Imlay Canyon
verified 2026-05-12
ACA 4B
High flood risk
Springdale, UT
Advanced classic. Long unrelenting narrows finishing with Imlay Falls rappel into the Zion Narrows.
Do Imlay before Heaps. Advanced pothole escape skills required.
Logistics
| Manager | NPS Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Permit | Wilderness/canyoneering permit ALWAYS required (rope/rappel descent). Acquired via three Recreation.gov paths: Seasonal Lottery 4 months out in 25-day windows (Nov 1-25 for Jan-Mar, Feb 1-25 for Apr-Jun, May 1-25 for Jul-Sep, Aug 1-25 for Oct-Dec); winners notified the 27th, claim by deadline. Unclaimed spots released the 15th at 10am MT. Daily Lottery 2 days out, apply 12:00am-3:00pm MT, drawing at 3:00pm MT. Fees: $6 non-refundable lottery/application fee, $10 per person refundable recreation fee. Pickup at Zion Visitor Center permits desk day-before or day-of. Max group size: 6. |
| Distance | ~9 mi |
| Elevation | ~2300 ft |
| Time | 9-18 hr or overnight |
| Technical | 4B IV R. 18-23 rappels, keeper potholes, prolonged cold water exposure. |
| Season | Summer, fall |
| Flood risk | High |
| Vehicle access | West Rim TH |
| Crowd | Very low |
| Coordinates | 37.27, -112.95 |
Sources
- canyoneering permits: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
- canyoneering overview: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
- seasonal lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251915
- daily lottery: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251918