A canyoneer descending into a dark keeper pothole in Boundary Canyon, a tributary of Kolob Creek, Zion National Park. “The Pit of Despair” in Poe Canyon, also known as “smiling cricket,” is a difficult to traverse keeper pothole in the Waterpocket Fold south of Capitol Reef National Park.

A canyoneer descending into a dark keeper pothole in Boundary Canyon, a tributary of Kolob Creek, Zion National Park.

Escaping Potholes: Do you know how to escape? Techniques used include PotShot tosses, partner climbing techniques, blowup flotation devices and, as a last resort, hand-drilling small holes and bat-hooking out.

From the bivy spot, traverse right past a long pothole and rappel off a tree (or swim the pothole). A few minutes of hiking takes you to the Long Sandy Corridor. At the end of the Corridor, the canyon turns sharply left and plunges into darkness.

Unofficially named for all of its interesting pothole formations and cascades, this wash really comes alive after a good rainstorm. During the summer months, many of the potholes/pools serve as tadpole incubators for the canyon treefrog population.

East Root Canal is also more popularly known by locals as "Many Pools" because of its many interesting pothole formations. This open wash makes for a lovely leisurely hike in some beautiful sandstone scenery and is most interesting during spring runoff or after recent rainstorms.

Jun 24, 2024 · In southwestern Utah, Zion National Park’s astounding red-rock formations, mesas, and water-carved canyons were among the earliest additions to the the U.S. National Park System. Utah’s...

Aug 22, 2015 · Not Imlay Canyon: Downclimbing, Long Rappels, and the Narrows. Zion National Park, UT

Imlay Canyon offers its charm at a high price. The route is difficult and should be considered for advanced and highly skilled canyoneers only. Descent requires icy cold swimming and a multitude of rappels. The biggest hazard in Imlay are the "keeper potholes" that require hooking to exit.

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