Mineral Gulch, Utah

Driving through Zion valley, I was not envious of the lines of people waiting to get on shuttles — some appeared longer than waiting for a rollercoaster at Disneyland. Continuing up the road to the east side of Zion and leaving the park, the people disperse. One canyon not as visited as others is Mineral Gulch.

We entered via Meadow Gulch Canyon — 8 miles one-way on relatively flat, slowly descending wash. Two main obstacles: a waterfall with a fixed rope for downclimbing, and another bypassed by going right. There are deep and scenic narrows to pass through on the way to the river. We made it a day trip and headed back up — a long but beautiful hike.