Rating: | 2B II | |
Season: | Summer or Fall. Middle Echo requires some wading. | |
Length: | 3 to 4 hours. | |
Equipment: | Wading shoes, and swim suit or river shorts. | |
Drinking Water: | There is water available, but it is easier to bring your own. | |
USGS 7.5' Map: | Temple of Sinawava | |
Difficulties: | Accessing the best part requires wading up to neck deep, and a little easy scrambling. | |
Logistics: | Route starts and ends at Weeping Rock. | |
Permit: | Not Required. | |
Flash Flood Danger: | Moderate. Weather report available at Visitor Center. |
Canyoneering without Rappels
Hiking up the middle section of Echo Canyon allows you to access some very interesting subterranean canyon terrain without all those ropes and stuff. This makes a great canyoneering adventure for those who are willing to do a little wading and scrambling, but do not want to rappel. Plan on spending at least an hour climbing up the canyon.
Getting There
Take the shuttle to Weeping Rock and hike up the Echo Canyon Trail toward Observation Point. About 45 minutes from the road, the trail crosses (and briefly follows) Echo Canyon. This is where you will leave the paved trail.
Enter the Canyon
Eschew the continuation of the trail and head up the canyon. After 50 feet or so, it opens up again, very briefly. No, you're not done yet. Continue up-canyon, wading through a pool (usually waist to neck deep) and climbing up a short dryfall. The most difficult obstacles are right here, at the beginning. After surmounting these problems, the going is much easier.
Continue up canyon. The way is passable for about forty minutes, and leads to the "Echo Chamber" - a sweeping cavern/slot with excellent acoustics. Enjoy the cool and comfortable canyon as suits your interest, then return the way you came.