Expedition · 31 days · 31 nights

The Great Utah Diagonal

Utah expedition · Forty-two compatible photo stops

Start · Moab, Utah 1,732 mapped miles 67.5 day-by-day drive hours

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Map key
Start Route start Hike Roadside stop Attraction Technical outing Text-only exploration Sleep spot Sleep-planning corridor

Road routing is a planning aid. Verify closures, access, and conditions before driving.

Route startMoab, Utah
Start

Moab, Utah

The first day's GPS route begins here. Every later day begins at the prior night's sleeping location.

38.573300, -109.549800
Estimated outing
5h 30m
Sunset at camp
7:31 PM MDT
Routed drive
1h 54m
Free time / weather margin
2h 55m
Open Day 1 in Google Maps ↗Start at Moab, Utah → Owl Rock, Elephant Butte & Roadside Overlook · Buck Canyon Overlook → Sleep at Horsethief Campground

Make it your trip

Make it your trip.

Treat the calendar as a menu, not a contract. Move Island in the Sky into rain, reach The Needles early when the crowds wear thin, and keep real backup days for permits, floods, heat, and closed trailheads.

Road and hike times are planning estimates. Recheck weather, closures, permits, and access before departure. Check current Arches entry and parking conditions ↗

Plan your days

Your itinerary

Daily stops, drives, and camps, with room for weather and rest.

Week 1Days 1–7
Day 1

Owl Rock climbing and Elephant Butte technical day

Starts at Moab, Utah
Outing 5h 30m Drive 1h 54m Sleep · Horsethief Campground

Use the morning for final gear, water, fuel, and food, then choose the Owl Rock climbing outing or the technical Elephant Butte objective according to the group's systems and current conditions. The shared roadside overlook remains available without committing to either route. Buck Canyon Overlook can round out the day before paid Horsethief.

Routed drive
1h 54m
Estimated outing
5h 30m
Logistics
1h 12m
Sunset
7:31 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
2h 55m
Open Day 1 in Google Maps ↗Start at Moab, Utah → Owl Rock, Elephant Butte & Roadside Overlook · Buck Canyon Overlook → Sleep at Horsethief Campground
Grand County · 1 photo

Owl Rock, Elephant Butte & Roadside Overlook

Three different uses share this photographed start area: Owl Rock is a climbing outing, Elephant Butte is technical, and the roadside overlook is available without committing to either route. The public pin records the shared area rather than route guidance.

Planning allocation · 5h

Drive to · Moab passenger-road access 38.573297, -109.549724 NPS · Arches climbing rules and closures ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
San Juan County · 12 photos

Buck Canyon Overlook

12 photographs from this location, made Sep 12, 2022–Sep 13, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Buck Canyon Overlook parking 38.345886, -109.861063 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 2

Devil's Garden day

Starts at Horsethief Campground
Outing 4h 30m Drive 2h 06m Sleep · Horsethief Campground

Give Devil's Garden its own substantial Arches day and return to Horsethief on paved roads.

Routed drive
2h 06m
Estimated outing
4h 30m
Logistics
0h 48m
Sunset
7:32 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
4h 08m
Open Day 2 in Google Maps ↗Start at Horsethief Campground → Devil's Garden Loop → Sleep at Horsethief Campground
Grand County · 4 photos

Devil's Garden Loop

4 photographs from this location, made Apr 14, 2022.

Planning allocation · 4h 30m

Drive to · Devils Garden trailhead parking 38.782811, -109.595028 Find a current trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 3

Island in the Sky high line

Starts at Horsethief Campground
Outing 4h 00m Drive 1h 54m Sleep · Horsethief Campground

Keep Aztec Butte and Upheaval Dome as the hikes, then use Orange Cliffs as the later road-accessible rim photograph.

Routed drive
1h 54m
Estimated outing
4h 00m
Logistics
0h 42m
Sunset
7:33 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
4h 57m
Open Day 3 in Google Maps ↗Start at Horsethief Campground → Aztec Butte Trail · Upheaval Dome Trail · Orange Cliffs Overlook → Sleep at Horsethief Campground
San Juan County · 6 photos

Aztec Butte Trail

A 1.4-mile Canyonlands route with slickrock scrambling and two branches, including one to Ancestral Puebloan structures.

