Looking down into the head of Goose Creek.

Duck Duck Goose     Another incredible Zion canyon, with a big wall rappel to get in. This adventure is for experienced canyoneers only. After 4 big, steep rappels, the canyon is simply marvelous: 700' soaring sandstone walls on both sides, lush vegetation, a wide variety of interesting narrows ... the usual Zion drill. Eventually you reach the North Fork in time to enjoy the best parts of the Narrows.

We did it in summer 2000 during an extended drought, and found no water in Goose Creek canyon until we were close to the North Fork. The need for water forced us to hike all the way to the junction on our first day. A long, thirsty haul. In wet conditions, filterable water might be found somewhere in the middle of Goose Creek canyon, but I recommend carrying a full day's supply. To minimize impacts in the canyon, get an early start and plan on camping close to the North Fork.

SPECIAL NOTE: Goose Creek is a Natural Research Area in the Park, and is closed to preserve a sample of the deep, narrow canyon environment for research purposes. Before it was closed, I wrote: Our continued access to this wonderful area is based on having almost zero impact on the canyon. So, be a team player, and do a good job of traveling with zero impact. Recommendations: get your permit the night before and get an early start. Camp within a 1/4 mile of the North Fork. Camping in the canyon might disturb the endangered Owls that inhabit the canyon. Limit your party to a small group (4 or less).

Approach: Get a permit at the visitor center. Get an early start. Spot a car and drive to the West Rim Trailhead near Lava Point. Walk down the MIA Camp Road 2 miles (about 40 minutes). Just past a fence, descend 100 feet down an old road, then descend through manzanita to an obvious grassy platform below. Follow a small trail past a large tree, then down a steep sandy slope, avoiding the brush as long as possible. Find the bottom of the drainage, and follow it down to the drop off. I highly recommend using a GPS to find the drop in point, or following the topo map carefully. The total distance from the MIA Camp Road to the drop in point is less than 1/4 mile.

Alternate Start: An alternative start, rappelling tree to tree down a steep buttress, is also possible. See Brian Cabe's description at the Visitor Center.

Cam Brensinger rapping into Goose Creek.

  Psyching Up: This route follows the fall line of the stream. Even a trickle flowing down the watercourse could make this difficult, unpleasant and dangerous - take the other option. Be sure to scout the route from the right rim.
 

Dropping In:
Rappel #1: off a small tree right at the head of the watercourse, 100 feet (30 meters) straight down the flute to a ledge and large wedged tree (sling). Do not descend to the larger ledge, 20' lower.
Rappel #2: Off the large wedged tree, rap 20' (7 meters) to the ledge below. Reset the anchor with a long sling, then rappel 260 feet (80 meters) to a large ledge/pothole.
Rappel #3: rap 200 feet (60 meters) off drilled angles past several pothole/ledges to a large wedged log above a steep drop.
Rappel #4: rap 160 feet (50 meters) off wedged log to bottom of canyon.
Danger: if wedged logs are washed away, be prepared to construct anchors.
 

	Yet another rappel in lower Goose Creek

Hiking Out: Proceed down the spectacular canyon. It takes 4-5 hours to get to the junction with the North Fork and the first reliable water.

Several Small Obstacles are encountered, some of which can be climbed past and a few of which must be rappeled. Admire the museum quality bolts and hangers. We found a few waist deep pools; in normal conditions, you might find pools up to 6 feet deep (which is why you might want to bring dry bags).

Down the Narrows about 3 hours to the Temple of Sinawava.