The Hype
Walker Gulch is one of the numerous tributaries of Zion’s famous Orderville Canyon. The upper section has a spectacular upper narrows, and interesting walls in the lower section. This canyon has an excellent backcountry feel to it. But beware in summer, hot temperatures and long dirt roads make an early start a necessity.
Getting There
Access Road: The upper car park mileage begins at where Highway 9 meets the North Fork Road. Head north on the NF Road 5.2 miles to the entrance to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Reset your odometer here. Don’t turn into the Ponderosa – continue on the NF road, which soon turns to dirt, usually passable to 2WD cars, though often washboardy. This road is impassable when wet, even to the burliest 4WD vehicles. Continue on the North Fork County road 9.4 miles to a small side road on the left (west). Take this road .2 miles to the Orderville Corral. All but the burliest vehicles will want to park here. Hike or jeep down the steep, rutted, rocky Orderville jeep road 2.1 miles to a cul-de-sac at the end. Park here.
From the Trailhead: Beginning at the cul-de-sac, find a path that heads west to the left around a large juniper and descends to the creekbed. Immediately cross the creek and follow a double-track ATV path northwest up a hill. This path attains the north rim overlooking Orderville Gulch. It climbs over a hill, then parallels with the East Fork of Walker – not the fork you want. Continue on this path around the top of the East Fork, then over a ridge and down into the Main Fork of Walker. Distance to here is 2.75 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain. Leave the trail where it crosses Walker, next to a scrappy 80 foot dryfall.
The Canyon
3A III
At this point, the Walker Gulch drainage will be heading in a southerly direction. The 80’ dryfall can be bypassed on the left (east side). If the water is flowing, it is worth it to hike up to view the pool below the ‘dryfall’. Shortly, the sandstone begins and a 10’ obstacle is reached. Next, several small potholes signal the beginning of a short narrow section. The canyon walls increase in height and eventually the first mandatory drop is reached. Obvious natural anchors exist at the head of the chute, and throughout the upper section. Shortly, several down climbs follow a 10’ rappel. Last but not least, the final rappel is 20’. Several down climbs and short hops are found throughout this upper narrows section. Eventually, the canyon widens and then narrows slightly before the confluence with Orderville Canyon.
Skills required: Natural Anchoring, Navigation
Water
If you catch the timing just right, water will be flowing in Walker. However, in all but the coldest conditions, a wetsuit is not required. Water exposure is minimal.
Natural Anchors
This canyon uses all natural anchors. Some anchors may not be obvious, and you should be prepared to build your own. Please do not use bolts in Walker Gulch.
Gear Recommendations
Technical Canyoneering Kit – including helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear
Flash Flood Danger: Low
The Exit
Hiking up Orderville Canyon requires several hours. Hiking down will require an even longer day.
Red Tape
Walker Gulch is located on federal land, just outside the boundaries of Zion National Park. If exiting out the narrows of Orderville and North Fork of the Virgin to Temple of Sinawava, a permit is required. If exiting up Orderville, a permit is not required.
Most slot canyons are found on public lands managed by the US Government, although a few can be found on private lands. The US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service manage these lands. Each area tends to have unique management issues. As a result, there is not a uniform set of rules governing our use of these lands. For current issues related to canyoneering access, please visit www.americancanyoneers.org.
