of Refrigerator canyon (denoted by the cooler temperatures). The only and obvious footbridge on the trail marks the start of Lower Refrigerator.
Descent[edit]
From the footbridge, follow the canyon downstream down a short narrow section of downclimbing that may be optionally rappelled depending on comfort level by webbing found in a log jam.
R1: 30' 2 bolted hangers LDC to a pool. The pool can be bypassed by carefully traversing RDC above the waterline and jumping across to the large ledge. You are now out of the narrow section and at the top of the headwall.
R2: 115' 2 bolted hangers RDC to a small, 3-person ledge. Sequence thoughtfully for larger parties.
R3: 190' 2 bolted hangers on the ledge. There are 4 total bolts and 3 hangers, but 2 have eroded and are unfit for rappelling. Use the obvious choice.
Note: measured R3 in June 2024 and it was decidedly less than 190', more like 170'.
Exit[edit]
Follow the canyon RDC downstream through a short section of boulder hopping. When the debris begins to clear, look for a use trail RDC. Follow up to a grassy knoll and continue on the use trail to connect to the main, paved, hiking trail.
Red tape[edit]
Zion canyoneering permit required. This permit is unavailable through the online reservation system and must be obtained in person at the permit desk in the Visitor's Center.
Be mindful of the shuttle time schedule and plan your day accordingly.
Beta sites[edit]
BluuGnome.com : Refrigerator Canyon (Lower)- CanyoneeringUSA.com : Refrigerator
Zion Canyoneering Book by Tom Jones : Refrigerator - Lower- ZionCanyoneering.com : Lower Refrigerator Canyon
- RoadTripRyan.com : Refrigerator Canyon
- That Adventure Life : Refrigerator Canyon
Trip reports and media[edit]
Video from June 18, 2022 https://youtu.be/lMyIYz9RVRw
