
Pine Creek Canyon
Experience the dramatic slot canyons of Zion or the vast gorge of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. Adventure awaits!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Ideal temps for hiking & canyoneering

Pine Creek Canyon
Best Time
Ideal temps for hiking & canyoneering

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the dramatic slot canyons of Zion or the vast gorge of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. Adventure awaits!
"A classic Zion adventure, well worth the trip even with crowds and permit challenges."

Permit Power! 🎟️
Last-minute permits for Zion's Pine Creek Canyon can be easier to snag than you think. Plan ahead but stay flexible!
Wetsuit Wisdom 💧
The water in Utah's Pine Creek Canyon is cold! Wetsuits are highly recommended for a more comfortable canyoneering experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Zion's Slot Canyon Adventure
Zion National Park, Utah
Navigate narrow slot canyons, rappel down waterfalls, and swim through cool water for an unforgettable canyoneering experience.

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Views
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Marvel at the vastness of the Pine Creek Gorge from overlooks like Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks.

Historic Pine Creek Trail
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Hike through remnants of early 20th-century homesteads and enjoy a scenic desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Your Pine Creek Canyon
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Permit Power! 🎟️
Last-minute permits for Zion's Pine Creek Canyon can be easier to snag than you think. Plan ahead but stay flexible!
Wetsuit Wisdom 💧
The water in Utah's Pine Creek Canyon is cold! Wetsuits are highly recommended for a more comfortable canyoneering experience.
Footwear First! :athletic_shoe:
Sturdy, quick-drying shoes are essential for navigating rocky terrain and water in slot canyons.
Rim Views Galore! :camera_with_flash:
For the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, visit both Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks for distinct, breathtaking perspectives.
Tips
from all over the internet
Permit Power! 🎟️
Last-minute permits for Zion's Pine Creek Canyon can be easier to snag than you think. Plan ahead but stay flexible!
Wetsuit Wisdom 💧
The water in Utah's Pine Creek Canyon is cold! Wetsuits are highly recommended for a more comfortable canyoneering experience.
Footwear First! :athletic_shoe:
Sturdy, quick-drying shoes are essential for navigating rocky terrain and water in slot canyons.
Rim Views Galore! :camera_with_flash:
For the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, visit both Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks for distinct, breathtaking perspectives.
Pack Smart for History 📜
The Pine Creek Trail in Red Rock Canyon offers a glimpse into the past. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for this historical hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the dramatic beauty of Pine Creek Canyon, whether it's the challenging slot canyons of Zion or the expansive gorge in Pennsylvania. The unique geological formations and adventurous activities are consistently praised. However, some find the technical demands and necessary gear for canyoneering to be a barrier, and crowds can be an issue during peak times.
"I saw it from above while hiking the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail, and the view was truly impressive. The deep, winding slot canyon cuts through the desert landscape with dramatic curves and narrow passageways, offering a glimpse into the power of erosion over time."
Eric L
"A classic Zion adventure. Even though permits can sometimes be hard to get and this canyon may be crowded, it is well worth the trip. It's best done when full of water, and last minute permits seem to be reasonably easy to get."
Austin Farnworth
"Great canyoneering. Narrow slot, large rappel to finish, several places where we had to swim. The hike from the canyon exit to the parking lots was a long scramble over a bunch of boulders, don't be deceived if it looks short on a map."
Steven Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Creek Canyon is accessible within Zion National Park. You'll typically need to hike or use park shuttles to reach trailheads. For canyoneering, the approach involves hiking into the canyon.
The Pine Creek Gorge is best accessed by car. Key viewpoints and trailheads are located at Leonard Harrison State Park (east rim) and Colton Point State Park (west rim).
Within Zion National Park, a shuttle system operates to various trailheads. For the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, public transport is limited, and a car is highly recommended for exploring the area.
In Zion, you cannot drive directly into the slot canyon. Access is via hiking or guided tours. In Pennsylvania, you can drive to the overlooks at the state parks, but driving into the gorge itself is not permitted.
For Zion's Pine Creek Canyon, the closest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). For Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge, Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT) is nearby, or you can fly into Harrisburg (MDT) or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While general park entry to Zion requires a fee, specific permits are needed for overnight stays or certain activities. For canyoneering Pine Creek, permits are often required and can be obtained through a lottery system or last-minute walk-ups.
