Checkerboard Canyon
verified
ACA 3B
Unknown flood risk
Springdale, UT
Ten to fifteen rappels and about as many notable downclimbs, then a seven mile exit down the Zion Narrows to the Temple of Sinawava. The approach is long, exposed and off trail before any of that starts.
Two permits, not one: a canyoneering permit for the descent and a Narrows top down permit for the exit. The way out is the long part of the day, and the posted range of 12.5 to 15.5 hours assumes you are moving. All upstream travel beyond Big Springs is prohibited, and exiting up the North Fork can earn a citation, so the Temple of Sinawava is the only legal finish. Plan well ahead in the busy season; both permits compete with heavy demand.
Logistics
| Manager | NPS Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Permit | Required, verify with land manager |
| Distance | 13.4 mi |
| Time | 12.5 hr-15.5 hr |
| Technical | 13 rappels, longest 200 ft |
| Vehicle access | Passenger |
| Coordinates | 37.3466, -112.9352 |
Sources
- permitType: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
- feeUsd: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
- manager: https://ropewiki.com/Checkerboard_Canyon
- nearest town: https://ropewiki.com/Checkerboard_Canyon
- desc: https://ropewiki.com/Checkerboard_Canyon
- notes: https://ropewiki.com/Checkerboard_Canyon