The objective is to complete all three of Zion’s biggest canyons, Kolob Creek, Full Imlay, and Heaps in under 24 hours. Previously completed by Buzz Burrell, Jared Campbell, and Ryan McDermott in 2009 in 25 hours and three minutes. There is no order groups must do the canyon in, just that all three canyons must be completed in their Technical entirety.
The shortest possible distance is 28 miles, Or longer depending on the route chosen.
Kolob Creek Canyon 3C
starting from the west rim trailhead at Lava Point. Kolob Can be exited via the MIA exit, the standard route for most groups, or via boundary, sneak, a shorter option but more technical ascent.
7.8 miles Total, 2.5 miles Technical via MIA exit, 13 Repels up to 165 feet. Permit required
Imlay Canyon (full) 4B IV R
generally be accessed from the West rim trailhead at Lava Point, About 6 miles on The West rim Trail to Potato Hollow where full imlay begins. Imlay ends in the Narrows At floating rock, exit the Narrows to the temple of Sinawava. 11.4 miles Total, 3.2 miles Technical. 46 rappels up to 165 feet. Permit required.
From the temple of Sinawava Run just over 3 miles to the grotto trailhead and begin The climb up to Heaps Canyon
Heaps 4B IV R
heaps can be accessed from the bottom At the grotto trailhead or from the top at Lava Point, both are via the west rim Trail. There are multiple entrances to heaps, each with its advantages and disadvantages, most often people take the ridge entrance Near campsite four on the west rim Trail. Heaps is finished with a multi-stage big wall style repel sequence, culminating in a fully free hanging and exposed 300-foot rap Down to upper emerald pools. From here parties exit via Emerald Pools trails to the grotto, or the lodge.
10.5 miles Total from the grotto, 3.1 miles Technical, 18+ repels up to 296 feet.
I estimate the shortest distance possible for This subjective entirely uncut is around 28 miles, mileage increases as different routes are taken, or shuttles are used to access canyons from the top.
Jackson Sims-Myers and Mike Dunn completed their version of the trifecta, self supported entirely on foot on September 11, 2024 in 17 hours 45 minutes. They stashed two backpacks at the top of Imlay and Heaps, and utilized cashes at the end of co-op Canyon and the end of imlay Canyon.
No other parties have attempted this route at this time.
Comments
This Trifecta should be divided in two variations: Standard (Public Lands) and Private. The Public (legal) route was first completed by Dunn and Sims-Myers. The Private route passes through a church camp and locked gate. Permits are now available and required.
According to FKT guidelines under “Private Property and Permits: Routes must be accessible to all. Routes shouldn't go on private property except in rare circumstances where there is permitted access to the public. If a permit is required to access the route, the description should include information on how to get that permit.”
The ‘Unsupported’ attempt from Adams/Beck/Jensen should be stricken as they illegally crossed over Private land.
https://www.strava.com/activities/12479061164?utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=social&share_sig=76A3B63C1727122823&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy4pSixL1EssKNDLyczL1g%2Bp8sk1q8jNt%2FBNsq8rSk1LLSrKzEuPTyrKLy9OLbJ1zijKz00FABQNYL09AAAA&_branch_match_id=1428979187798897496
The original route by Jared and Buzz obtained NPS permits but fails to mention getting permission to cross the private property; they admitted to getting lost on it for more than two-hours. This original attempt should not count.