Separation Canyon

Route Description for Separation Canyon

The hike through Separation Canyon is a low-traffic route through a beautiful area of Zion. This trail is not marked and not maintained, so be prepared to do some route finding and potentially some bushwhacking. The hiking trail for separation canyon ends just below Separation Peak. The climb to the top of the peak offers fantastic views of Parunuweap Canyon to the south. The last push to the summit; however, is technical and scrambly and should only be attempted by experienced scramblers.

The mouth of Separation Canyon is closed in by dryfall, so to reach the canyon, hikers will have to make their way up and over onto the trail via the neighboring Clear Creek drainage. From the pullout parking lot, follow the trail south down into Clear Creek and pick your way through the vegetation and up and over the slickrock on the right to arrive in Separation canyon. Follow the creek bed south for approximately one mile to Separation Peak.

Separation Peak is a good spot to take a rest before heading back to the car. If you are an experienced scrambler, there are lots of good options for adventure in the area including class 3-4 scrambles up Nippletop Peak, Lonely Peak, and of course Separation Peak itself.