Birch Hollow

[Slot Machine]

Birch Hollow is about as scenic as any canyon I've been in. The following photos do no justice. Tony and I took a lap through this fantastic little canyon on September 26th, 2012.

It appeared that everyone on the planet had visited Birch before us, which was kind of nice in a way. The approach was straight-forward and the bolts throughout the canyon were placed perfectly. I'm not saying that all canyons should be bolted into submission, but after getting beat down in Spry the day before, the minimal effort that Birch required put a smile back on our faces.

However, the exit we chose soon wiped the smiles away. I will name this exit "Not Wild Wind". It is located here: 37 19' 16" N , 112° 52' 22" W. It is the first possible exit upcanyon from Birch. I lost my GPS in Spry the day before, so we were not positive that we were taking the correct exit. Even though it worked, it wasn't worth the punishment. Let's just say I now flinch and whimper whenever I see a rose bush.

Just a few photos to share...









The iconic chokestone at the top of the penultimate rappel.


The final rappel.


Hardcore bushwhacking in the newly named Not Wild Wind Hollow



Bob

http://amazingslots.blogspot.com/201...ch-hollow.html

[Bootboy]

Love birch, I never tire of seeing pictures if that magical place. It was my first Zion canyon and as such, it has special memories.

[ratagonia]

Nice pics... Great colors on that first one.

Not Wild Wind Hollow - don't worry, bushwhacking up the real WWH is also gruesome. Still maybe the best way to do Birch with one car, but...

Tom

[shan1203]

Ouch! Birch Hollow looks beautiful, and hopefully worth the exit hike

My husband and I just got done with several beginner canyons in Zion: The Subway, Pine Creek, Keyhole and were thinking of including Birch Hollow in our next trip. I'm even more excited to try it now having seen your pics! Thanks for sharing.

Shannon

[Iceaxe]

Nice Pictures.

A long sleeve shirt and long pants help a lot if using the Wild Wind exit.

The first time I did Birch there were no bolts in the canyon.... and we encountered a bear exiting out Wild Wind.

[Taylor]

Nice work. Birch is one of the few canyons that I have soloed. Good fun!