Winter Canyoneering Along the Arizona Strip, A Day in Rock Canyon.

Exploring the Canyons South of St. George

South of St. George, along the Arizona Strip, lies a collection of obscure canyons. One of these is known as Rock Canyon. This should not be confused with the "other" Rock Canyon located closer to Zion National Park. This region attracts dirt bikers and OHV enthusiasts more than canyoneers. Yet, it can still provide a quality outing under the right conditions.

Weather Variations and Experiences

Last year, temperatures in the area were significantly colder. This resulted in some of these canyons freezing solid, creating a unique winter canyon experience. In contrast, this year has seen a lack of moisture throughout the winter and much higher temperatures. Consequently, these canyons did not come close to freezing. While the swims remained very cold, the narrows are short. This allows for opportunities to warm up in the sun between cold plunges.

Conservation Efforts in Canyons

Every time I venture into the canyons, I make it a point to pack out more than what I pack in. Sometimes it’s energy bar wrappers left behind from a previous party or something that falls out of someone’s pack. However, on this occasion in the canyon, we discovered two full-size bouldering pads. They had been washed down during flooding and were half-buried in debris and mud.

Our Experience

We managed to pack one of the pads out. However, the thought of carrying both out over several miles of hiking, swimming, navigating narrows, boulder hopping, and dealing with slippery mud was a bit too much to ask of the group. Nonetheless, even getting one pad out is a net positive. It helps reduce human trash left behind in the desert canyons.

First pool in the canyon

Andrew getting going on the 200' rappel

Top of rappel 3, Andrew finding his comfy place

Lunch break along the spring, it sure doesn't feel like February.

Philip Fell heading down the 200' rappel.

Fossils found in the stream bed along the route

We found two bouldering pads that got washed down in some flooding. We were able to pack one out, we named it Matt.

Phil hiking out with Matt and all his canyoning gear

Matt on the final Rappel, he opted to go without the rope.

White out in February. Changing out of our wetsuits and putting our hiking clothes back on.

Bottom of the final rappel in January 2025. Conditions then were far different than February 2026.

The bottom shuttle vehicle was waiting for us in Werner Valley.

The Thrill of Canyoneering

Canyoneering is an exhilarating adventure. The thrill of navigating through narrow passages and descending steep cliffs keeps my heart racing. Each trip is unique, filled with surprises and challenges. I love the feeling of accomplishment after completing a difficult rappel or finding a hidden pool.

Safety First

Safety is paramount in canyoneering. I always ensure that I have the right gear and knowledge before heading out. It’s essential to check weather conditions and be prepared for anything. Having a reliable guide can make all the difference. They know the terrain and can help navigate tricky spots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the canyons south of St. George is an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the landscape, the thrill of the adventure, and the commitment to conservation all come together to create something special. I can’t wait to return and discover more hidden gems in this stunning region.

For more information about guided outdoor adventures, check out Sandstone Adventures.