GUIDED TOUR


Backpacking the Barracks

A great alternate to the Top Down Narrows Hike.
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Zion National Park’s landscape is well known for slot canyons, hanging gardens, and towering sandstone walls. While most visitors stay to the well-trodden paths, there’s a wealth of adventure waiting for those willing to journey deeper into the Utah backcountry. While challenging to access, the East Fork of the Virgin River (known as the Barracks) offers days of exploration through remote and wondrous terrain as the river cuts its way deeper into the sandstone. 

Journeys through the Barracks can be adaptable to your group’s abilities and appetite for adventure. They can range from a scenic river hike through classic desert terrain to a technical canyon descent through elegantly carved slot canyons. This trip is designed for those looking to access the hidden gems of Zion National Park’s iconic terrain. 

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Details
This trip is designed for those with intermediate to proficient backpacking experience who are excited to pair their skills with technical canyon descents. While not required, previous backpacking experience is helpful as you’ll be traveling through rugged terrain carrying all necessary equipment for camping and canyon descents. In addition to your personal gear, you’ll also be responsible for packing in a portion of the group’s shared camping gear. Previous rope experience is not necessary, but we do ask participants to meet the following requirements: 

  • Be 16 or older 
  • Comfortable wading through chest deep water
  • Capable of carrying a 35+ pound backpack 
  • Comfortable hiking over rugged, off trail terrain ​

​Dates

Due to conditions and temperatures, this trip is most enjoyable in the spring and fall. Large spring runoff can prohibit our ability to travel through the East Fork after exceptionally heavy winters. 

We recommend dates from late March - early June, and late September - early November.
Pricing
Four or More
$1099/person

Three
$1399/person

Two
$1499/person

* Two person minimum
All guided tours require a 2 person minimum, single travelers would pay for the price of 2 unless someone else adds to the trip. 
Guided Tour Terms
Full payment is due at time of booking. Cancellations more than 14 days in advance will receive a 95% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of trip date are non-refundable. Weather conditions do not permit clients to cancel trips.  If your Zion Adventures® guide determines conditions make the event unsafe, we will reschedule or make every effort to provide a comparable experience; if not possible, all purchases will be refunded in full.


What to Bring
You are responsible for packing lightly AND thoroughly. Your supplies should include:

  • 60 - 80-liter backpack that fits you*
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Ability to carry three liters of water (bottles or hydration packs)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
  • Hiking socks 
  • Rain jacket
  • Warm jacket (could get windy and cold at night)
  • Thermal underwear 
  • Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts 
  • Non-cotton t-shirt or sunshirt
  • Warm hat that can be worn under a helmet 
  • Non-cotton underwear
  • Pertinent medications, as needed
  • Lightweight camp shoes 
  • Hiking footwear (most parties opt to wear our La Sportiva TX Canyon Boots)* 
  • Headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Hiking poles (optional)
  • Tent*
  • Sleeping bag*
  • Sleeping pad*
  • Snacks, electrolyte drinks, and personal junk food stash (optional)
  • Personal bowl and spoon*
*These items may be available for you to borrow from Zion Adventures depending on demand.  


Zion Adventure Company will provide:
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  • Camp kitchen (stove, pots, cooking utensils, and fuel)
  • Water purification 
  • First Aid and emergency satellite device 
  • Technical gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, etc.)
  • Canyoneering shoes and socks 
  • Drybags 
  • Drysuits and/or wetsuits, as needed
  • Meals for the duration of our outing 
  • Snacks 
    • Please let us know if you have any particular dietary restrictions or allergies
Trip Itineraries
A journey through the Barracks is highly adaptable and several variations exist. Below are two common itineraries. 

Non-technical Adventure
Day 1 - Meet your guide at Zion Adventures to finalize packing, then travel to the trailhead to begin winding your way down towards the East Fork of the Virgin River to establish base camp. Spend the afternoon exploring side canyons before settling in for the night. 

Day 2 - After breakfast, journey down the East Fork towards the deepest and most majestic set of narrows. Navigate around waterfalls and enjoy the hanging gardens. After lunch, retrace your steps back to camp to enjoy dinner and the evening stars. 

Day 3 - After packing up camp, travel upstream towards the exit trail exploring old pioneer carvings and deep alcoves. Slowly climb your way back up through the sandstone to the trailhead. 

Technical Adventure
Day 1 - Meet your guide at Zion Adventures and finalize packing, then travel to Rock Canyon to begin a technical descent through its narrowly sculpted walls. Set up base camp at the mouth of Rock Canyon as it meets the East Fork of the Virgin River. 

Day 2 - After breakfast, either journey down the East Fork towards the deepest and most majestic set of narrows or travel upstream for a short technical descent of a side canyon with tight, twisted walls, and a gorgeous natural arch. Return to camp to enjoy dinner and the evening stars. 

Day 3 - After packing up camp, travel towards our exit canyon and slowly ascend upward through the sandstone back to the vehicle. 

**For those looking for even more time to explore this incredible area, an extra day may be added to your itinerary at an additional cost. Customizations of itinerary are also possible.

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