Imlay Canyon (Full)
Beta for the full Imlay route in Zion National Park
Duration
10
- 16 hrs.
Longest Rappel
170 ft
Number of Rappels
25
Country: united states
State/Province: UT
City or Nearest City: Springdale
Camping:
Lava Point Campground
Approaches:
First Rappel:
Last Rappel:
Exits:
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1. Approaches:
2. Canyon Time:
10 hour(s), 45 minute(s).
3. Exit Time:
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Total Adventure Time:
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Essential Canyoneering Gear
Descender - Hoodoo
Carabiners
Quicklinks
Harness
Gloves
Rope
Helmet
Personal Anchor System
Canyoneering Shoes (LA Sportiva TX3)
Webbing (Bluewater)
VT Prusik
Pull Cord
Wet Canyon Gear
Because this is a wet canyon, we strongly recommend having these supplies
Seasonal Gear Recommendations
for Imlay Canyon (Full)
WARNING
This canyon has an additional R rating and requires that group members be skilled in pothole escapes and overcoming a variety of obstacles. Group members will be required to complete a multi-stage rappel in the upper section of the canyon where you will have to stand on a tiny ledge that is big enough for only one person while transitioning to a second rope. Since water levels vary greatly in this canyon, avoid jumping into potholes until you know water levels are safe to jump in. A wetsuit is required for this canyon.
Campsites Nearby
Imlay Canyon Rappels
- 25 rappels
Rappel 1
Rappel 1 Anchor
Webbing around a large tree provides a great anchor for the first rappel.
Overview
This rappel is on a large ledge with a couple of large trees just below the use trail. Rappel down a sloped canyon wall that is more vertical the further you go down. Enjoy the views.
Tips
Make sure to stop on the obvious ledge about 140 ft. down the wall. This is where the anchor is for rappel 2. You will not have enough rope if you continue down the sidewall from the top of rap1.
Top View Photos
Rappel 2
Length: 115 ft
Coordinates: 37.319570,-112.985841
Rappel 2 Anchor
Rappel 2 is also anchor from a sturdy tree with webbing. The anchor is located directly at the bottom of the first rappel.
Overview
This rap is located right at the bottom of rappel 1. Rappel down into the main watercourse from a tree.
Rappel 3
Rappel 3 Anchor
Use the log or the small bush as an anchor for this two-stage drop.
Overview
Rappel 3 is directly at the bottom of rappel 2 in the watercourse. Rappel down over two-stages further down into the watercourse.
Tips
Mind your rope pull.
Top View Photos
Rappel 4
Length: 65 ft
Coordinates: 37.319535,-112.983472
Rappel 4 Anchor
Webbing slung around a tree.
Overview
From the bottom of rappel 3, hike and scramble down the watercourse until you come to a drop-off that is obviously too large to rappel with the ropes that you need for this canyon. Where this drop-off is, climb up a dirt embankment directly to your left. As soon as you scramble up the embankment to the left, you will see the webbing for the rappel 4 around a medium-sized tree. Rappel down about 65 ft. to a large tree. This is the first rappel in a 3 rappel sequence that will drop you back into the main watercourse.
Tips
At the bottom of this rappel, use a personal anchor to tether yourself into the anchor for rappel 5 before sending anyone else down from rappel 4. There is not much room at the bottom of rappel 4, so to avoid clogging, have the next person wait until you are hooked up on rappel 5 to come down rappel 4.
Top View Photos
Rappel 5
Length: 70 ft
Coordinates: 37.319485,-112.983397
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
This is the second stage in the 3-stage sequence to the main watercourse. Rappel down another 70 feet to some bolts just above a small ledge before the big drop to the canyon bottom.
Tips
At the bottom of this rappel, use a personal anchor to tether yourself into the anchor for rappel 6 before sending anyone else down from rappel 5. There is not much room at the bottom of rappel 5 for more than one person. Make sure to tie knots in the end of your rope.
Bottom View Photos
Rappel 6
Length: 170 ft
Coordinates: 37.319435,-112.983283
Rappel 6 Anchor
Bolted hangers just above a small ledge that you can balance on to set up the rappel.
Overview
This is the final and biggest rappel in the 3-rappel sequence. This is a 170 ft. rappel that is breathtaking. Descend a beautiful wall to a large ledge below.
Tips
Use caution while tethering and untethering from the anchor. The ledge here can fit no more than one person.
Top View Photos
Bottom View Photos
Upper Section Rappels
Length: ft
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
After the 6th rappel in the upper section, there are a handful of other rappels and downclimbs that you will encounter before the crossroads (where the Full Imlay Route meets the Sneak Route). The number of rappels can vary depending on team members' downclimbing skill level and water levels.
Top View Photos
Lower Section Rappels
Length: 100 ft
Lower Section Rappel Anchors
In the past, anchors for the rappels in the lower section of Imlay were known to be old and kind of scary. Now many of the bolts and hangers have been replaced and are in good condition.
Overview
There are many rappels in the lower section after the crossroads and the number will vary depending on the water level. The longest rappel in the lower section is the last rappel, which is about 120 ft..
Top View Photos
The Trash Compactor
Length: ft
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
The Trash Compactor is a short section in the lower slot that is filled with logs and debris. It can be a challenge to get out of depending on the water level. If you have to swim through this section it is generally going to be more difficult to get out of than if the water is low and you can touch the bottom.
Top View Photos
Potholes
Length: ft
More anchor information coming soon.
Overview
The majority of the potholes that you will come across in this canyon are in the lower section after the crossroads. Depending on time of year and water levels from recent rains, escapes form these potholes will vary in difficulty. A wetsuit is necessary year-round.
Tips
Make sure you are prepared with the correct equipment for these escapes, and that everyone in your group is experienced with escaping potholes. Bring hooks/talons, alpine aiders/ladders, tethers, and potshots for escapes.
Top View Photos
Final Rappel
Length: 120 ft
Coordinates: 37.30959,-112.94927
Final Rappel Anchor
There is a line that leads out the main anchor that you can tether into as you reach around the corner to set up the rappel from the webbing and bolted hangers.
Overview
From the bottom of a 100 ft. rappel, you will be able to hear water flowing from the Narrows. This means you have one rappel left! Walk out on a small ledge to a sharp drop into the Narrows. There is typically a safety line set up here for you to reach the actual anchor around the corner. Rappel down one of the most scenic rappels of the canyon into the warmer water of the Narrows.
Tips
Lower you ropes and any gear instead of throwing them because there is a chance there are hikers in the Narrows at the bottom.
Top View Photos
Imlay Canyon Gallery
Imlay Canyon (Full) Trip Reports
June 19, 2021
We did the full Imlay route starting at the West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point. We had someone leave a car for us at the Temple of Sinawava bus stop. To be able to park at the Temple of Sinawava you must acquire a White Pass from the permit window at the visitor's center. We started hiking at 4:40 a.m. and got to our exit vehicle at 8:00 p.m. We had a great time in the canyon! Anchor conditions were fair to good. Water levels were lower than in years past, but still held enough water that multiple potholes were swimmers. We used hooks and tethers on one of the potholes, but we were able to escape all the other pothole using partner assists. As far as ropes, we brought 300 ft. (VERY light 8mm), 150 ft., 120 ft., 40 ft., and 60 ft. ropes. You can use a 200 ft. rope instead of a 300, but our 300 was very light and we wanted to double-strand on the longer rappels. The small ropes we brought for the short rappels and pothole escapes. Don't forget your wetsuit! People in our group used 4mm and 5mm suits and we were all warm enough. Check with the permit window at the visitor's center the day before to get a better idea of current conditions in Imlay.