A Nice Stroll.

A nice canyon in a remote setting, Corral is beautiful in the fall and seldom visited. If you are looking for a place to not encounter other parties, this is a good one. Unlike most Zion canyons, the middle section of Corral is a shallow canyon on a slickrock bench, rather than deeply entrenched, and is open to the sun. Hot in summer.

Canyon Profile

Logistics

RATINGS
3A IV ★★☆☆☆

TIME REQUIRED
8-12 Hours

PERMIT
Yes.

SEASON
Fall

LONGEST RAPPEL
200 feet (60 m)

ACCESS
Begins at Lava Point, ends at Temple of Sinawava. Car spot or shuttle service required.

Equipment

ESSENTIALS
Getting to the head requires navigation skills. Rarely done w sparse beta; requires first-descent-like skills.

COLD WATER PROTECTION
None

DRINKING WATER
Sparse until you reach The Narrows, but you enter the Narrows just above Big Spring which has excellent water.

Difficulties

FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL
Low/moderate - The canyon has no sections of sustained narrows, but the exit is out The Narrows which is not passable in flood.

SKILLS REQUIRED
Getting to the head requires navigation skills. Rarely done w sparse beta; requires first-descent-like skills.

ANCHORS
Bring webbing and quicklinks.

Seasonal Adjustments

Fall: The preferred season, with reasonable temperatures and great fall foliage.

Winter: Snowpack in winter makes both the approach and the canyon extremely difficult.

Spring: Not advised, can be difficult to access Lava Point and The Narrows and tributaries are often swollen by spring runoff

Summer: HOT! The canyon is in full sun for most of its length.

Driving

Begin at Lava Point, end at the Temple of Sinawava.

The Approach

Hike down the West Rim Trail 3.3 miles to a point just past the dramatic viewpoint straight down The Left Fork. Head east into the woods and follow the somewhat brushy stream course to the head of the south fork of Corral Hollow. Long pants are recommended.

The Business

Follow the drainage. The upper section features downclimbs and four raps up to 140 feet, from bolts and natural anchors.
The middle section is a shallow canyon set in the slickrock bench. Following the watercourse is a pain in the butt – instead, walk out left (north) and walk down the bench to the big drop at the end.
The big drop section starts with a dramatic view 800 feet to The Narrows below.
R5 (?) - From a tree, 150 feet (45m) to another tree on canyon left. Ignore intermediate bolt.
R6 - From tree, 200 feet (50m) to a ledge.
R7 - Two-stage, low angle 100 feet down slabs and across ledges.
Scramble down ledges and step across (exposed) to a ledge with a bolt anchor.
R8 - Rap 170 feet (55m) to a large ledge.
R9 - Rap about 50 feet (18m) to the ground.

The Exit

Scramble down a small, wooded canyon to The Narrows. Several short rappels may be required. Corral Hollow hits The Narrows just above Big Springs. Walk down The Narrows.

Trip Reports

I first descended Corral Hollow with Brian Cabe and Kip Marshall on September 14th, 2002. I had food poisoning. It was hot. I did not have a good time. I have not been back since.