Birch Hollow + Orderville is a test of endurance: an 11 mile, high-reward canyoneering adventure in Zion National Park.
The route is straightforward, mostly downhill (with a shuttle to the East Rim trailhead) and is a wilderness journey into Zion's backcountry. There are three stages to the trip: the first stage, Birch Hollow, is a technical canyoneering route that ends at Orderville Canyon; the second stage (Orderville Canyon) begins a mostly non-technical hiking trip culminating in a waterpark-like experience as you downclimb many obstacles through flowing water. When the canyon seems over, you arrive at the confluence of two major canyons, Orderville and the Zion Narrows (North Fork Virgin River), which begins the third stage: a scenic (albeit popular and crowded) 2.5 mile hike back to the shuttle bus.
This trip requires a wilderness permit to complete the Orderville Canyon hike.
Please consider ways to minimize the damage caused by rope grooves and practice a "leave-no-trace" ethic.
Zion National Park, June 2021.
Disclaimer: Please obtain training and experience prior to undertaking any canyoneering trip. Techniques shown in the video should not be attempted without education and experience. I make no claim that techniques shown are a best practice or should be duplicated.
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