In a place with lots of views, Mt. Kinesava may just take the cake.

Mt. Kinesava is one of the highest peaks in one of the finest national parks the United States has to offer. With a commanding presence above the main entrance to Zion National Park, Mt. Kinesava offers extraordinary views of much of the park � from Zion Canyon itself, to both the rugged and topographically-complex eastern and western regions of the park, as well as to the red rock dreamlands to the south and outside of the park, including the Eagle Crags, Canaan Mountain, and the mystical beyond.

As if that�s not enough, the mountain�s view of its neighbor, The West Temple, and of The West Temple�s knife-edge south ridge, is absolutely astounding. Drool, slurp. The two stunning peaks are separated by a deep notch and this gorgeous, serrated south ridge.

The mountain features an enjoyable, and rather direct, steep route up its east face. Likely the easiest route possible on this sheer-walled peak, it goes 4th class (with tons of room to beef it up) with less than five miles and 3200 feet of gain car-to-car.

Like nearly every other big peak in the park, Mt. Kinesava also hosts a number of established technical routes on its impressive faces and aesthetic ridges.

Despite its very obvious position above the main entrance to the park, Mt. Kinesava is infrequently climbed.

*You might also check out my website, which provides access to trip reports, beta, photos and other stuff covering hiking, scrambling, climbing and canyoneering in Zion, Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks.

Getting There

From I-15 in St. George (southern Utah), follow prominent signage toward Zion National Park. The signage will ultimately lead you to highway 9 and through the town of Hurricane.

Continue on highway 9, passing through the town of La Verkin, until you come into the charming little community of Springdale.

Just inside of Springdale, look for a small sign for Serendipity Road on the west side of highway 9. This road leads you into a residential area. Depending on the status of the ongoing development in the residential area, you may need to find somewhere legal to park near the intersection of highway 9 & Serendipity. If not, turn onto Serendipity and continue for � mile or so to Mukuntuweap Road.

Hang a right onto Mukuntuweap and follow it a short distance to its end. Hopefully you can find somewhere off the road to park near the cul de sac; otherwise, head back to Springdale and look for a spot to put your car.

Red Tape

Good news here. No permits are needed for day use, nor do you have to pay the $20 park fee, since the trailhead is located outside of the main entrance.

When To Climb

Departing somewhat from the usual Zion scene, Mt. Kinesava can be climbed most of the year.

In summer, of course, I�d expect hot temperatures, requiring an early start to beat any extra discomfort.

In winter, on the other hand, I�d expect extremely cold temperatures, with lots of potential for snow/ice and considerable storms.

This may be the desert, but don�t underestimate the weather around Zion.

Check the weather (see link below) before going.

Camping

There are many nice campgrounds in and around the park. Too many to name, actually.

Backcountry camping is also allowed inside the park, with a permit.

Contact the park for more information.

Mountain Conditions

The weather for nearby St. George, UT.

You can also contact the ranger station (435-772-0170) if you want more info.

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