Sep 23, 2017 — This is a longer and more fun alternative to the shortcut approach of Mystery Canyon via the East Mesa Trail. You get much better views, lots more elevation gain, and it makes the trip feel more adventurous. You can see more photos of Mystery Canyon here from when I did it a few months ago via the shorter approach. I think I might have documented it a bit more fully on that version.
For this route, take the Zion shuttle (during peak season), or drive to Weeping Rock and follow the Observation Point Trail almost to the end, but veer off right onto the East Mesa Trail until you get to the head of Mystery Canyon. It won't look like a route, but you'll notice erosion from many people sliding down this section, the "Death Gully". It's pretty obvious (see photos), but make sure you're in the right canyon and not scrambling into "Not Mystery Canyon" (you can do your own research on that one). Slowly slip and slide for a while down the "Death Gully", which leads to a more reasonable Mystery Canyon, a super fun canyon with a seasonal lake and a couple of gret rappels, especially the last two. The first of which makes you walk along a slanted ledge with a permanent rope as protection leading to the anchors, and the second which follows a trickling waterfall right into the Virgin River Narrows, where people are bound to ask you "How did you get up there?" Follow the Zion Narrows and Riverside Walk Trail until you get to the Temple of Sinawava and catch the shuttle back to the Zion Visitor Center or wherever you left your car.
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