Parunaweap (The Barracks)

August 27, 2018 tarannosaurus

Epic Travel → North America → Mountain States → Utah → Zion National Park → Parunaweap (The Barracks)

Location: Zion National Park, Utah

Distance: ~20.5 miles, plus mileage exploring side canyons

Elevation Gain: almost none, until the exit, which involves around 2500 feet of elevation gain

Time Required: 1.5 – 2 days

Red Tape/Notes: Shuttle required – the full route is from the Mt. Carmel junction to Checkerboard Mesa, but there are various options for shortening the route, all of which also require a shuttle. We were able to arrange a shuttle through Zion Adventure Company (they don’t have a regularly scheduled shuttle, so you’ll need to call and arrange something). No permit required since you only cross into the NPS boundary at the exit. Visit the ropewiki page for a gpx track and some additional info; Canyoneering USA is also a good resource for beta.

What’s Nearby?: Pine Creek Canyon, Spry Canyon, Keyhole Canyon, Johnson Canyon Movie Set

Most of the trail down Parunaweap (also known as the North Fork of the Virgin River or “The Barracks”, although this term really refers to a specific portion of the route) is a pleasant stroll down a narrow river through abundant picturesque scenery. If you’re starting from the junction, the first bit of the trail is less interesting, since you’re hiking on a dirt road, but it quickly merges into the “river” (more of a stream at first) and things become more interesting. Numerous side canyons offer nice exploring options, including Mineral Gulch and Fat Man’s Misery, there’s an excellent pictograph panel near Rock Canyon, and lovely campsites abound on sandy beaches beside the river. There’s only one substantial obstacle, a rock pile/waterfall that can be down climbed in the center (although it’s likely to be very slippery, so be prepared to get wet) or bypassed by hiking around. We definitely recommend dropping your packs at the intersection with the exit trail and taking the time to hike downstream toward Labyrinth Falls – the narrows in this section are very nice. There appeared to be a lot of recent rockfall and we never reached Labyrinth Falls, turning back when the canyon became choked with large boulders so we could get a start on our exit hike. Everyone talks about the exit as being a total bear, but I found it to be rather enjoyable (the sweltering heat did diminish the experience somewhat, since it was July and we were experiencing a heat wave). Most of the elevation gain passes quickly since you’re essentially doing some Class 3/4 scrambling, and after that the elevation levels out quite a bit and the scenery becomes very pretty. The final descent through the canyon west of Checkerboard Mesa is the same as the approach route to Fat Man’s Misery canyon and is quite scenic, though steep (and at this point you probably don’t care and just want to be done); luckily you’re able to see the road and passing cars before you even exit the canyon, and it’s a quick 200 meters across slick rock once the canyon opens.