Trip Report: canyoneering- begginer's canyons on east zion


canyoneering- begginer's canyons on east zion
By Dea Nelson
CANYONEER 05/08/2026 3A I
Trip Report: WMC Canyoneering Weekend - Diane's Throne & Birch Hollow

This past three-day weekend, a dedicated group of Wasatch Mountain Club members successfully completed a technical canyoneering outing to Diane's Throne and Birch Hollow.

The trip began for several members on Friday afternoon. Those who were able to get off work early met up to run an introductory canyon, setting a great tone for the technical challenges ahead.

The vetting process proved invaluable; because the leader had ensured every participant had their Entry Level Assessment passed, checked, and "blessed" prior to departure, the group moved efficiently through the technical sections. Having everyone on the same page regarding safety and rope work made for a smooth experience in both systems.

Diane's Throne
Following the beta from Roadtrip Ryan, we tackled Diane's Throne. The canyon offered spectacular views and served as a perfect warm-up for the more strenuous day to follow. The rappels were clean, and the group's preparation was evident as we navigated the technical drops without incident.

Birch Hollow
The highlight-and the biggest physical challenge-was Birch Hollow. Because everyone had studied the beta beforehand, we were well aware of the "hiking route" exit. As planned, we chose to take the long hike out rather than a shuttle. It was a strenuous trek that tested everyone's endurance, but the group stayed together and maintained a steady pace, proving that the pre-trip warnings about fitness and preparation were well-founded.

Logistics & Membership
The event was kept to a tight-knit group of 10 participants. Adhering to the WMC guidelines, the trip consisted strictly of active members with no "+1" guests, which ensured that everyone on the ropes was fully insured and vetted for the task at hand.

Everyone arrived with the full required gear list, and the 3-day format allowed us to enjoy the desert scenery without feeling rushed. It was a successful, safe weekend of Utah canyoneering.

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