
From the trailhead, head directly for the obvious canyon next to Checkerboard Mesa.



After a mile or so, and a sandy slope, you get to the saddle. This is looking back the way we came.

Looknig forward, toward Paranuweap Canyon (our turnaround point).

Looking back toward the canyon we came through.

Zion backcountry.

Lots of routes, and many hills to go up and over, but pretty straightforward to get to the canyon.

Looking back the way we came, the first canyon traverse well behind us.

West Fork of Misery Canyon (the more popular route with more rappels) to the right. We went over the ridge to get to the East Fork.

Looking back the way we came, West Fork of Misery Canyon behind us.

Once over the ridge, heading down into the East Fork of Misery Canyon.

East Fork. The narrows start shortly.


Some futile stemming. We will end up getting wet regardless.

Smooth, beautiful slot.



The slot opens and closes a few times with no rappels in sight until the very end. What a tease.




Entering the final section of slot of the East Fork, where the single rappel is.







Shawn (right) at the first rappel. We approached from the left.

Looking down the rappel.

The East Fork opens up to the confluence with the West Fork, and soon approaches more rappels.


Misery Canyon really starts to get interesting around here.






The double arch we were so excited to see! The other one is above me.



ridiculously lush section near the canyon exit.


Looking out toward The Barracks (Parunuweap Canyon), East Fork of the Virgin River.

Looking back up Misery Canyon.

The Barracks, Upper Parunuweap Canyon.





The escape scramble on the right.

Class 3 section.

Looking down from the top of the escape scramble into Parunuweap Canyon.

Very pretty escape route.





Looking back the way we came.

The route meets back up with our way in. Follow your tracks back through the Checkboard Mesa canyon to return.
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