Planning allocation · 2h

Drive to · Aztec Butte trailhead parking 38.393459, -109.882124 NPS hiking guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
San Juan County · 1 photo

Upheaval Dome Trail

1 photograph from this location, made Sep 12, 2022.

Planning allocation · 1h 30m

Drive to · Upheaval Dome trailhead parking 38.426310, -109.926133 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
San Juan County · 1 photo

Orange Cliffs Overlook

1 photograph from this location, made Sep 12, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Orange Cliffs Overlook parking 38.313596, -109.857146 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 4

Grand View to Kane Creek, Funnel Arch, and The Ledge

Starts at Horsethief Campground
Outing 4h 30m Drive 2h 48m Sleep · The Ledge Campgrounds

Give Grand View Point the cool-morning outing, handle the final Moab resupply, collect the Kane Creek roadside photograph before passing it, then hike Funnel Arch and continue to The Ledge.

Routed drive
2h 48m
Estimated outing
4h 30m
Logistics
1h 00m
Sunset
7:33 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
3h 15m
Open Day 4 in Google Maps ↗Start at Horsethief Campground → Grand View Point Trail · Kane Creek Boulevard · Funnel Arch Trail → Sleep at The Ledge Campgrounds
San Juan County · 10 photos

Grand View Point Trail

10 photographs from this location, made Sep 12, 2022.

Planning allocation · 2h

Drive to · Grand View Point parking 38.310778, -109.856506 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Grand County · 4 photos

Kane Creek Boulevard

4 photographs from this location, made Sep 11, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Kane Creek Boulevard roadside access 38.567914, -109.579152 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Grand County · 15 photos

Funnel Arch Trail

15 photographs from this location, made Apr 13, 2022–Sep 11, 2022.

Planning allocation · 2h

Drive to · Funnel Arch Kane Creek roadside parking 38.519960, -109.600611 Find a current trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 5

Medieval Chamber to Morning Glory Arch

Starts at The Ledge Campgrounds
Outing 3h 00m Drive 1h 54m Sleep · The Ledge Campgrounds

Allow about three hours for Medieval Chamber, ending with the rappel at Morning Glory Arch. Arrange the shuttle before starting and check current route, anchor, and flash-flood conditions. Return to The Ledge for the night.

Routed drive
1h 54m
Estimated outing
3h 00m
Logistics
1h 30m
Sunset
7:34 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
5h 10m
Open Day 5 in Google Maps ↗Start at The Ledge Campgrounds → Medieval Chamber to Morning Glory Arch → Sleep at The Ledge Campgrounds
Grandstaff Canyon · Moab · 4 photos

Medieval Chamber to Morning Glory Arch

Four video frame grabs from one Medieval Chamber technical outing, with Morning Glory Arch as its ending rappel rather than a separate PerchPoint. The public pin uses the BLM Grandstaff trailhead as an exit reference; verify current land-manager rules, weather, flash-flood risk, anchors, equipment, partners, and a current technical route source.

Planning allocation · 3h · published range 2–4 hours

Drive to · Grandstaff Trail parking 38.609840, -109.533674 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 6

Anticline to Hatch Point

Starts at The Ledge Campgrounds
Outing 0h 30m Drive 4h 00m Sleep · Hatch Point

Follow the southbound Canyon Rims line to Anticline Overlook, then stop at the verified Hatch Point campground.

Routed drive
4h 00m
Estimated outing
0h 30m
Logistics
0h 54m
Sunset
7:35 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
6h 11m
Open Day 6 in Google Maps ↗Start at The Ledge Campgrounds → Anticline Overlook → Sleep at Hatch Point
San Juan County · 3 photos

Anticline Overlook

3 photographs from this location, made Sep 16, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Anticline Overlook parking 38.464700, -109.627431 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 7

Needles Overlook to Lockhart

Starts at Hatch Point
Outing 0h 30m Drive 3h 06m Sleep · Lockhart Rd South

Continue south to Needles Overlook, then settle at Lockhart Road South without returning to Hatch. This positions the route for three distinct Needles hiking days.

