Access to Fat Man's Misery is via a small pullout Southwest of the main Checkerboard Mesa parking area off of the Zion - Mt. Carmel Hwy. No permit is required because the technical section of the route is outside the park boundaries. The route is located in the East Fork of the Virgin River and is part of Parunuweap Canyon. The is one of the most beautiful areas of the park in a remote wilderness setting.

This is a 9.3 mile route. The average hiking time is 12 hrs. with the longest rappel at 50' with an overhang. Be sure to route plan and study your map. This is not a walk in the park to get to. So, be sure of you map reading skills.

Begin the hike by following the drainage which runs on the West side of Checkerboard Mesa. Follow the wash to the dirt path on the left and then up to the saddle summit one mile into the hike. Espy the Parunuweap to the South. Work your way down the the hill from the saddle and back into the wash. You should see a slick rock bowl. Begin heading SE for about 1/4 mile then head ESE and cross the first drainage. Continue across the second drainage going East then SE to the bottom on the 3rd drainage. Now climb the drainage wall to see the 4th drainage which is the West Fork of Misery Canyon. Follow the wash into the West Fork of Fat Man's Misery.

Fat Man's Misery is full of obstacles which can be rapped or down-climbed. You choose. Enjoy the challenges and the water entry and exits.

The exit from Fat Man's Misery is just above the East Fork of the Virgin River. Turn right and walk downstream .35 miles to find a sand peninsula on the right. Look for the trail behind the vegetation heading uphill and onto the shoulder above the river. Bear right and work the 4th class cliff. Hike North about 1/4 mile to a saddle and traverse a narrow ledge. The exposure is a little intimidating, then up a short scramble to a well established dirt trail. Hike North. At times the trail will be marked with cairns. This is a quick gain in elevation, but soon eases after about 3/4 mile. Soon you will be able to see the left fork of Fat Man's Misery on the right. Continue on the ridge going North. After about another mile you will drop into a drainage on the left where you will cross and climb a ridge. Check your heading and be sure you are going North toward Checkerboard Mesa. You will soon come to another drainage heading slightly NW. Look for a well traveled trail the goes North. Stay on this path which will eventually get you back to the highway.