For our last day in Zion, Sara and I decided to check out Echo Canyon, a short and mellow (but very scenic) canyon that came highly recommended to me. A reasonably early start ensured our zigzagged ascent of the East Rim Trail was comfortably in the shade (although this did not stop me from hiking up in boxers for extra comfort). We made good time as the valley floor sank below us. This canyon is unique in that the trail skirts the rim of the slot allowing intimate views downward. We flanked the other group with an Echo permit who clearly missed the turnoff trail and entered the slot. Almost immediately waist deep was encountered, so we suited up. I had fun bridging to keep my feet dry until we came to the first short drop into a swimming pool. Several more short drops followed into enormous potholes. One part of the canyon was so dark a flashlight was almost needed to see.
The canyon then opened up for a while. After turning a corner, we could see the canyon narrowed dramatically into a dark tunnel known as the Echo Chamber. This place boosts some of the best acoustics I have ever experienced. Echoes lasted several seconds and I made monster sounds for the small children I hoped were on the trail above. A few minor obstacles and we popped out onto the trail. We fielded questions from confused and curious tourists as we stripped out of our wetsuits and hiked back down. It was a nice canyon- definitely worth a look.
Sara and her buddy
We drove on to Paria to figure out plans for the next few days. Sara and I checked out some of the hoodoos nearby as thunder/lightning storms threatened. Thankfully they always seemed to miss us.
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