Routed drive
3h 06m
Estimated outing
0h 30m
Logistics
0h 42m
Sunset
7:36 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
7h 18m
Open Day 7 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hatch Point → Needles Overlook → Sleep at Lockhart Rd South
San Juan County · 1 photo

Needles Overlook

A developed BLM overlook reached by the Needles Overlook Scenic Backway in Canyon Rims Recreation Area.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Needles Overlook parking 38.259939, -109.696065 BLM Canyon Rims ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Week 2Days 8–14
Day 8

Pothole Point rest day and sunset

Starts at Lockhart Rd South
Outing 0h 45m Drive 1h 06m Sleep · Lockhart Rd South

Keep easy Pothole Point for Mr. Crowmeister's favorite Needles sunset, then return to Lockhart. Check the road in daylight before driving to camp.

Routed drive
1h 06m
Estimated outing
0h 45m
Logistics
0h 42m
Sunset
7:37 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
9h 04m
Open Day 8 in Google Maps ↗Start at Lockhart Rd South → Pothole Point Trail → Sleep at Lockhart Rd South
San Juan County · 6 photos

Pothole Point Trail

An easy Needles outing that Mr. Crowmeister recommends for a chill rest day or approachable family adventure—and his favorite sunset spot in the district.

Planning allocation · 0h 45m

Drive to · Pothole Point trailhead pullout 38.173510, -109.809920 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 9

Confluence Overlook

Starts at Lockhart Rd South
Outing 5h 00m Drive 1h 06m Sleep · Lockhart Rd South

Give the Confluence Overlook outing a full outing and return to the same base.

Routed drive
1h 06m
Estimated outing
5h 00m
Logistics
0h 42m
Sunset
7:38 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
4h 50m
Open Day 9 in Google Maps ↗Start at Lockhart Rd South → Confluence Overlook Trail → Sleep at Lockhart Rd South
San Juan County · 4 photos

Confluence Overlook Trail

4 photographs from this location, made Sep 16, 2022.

Planning allocation · 5h

Drive to · Big Spring Canyon Overlook trailhead 38.178227, -109.817164 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 10

Elephant Canyon and Chesler Park

Starts at Lockhart Rd South
Outing 6h 00m Drive 4h 12m Sleep · Lockhart Rd South

Reserve a separate day for Elephant Canyon and Chesler Park; any Druid Arch extension remains a condition-dependent continuation of this same outing.

Routed drive
4h 12m
Estimated outing
6h 00m
Logistics
0h 42m
Sunset
7:38 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
0h 44m
Open Day 10 in Google Maps ↗Start at Lockhart Rd South → Elephant Canyon & Chesler Park → Sleep at Lockhart Rd South
San Juan County · 27 photos

Elephant Canyon & Chesler Park

27 photographs from this location, made Sep 15, 2022–Oct 6, 2023.

Planning allocation · 6h

Drive to · Elephant Hill trailhead parking 38.141685, -109.827597 NPS Canyonlands hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 11

San Rafael passage to the Irish Canyons

Starts at Lockhart Rd South
Outing 1h 30m Drive 5h 42m Sleep · Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor

Cross the photographed road line east-to-west through the San Rafael Reef view area, Black Dragon, and Ghost Rock, then continue to a verified passenger-vehicle site in the Irish Canyons sleep corridor so Blarney can begin first thing the next morning.

Routed drive
5h 42m
Estimated outing
1h 30m
Logistics
1h 30m
Sunset
7:43 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
3h 01m
Open Day 11 in Google Maps ↗Start at Lockhart Rd South → San Rafael Reef View Area · Black Dragon Canyon Viewpoint · Ghost Rock Overlook → Sleep at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
Emery County · 1 photo

San Rafael Reef View Area

1 photograph from this location, made Jun 6, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · San Rafael Reef view-area parking 38.920774, -110.431256 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Emery County · 2 photos

Black Dragon Canyon Viewpoint

2 photographs from this location, made Jun 6, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Black Dragon Canyon viewpoint pullout 38.940108, -110.482210 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Emery County · 1 photo

Ghost Rock Overlook

1 photograph from this location, made Jun 6, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Ghost Rock Overlook parking 38.863352, -110.813920 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 12

Blarney Right Fork

Starts at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
Outing 2h 30m Drive 1h 12m Sleep · Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor

Allow about 2.5 hours for Blarney's Right/East Fork. Bring the equipment and experience for a technical canyon, and check current route and weather conditions.

Routed drive
1h 12m
Estimated outing
2h 30m
Logistics
1h 36m
Sunset
7:44 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
6h 26m
Open Day 12 in Google Maps ↗Start at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor → Blarney Canyon → Sleep at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
North Wash · 9 photos

Blarney Canyon

Nine video frame grabs grouped from one Blarney Canyon Right/East Fork outing in North Wash. Its planning time is the published complete-route book time, not an owner pace.

