Mystery Canyon via East Mesa Trail

Jul 3, 2017 — A shorter and less strenuous version that requires a shuttle compared to the Mystery Canyon from Weeping Rock route. Hike along 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 few of great rappels, especially the last two. The second to last rappel makes you walk along a slanted ledge with a fixed line as protection leading to the anchors, and the last rappel 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.