What is Canyonneering?
Canyoneering Canyoneering Burch Hollow: Big Raps, Deep Mud, and One Epic Day Out
Just outside the east boundary of Zion National Park sits a hidden gem of a canyon—Burch Hollow. This rugged and dramatic canyon serves up a serious adventure with everything you’d want in a classic Zion-area canyoneering experience: steep sandstone walls, a massive rappel, epic views, and the occasional swampy surprise.
The highlight of the canyon is the 120-foot rappel off a massive tree perched on the edge of a cliff. It’s a heart-pumping drop and not a place you want to run into rope issues—bring extra rope and know your rigging, because stuck ropes here are a common story, especially when pulling from that big tree anchor.
Who’s It For?
Burch Hollow is not your average beginner canyon, but it can be done by confident beginners who are up for a long day. Expect 6–8 hours if you’re new to the sport, especially if you’re route-finding and dealing with tricky conditions. More experienced canyoneers can knock it out in about 3–4 hours and often choose to shuttle the route for efficiency. The top-down approach is definitely the way to go if you’ve got a vehicle at the bottom.
Canyon Conditions
This canyon can hold water and mud, especially after recent rains or snowmelt. Sometimes it’s just a little sloggy. Other times, you might be thigh-deep in sticky muck that smells like wet socks and regret. Dry bags and neoprene socks are worth considering, and always check the forecast—Burch Hollow has a high risk of flash flooding, like many drainages in the Zion region.
Anchors and Safety
All anchors in Burch Hollow are bomber—either solid metal bolts or big healthy trees. The route feels remote and wild, but it’s well-traveled enough that the anchor systems are dialed in and regularly maintained by the canyoneering community. Still, always inspect before you trust.
If Your looking for more of a technical guide we would recommend this website as great place to start https://www.canyoneeringusa.com/zion/technical/birch-hollow
There are a lot of rappels in the canyon most of which small, but a few longer ones, i usually skip the first chossy rappel in the c
Start Point (GPS Pin)
The top of the canyon is accessed from North Fork Road, east of Zion. Here’s a Google Maps pin to the entrance to help you find the drop-in point:
📍 37.336505, -112.860796
Parking can be a bit tricky, so be mindful of private property and leave no trace.
Pro Tips:
- Bring at least 200 feet of rope and a pull cord for the big rappel.
- Watch your rope pull on the final rappel—it’s a notorious rope-eater.
- Don’t forget a wetsuit or extra layers if it’s early spring or late fall.
- Check weather reports and local flash flood forecasts before you go.
Final Thoughts
Burch Hollow delivers in a big way—epic rappels, a remote feel, and just the right amount of sketchiness to keep your heart rate up. It’s one of those canyons that makes you feel like you’ve earned every view and splash of mud. Whether you’re ticking off a Zion-area classic or just want a solid full-body canyon day, Burch Hollow is a must for the adventurous.
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