Planning allocation · 2h 30m · published range 2–3 hours

Drive to · Blarney Canyon highway-side approach parking 38.021200, -110.544790 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 13

Shillelagh Right Fork

Starts at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
Outing 2h 30m Drive 1h 12m Sleep · Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor

Allow about 2.5 hours for Shillelagh's Right/East Fork, then return to camp. Check current route and weather conditions before starting.

Routed drive
1h 12m
Estimated outing
2h 30m
Logistics
1h 36m
Sunset
7:45 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
6h 27m
Open Day 13 in Google Maps ↗Start at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor → Shillelagh Canyon → Sleep at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
North Wash · 3 photos

Shillelagh Canyon

Three video frame grabs grouped from one Shillelagh Canyon Right/East Fork outing in North Wash. Combined-fork time ranges do not define this single-fork plan.

Planning allocation · 2h 30m · published range 2–3 hours

Drive to · Shillelagh Canyon highway-side approach parking 38.021200, -110.544790 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 14

Hogwarts and SR 24

Starts at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor
Outing 3h 30m Drive 2h 24m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Keep Hogwarts as its own three-hour complete-route technical outing, then use the photographed SR 24 line as the return transfer to Capitol Reef. Prefer an established side road toward Hanksville and leave rough spurs out of the passenger-vehicle plan.

Routed drive
2h 24m
Estimated outing
3h 30m
Logistics
1h 00m
Sunset
7:49 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
4h 55m
Open Day 14 in Google Maps ↗Start at Irish Canyons–Hanksville sleep corridor → Hogwarts Canyon · SR 24 → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
North Wash · 1 photo

Hogwarts Canyon

A video frame grab of the natural bridge in Hogwarts Canyon, approached from Hog Springs.

Planning allocation · 3h · published range 1h 30m–3h 30m across route guides

Drive to · Hogwarts Canyon highway-side approach parking 37.962730, -110.491290 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Wayne County · 3 photos

SR 24

3 photographs from this location, made Sep 17, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · SR 24 roadside access 38.371286, -110.772488 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Week 3Days 15–21
Day 15

Burro Wash and Scenic Drive

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 6h 30m Drive 2h 42m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Pair Burro Wash with the photographed Capitol Reef Scenic Drive while keeping current wash and flood conditions decisive.

Routed drive
2h 42m
Estimated outing
6h 30m
Logistics
0h 48m
Sunset
7:50 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
1h 50m
Open Day 15 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Burro Wash Trail · Capitol Reef Scenic Drive → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Wayne County · 1 photo

Burro Wash Trail

1 photograph from this location, made Sep 18, 2022.

Planning allocation · 5h

Drive to · Burro Wash trailhead 38.181562, -111.094268 Find a current trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Wayne County · 5 photos

Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

5 photographs from this location, made Sep 17, 2022.

Planning allocation · 1h 30m

Drive to · Capitol Reef Scenic Drive pullout 38.213002, -111.210147 NPS Capitol Reef trails ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 16

Chimney Rock

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 2h 00m Drive 0h 12m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Give Chimney Rock its own outing and keep the remainder as recovery margin.

Routed drive
0h 12m
Estimated outing
2h 00m
Logistics
0h 48m
Sunset
7:51 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
8h 51m
Open Day 16 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Chimney Rock Loop Trail → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Wayne County · 19 photos

Chimney Rock Loop Trail

Capitol Reef lists Chimney Rock as a strenuous 3.6-mile loop with 590 feet of elevation change.

Planning allocation · 2h

Drive to · Chimney Rock trailhead 38.315731, -111.303211 NPS trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 17

Navajo Knobs high line

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 5h 00m Drive 0h 24m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Give Navajo Knobs through Rim Overlook the complete hiking day.

Routed drive
0h 24m
Estimated outing
5h 00m
Logistics
0h 36m
Sunset
7:52 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
5h 52m
Open Day 17 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Navajo Knobs & Rim Overlook → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Wayne County · 12 photos

Navajo Knobs & Rim Overlook

12 photographs from this location, made Sep 18, 2022.