Zion National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official NPS website for current pricing. Permits for specific activities like canyoneering are separate.
Pennsylvania State Parks generally do not have entrance fees. However, there may be fees for specific facilities like camping or parking during peak times.
Yes, booking guided tours for canyoneering in Zion's Pine Creek Canyon is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as they often include necessary permits and gear.
Zion National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, though visitor centers have specific hours. Pennsylvania State Parks are typically open from dawn to dusk. Always check official park websites for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For an adventurous experience, canyoneering through the slot canyon is popular, involving rappelling and swimming. For a less technical option, hiking the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail offers stunning views from above.
Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park offer the most iconic and breathtaking views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Both provide different perspectives of the vast canyon.
Canyoneering in Zion's Pine Creek Canyon is considered technical and requires experience or a guide. The Overlook Trail is a moderate hike suitable for most. In Pennsylvania, many trails are beginner-friendly.
The Pine Creek Trail is about 3.4 miles round trip and can take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much you stop to explore the historical remnants.
In Zion, you might see mule deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge is home to deer, black bears, and a rich diversity of birdlife. Always maintain a safe distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The slot canyon itself offers dramatic light and shadow play. The Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail provides panoramic shots of the canyon's curves.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the vastness of the Pine Creek Gorge. Midday can be harsh, but still offers impressive scale.
A waterproof camera or a good phone case is advisable due to water. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the narrow confines of slot canyons.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks like Zion and often in State Parks. Always check the specific park regulations before flying a drone.
Capture the winding Pine Creek river from above, the dramatic cliff faces, and the lush forest canopy. The sheer scale of the gorge is a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Zion, while full canyoneering might be too intense, the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail provides stunning views without extreme difficulty. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring other family-friendly trails within Zion National Park.
💰 Budget Travelers
For Zion, while park entry has a fee, hiking and exploring the main canyon areas can be done without expensive tours if you are prepared with your own gear and knowledge for less technical routes. Consider packing your own food to save on dining costs.
🧗 Adventure Seekers
Rock climbing is also a significant draw in areas like the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, with routes like 'Hail to Hanuman' in Pine Creek Canyon attracting climbers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Canyoneering in Zion's Pine Creek
Key considerations for canyoneering Pine Creek include:
* Permits: Essential for entry, often obtained via lottery or last-minute walk-ups.
* Gear: A full canyoneering kit, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and wetsuits, is mandatory. Sturdy, quick-drying footwear is also crucial.
* Conditions: The canyon is best run when full of water, but flash flood potential must always be monitored. Check weather forecasts diligently.
Many visitors opt for guided tours, which provide necessary equipment and expertise, making the experience accessible and safer for those new to canyoneering.
Exploring the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Activities and viewpoints include:
* Scenic Overlooks: Both parks offer stunning vistas, with Leonard Harrison providing more developed facilities and Colton Point offering a more rugged, natural feel.
* Hiking: Numerous trails wind along the rim and descend into the gorge, including the popular Turkey Path.
* Biking: The Pine Creek Rail Trail, a former railroad bed, offers a relatively flat and scenic route for cyclists along the creek.
This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and simply enjoying the immense natural beauty.
History and Hiking at Red Rock's Pine Creek Trail
The trail is popular for hiking, trail running, and rock climbing, providing a less crowded alternative to some of Red Rock's more famous routes. The historical aspect adds a layer of discovery to the scenic desert vistas, making it an engaging experience for those interested in local history.
Tips for visiting:
* Water: Carry plenty of water, as desert hikes can be dehydrating.
* Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for rocky terrain.
* Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit