Pine Creek Canyon, zion nP
Pine Creek
This little gem of a slot canyon is simply amazing and offers some of the most amazing views I have every seen. You will feel as if you have slipped down into an underground world shaped by some kind of futuristic visionary that knows how to give you the "awww wtf feeling, how????" (in the most stunning kind of way). Or you know, you can be logistic and try to see how erosion after millions of years has formed such an amazing place. At times you will find yourself submerged in disgusting water up to your chin. There will be spots where your'll find the walls taking your gaze upwards to the blinding crack of sunlight some 200 feet above you. This light never comes close to the bottom of the canyon, which keeps the water nice and cold. In sections the tight winding walls are spotted with boulders and tree trunks logged far above you. Throw in 7 rappels with a 100 foot free rappel and your in for a day. I wouldn't say that its a beginners class slot canyon but definitely do-able with help from an experienced leader.
any whoooo, that's my attempt at describing this place
With the approach being one of the easiest slot canyons to get to in the park (maybe a 10min walk) and with my experience the most visually simulating, it sees a lot of traffic. You will need to obtain a permit form the national parks service, don't worry its painless. 2 options for the permit, plan ahead or last minute drawings. Because its a shorter trip, they allow more parties to pass each day. I have never had a problem obtaining a permit (knock on wood). This is because I generally do my activities during the shoulder seasons to avoid the summer crowds of peak seasons.
Permit Info: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
Last minute drawing : https://zionpermits.nps.gov/lastminutedrawingapply.cfm
Again this slot canyon is a must do. You get 7 rappels ranging from 15 feet up to 100 feet. You swim through deep pools and have amazing views the whole time. Some of the pools become pretty stagnant and yea.... don't drink it. You will most definitely need a wet suit. The water is cold. If you don't have one you can rent gear from a local outfitter. Bring 2 100' ropes or a 200' plus will get you down and out safety.
Camping
You can reserve a campsite in the park if you plan 2 years ahead (or something like that, it's crazy) or get in line for a walk in/first come site and get there at 5am and wait tell one opens (not fun and no guarantees). I don't suggest either one of these. I'm more of the free camping kind of guy. There are BLM camp sites/pull offs about 20 minutes west of the west entrance to the park. Here is a link to find free camping sites. https://www.campendium.com/camping/zion-national-park/free-camping/
Free water at the Visitor station and a nice creek behind it to bath in ;-P
I wanted to get into more of the technical side of the routes but I'm getting lazy. So here is a link with some great info on rappels/rating/stuff.
http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/technical/pine-creek-canyon/
Free Camping:
https://www.campendium.com/camping/zion-national-park/free-camping/
Canyonner Permits Zion:
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
Last minute drawings:
https://zionpermits.nps.gov/lastminutedrawingapply.cfm
INFO:
http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/technical/pine-creek-canyon/