Planning allocation · 5h

Drive to · Hickman Bridge / Navajo Knobs trailhead parking 38.288733, -111.228365 NPS Capitol Reef trails ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 18

Grand Wash reverse combination

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 7h 00m Drive 1h 36m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Park at Grand Wash Trailhead for the Grand Wash Narrows–Cassidy Arch–Frying Pan–Cohab Canyon combination in reverse. Descend the northwest spur beside Pectol's Pyramid, then walk the road back to the car. This is a demanding route: carry a current map and check weather and flood conditions.

Routed drive
1h 36m
Estimated outing
7h 00m
Logistics
0h 48m
Sunset
7:53 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
2h 29m
Open Day 18 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Cassidy Arch Trail · Frying Pan Trail → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Wayne County · 3 photos

Cassidy Arch Trail

One record in Mr. Crowmeister's strenuous reversed Capitol Reef combination: park at Grand Wash, connect the Narrows, Cassidy Arch, Frying Pan, and Cohab Canyon in reverse, descend northwest of Pectol's Pyramid, then use the road walk back to the car. This is the route Mr. Crowmeister took; it is not an official NPS itinerary.

Planning allocation · 3h

Drive to · Cassidy Arch trailhead parking 38.263768, -111.215670 NPS Capitol Reef trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Wayne County · 3 photos

Frying Pan Trail

A photographed part of Mr. Crowmeister's strenuous reversed Capitol Reef combination linking Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch, Frying Pan, and Cohab Canyon before a northwest descent and road return. Use current maps and conditions; the public pin is not turn-by-turn guidance.

Planning allocation · 4h

Drive to · Upper Grand Wash / Cassidy Arch parking 38.266857, -111.244931 NPS Capitol Reef trail guide ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 19

Fremont Gorge

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 3h 00m Drive 0h 24m Sleep · Hwy 24 Dispersed

Use Fremont Gorge Overlook as the last full Capitol Reef outing before moving toward Escalante.

Routed drive
0h 24m
Estimated outing
3h 00m
Logistics
0h 48m
Sunset
7:54 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
7h 42m
Open Day 19 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail → Sleep at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Wayne County · 10 photos

Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail

10 photographs from this location, made Sep 17, 2022.

Planning allocation · 3h

Drive to · Fremont Gorge Overlook trailhead 38.286559, -111.249283 NPS Capitol Reef trails ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 20

Lower Calf Creek

Starts at Hwy 24 Dispersed
Outing 3h 30m Drive 1h 48m Sleep · Grand Staircase Escalante NM -Spencer Flat

Cross Highway 12 and give Lower Calf Creek the principal outing before Spencer Flat.

Routed drive
1h 48m
Estimated outing
3h 30m
Logistics
1h 00m
Sunset
7:54 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
5h 36m
Open Day 20 in Google Maps ↗Start at Hwy 24 Dispersed → Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail → Sleep at Grand Staircase Escalante NM -Spencer Flat
Garfield County · 1 photo

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail

A developed BLM trail covering six miles round trip to a 126-foot waterfall; sandy sections can make the hike more difficult.

Planning allocation · 3h 30m

Drive to · Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead parking 37.830845, -111.414856 BLM trail information ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 21

Fairyland to the Zion corridor

Starts at Grand Staircase Escalante NM -Spencer Flat
Outing 4h 00m Drive 5h 00m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Give Fairyland Loop its main Bryce outing, then transfer to the Lambs Knoll base.

Routed drive
5h 00m
Estimated outing
4h 00m
Logistics
1h 30m
Sunset
8:02 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
1h 32m
Open Day 21 in Google Maps ↗Start at Grand Staircase Escalante NM -Spencer Flat → Fairyland Loop Trail → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Garfield County · 15 photos

Fairyland Loop Trail

A 7.8-mile Bryce Canyon loop with 1,900 feet of ascent, starting at Fairyland Point or near Sunrise Point.

Planning allocation · 4h

Drive to · Fairyland Point parking 37.633336, -112.165063 NPS Fairyland Loop ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Week 4Days 22–28
Day 22

Diana's Throne and East Zion road

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 3h 30m Drive 3h 36m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Allow about three hours for Diana's Throne, a technical canyon requiring appropriate equipment, partners, and conditions. Finish with a drive along the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway.

Routed drive
3h 36m
Estimated outing
3h 30m
Logistics
1h 18m
Sunset
8:03 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
3h 39m
Open Day 22 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Diana's Throne Trail · Zion–Mount Carmel Highway → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Kane County · 1 photo

Diana's Throne Trail

A photographed technical canyon outing near Kanab. The public pin is not route guidance; current access, anchors, weather, equipment, partners, and ability govern an attempt.

Planning allocation · 3h · published range 2–4 hours across the focused guides

Drive to · Elkheart Cliffs / Diana's Throne trailhead parking 37.194806, -112.661228 Xanadu Mountain Press · Diana's Throne ↗BluuGnome · Diana's Throne ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Washington County · 3 photos

Zion–Mount Carmel Highway

3 photographs from this location, made Apr 10, 2022–Sep 24, 2022.

Planning allocation · 0h 30m

Drive to · Zion–Mount Carmel Highway designated pullout 37.212749, -112.963844 NPS Zion hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 23

Zion recovery, permits, and access check

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 0h 00m Drive 0h 18m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Use a genuine recovery day to confirm Keyhole and Pine Creek permits, weather, flash-flood forecasts, water, equipment, partners, road status, and the passenger-vehicle sleep base before committing to either technical canyon. Canyon Overlook does not repeat here.

Routed drive
0h 18m
Estimated outing
0h 00m
Logistics
2h 48m
Sunset
8:04 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
8h 58m
Open Day 23 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Flexible local route → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Keep the day open for travel, rest, or exploring.

Day 24

Keyhole Canyon

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 2h 00m Drive 2h 24m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Allow about two hours for Keyhole Canyon. A wilderness permit and technical canyon equipment are required. Check flash-flood forecasts, water conditions, and current route information before starting.

Routed drive
2h 24m
Estimated outing
2h 00m
Logistics
1h 48m
Sunset
8:04 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
5h 52m
Open Day 24 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Keyhole Canyon → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Zion National Park · 2 photos

Keyhole Canyon

Two video frame grabs from one Keyhole Canyon technical outing. Zion requires a wilderness permit; the NPS upper-access erosion handout, current weather, flash-flood risk, water, equipment, partners, and ability all govern an attempt.

Planning allocation · 2h · published range 1–2 hours in the primary guide consensus

Drive to · Keyhole Canyon designated highway pullout 37.224800, -112.907200 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 25

Pine Creek Canyon

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 5h 00m Drive 2h 00m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Allow about five hours for Pine Creek, including the exit. A wilderness permit and technical canyon equipment are required. Check flash-flood forecasts, water conditions, and current route information before starting.

Routed drive
2h 00m
Estimated outing
5h 00m
Logistics
1h 48m
Sunset
8:05 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
3h 17m
Open Day 25 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Pine Creek Canyon → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Zion National Park · 4 photos

Pine Creek Canyon

Four video frame grabs from one Pine Creek Canyon technical outing. Zion requires a wilderness permit; the NPS tunnel-area access handout, current weather, flash-flood risk, water, equipment, partners, and ability all govern an attempt.

Planning allocation · 5h · published range 4–6 hours

Drive to · Pine Creek Canyon trailhead pullout 37.213400, -112.940100 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 26

East Temple Scramble

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 5h 00m Drive 2h 24m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Reserve a separate day for the substantially harder East Temple scramble. The PerchPoint is a photo record, not route guidance.

Routed drive
2h 24m
Estimated outing
5h 00m
Logistics
1h 18m
Sunset
8:06 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
3h 24m
Open Day 26 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → East Temple Scramble → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Washington County · 5 photos

East Temple Scramble

5 photographs from this location, made Jun 8, 2022.

Planning allocation · 5h

Drive to · Canyon Overlook trailhead parking 37.214681, -112.939592 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 27

East Rim

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 6h 00m Drive 2h 30m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Give the East Rim outing its own day and current access check.

Routed drive
2h 30m
Estimated outing
6h 00m
Logistics
1h 18m
Sunset
8:07 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
2h 19m
Open Day 27 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → East Rim Trail → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Kane County · 4 photos

East Rim Trail

4 photographs from this location, made Apr 12, 2022–Jun 7, 2022.

Planning allocation · 6h

Drive to · East Rim trailhead at Zion's East Entrance 37.233414, -112.876178 NPS Zion hiking ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 28

Mountain of the Sun

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 8h 00m Drive 1h 36m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Reserve a full day for this very hard, highly exposed scramble with difficult route finding—the highest outing grade below technical. The photo pin is not route guidance; current access, heat, weather, and ability control the day.

Routed drive
1h 36m
Estimated outing
8h 00m
Logistics
1h 18m
Sunset
8:08 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
1h 14m
Open Day 28 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Mountain of the Sun → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Washington County · 5 photos · Very hard

Mountain of the Sun

A very hard, highly exposed Zion scramble with difficult route finding—the highest outing grade below technical. The photographs document the outing, not a route to follow.

Planning allocation · 8h

Drive to · Zion Canyon Visitor Center parking and shuttle origin 37.200107, -112.986915 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Week 5Days 29–31
Day 29

The Subway — permit contingency

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 8h 30m Drive 1h 36m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Reserve 8.5 hours within the NPS 6–12 hour top-down envelope and attempt The Subway only with the required Zion wilderness permit. Keep this hard-to-secure objective paired with a real backup day; current access, water, weather, flash-flood risk, and technical requirements control the outing.

Routed drive
1h 36m
Estimated outing
8h 30m
Logistics
1h 48m
Sunset
8:09 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
0h 15m
Open Day 29 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → The Subway → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Washington County · 5 photos

The Subway

The Subway top-down is a permit-only Zion wilderness outing with a published 6–12 hour complete-route envelope. Treat it as a hard-to-secure objective with a backup day rather than a guaranteed stop.

Planning allocation · 8h 30m · published range 6–12 hours

Drive to · Zion Canyon Visitor Center shuttle staging 37.200000, -112.987000 NPS · The Subway top-down ↗NPS · Canyoneering permits ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 30

Lambs Knoll, Snake Alley, and Mesa Road

Starts at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Outing 5h 30m Drive 1h 24m Sleep · Mesa Road dispersed camping

Spend the day at Lambs Knoll and Snake Alley, then finish at Mesa Road. Free dispersed camping is available on the Mesa; choose an established legal passenger-vehicle site only after checking current land status, signs, fire rules, weather, and the selected spur.

Routed drive
1h 24m
Estimated outing
5h 30m
Logistics
1h 00m
Sunset
8:10 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
4h 16m
Open Day 30 in Google Maps ↗Start at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor → Lambs Knoll · Mesa Road → Sleep at Mesa Road dispersed camping
Washington County · 4 photos

Lambs Knoll

One combined Lambs Knoll album covering the climbing-area outing and the Snake Alley route made from the same base. The public coordinate identifies the shared outing area, not technical route guidance.

Planning allocation · 4h 30m · published range Mixed climbing-area and Snake Alley record

Drive to · Lambs Knoll climbing-site parking 37.310702, -113.108963 BLM Lambs Knoll climbing site ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Washington County · 1 photo

Mesa Road

A photographed Mesa Road perch that also records free dispersed camping on the Mesa. When this is the final outing before sleep, the itinerary may offer an established Mesa site as the night's option after checking current land status, signs, fire rules, and passenger-vehicle access.

Planning allocation · 1h

Drive to · Mesa Road vehicle access 37.266704, -113.176804 Open vehicle-access pin ↗
Day 31

Yankee Doodle

Starts at Mesa Road dispersed camping
Outing 2h 30m Drive 3h 00m Sleep · Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor

Allow about 2.5 hours for Yankee Doodle Canyon, then return to the Kolob Terrace camping area. Use current technical route information and check weather before starting.

Routed drive
3h 00m
Estimated outing
2h 30m
Logistics
1h 18m
Sunset
8:11 PM MDT
Free time / weather margin
5h 23m
Open Day 31 in Google Maps ↗Start at Mesa Road dispersed camping → Yankee Doodle Canyon → Sleep at Kolob Terrace–Lambs Knoll sleep corridor
Dixie National Forest · 7 photos

Yankee Doodle Canyon

Three photographs and seven reviewed video frame grabs from the same Yankee Doodle Canyon route.

Planning allocation · 2h 30m · published range 2–3 hours

Drive to · Yankee Doodle Canyon approach parking 37.237020, -113.453430 Road Trip Ryan · Yankee Doodle ↗ Open vehicle-access pin ↗

Keep moving

Continue the atlas.

Continue southwest from Zion toward Wheeler Pass and the Death Valley line.

Continue with Desert Memory Passage →