Clear Creek is one of Zion's best kept secrets —not because it's hidden or hard to access, but because most visitors don't even know that it is hike able. You won't find it in the NPS guide or even most Zion trail guides online.

Running along the east side of the park beyond the tunnel, it’s easy to drive right past without a second thought. But once you drop in, it opens up into a landscape full of possibilities.

Access comes from the pullouts along the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway, where short, steep use trails lead down into the creek. The most dramatic stretch lies between the two tunnels, where the canyon tightens and the terrain becomes more interesting. I’ve even done this section as a loop by walking back along the road—but if you do, be careful not to pass the second, smaller tunnel. You cannot walk through the tunnels for safety reasons, so you’ll need to turn around before reaching it.

Once you’re down in the wash, the experience becomes fluid. Clear Creek runs for miles, and there’s no single route to follow—you can go as far as you like, turn around whenever it feels right, and come back again to explore more. A trekking pole is especially helpful here, both for navigating the steep access points and for moving through uneven terrain or occasional water pockets.

While the main canyon has its own beautiful narrower sections, what makes this place stand out are the side canyons. They branch off in every direction—some short and scenic, others stretching on for miles before narrowing or becoming more technical. I’ve explored at least a dozen of them over time, sometimes just for a short distance, other times for miles until they slot up or become too difficult to continue.

A few are worth seeking out. One, often referred to as “Petroglyph Canyon,” contains a long panel of rock art. Another, “Many Pools,” is especially fun to explore and can easily fill half a day. Gifford Canyon, just east of the tunnel, begins with a steep entry before opening into a longer, more moderate canyon that invites deeper wandering.

This is the kind of place where you don’t need a plan. You just start walking, turn where it looks interesting, and see where it leads. It’s also one of the few places in Zion where you can still find long stretches of solitude—even on busy weekends or holidays.