zion march-april

by **norco17** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:29 pm

jackstraw0083 wrote:I can't think of any 5.6 trad in the park, but if you can handle 5.7, Weeping Rock Chimney (1 or 2 pitches, 5.7) is fairly straightforward and is a nice route that takes plenty of pro. Also, the famous Cave Route (1 pitch, 5.7) is just down the road from Weeping Rock Chimney, but is a bit tougher than Weeping Rock. I climbed both these routes in April of last year and they were in excellent condition. Also, you probably won't have to deal with snow in the main canyon, but the higher elevations of the park may still be socked in.

I've tried to go canyoneering in Zion that time of year and it's not a very good time to go because there's still a good amount of snow in the slot canyons that time of year. This can make for brutal approaches, postholing, and "interesting" bollard rappels if the natural anchors are buried.

I can lead 5.8 I was just interested in keeping it easier for her. I don't want this to become a "climbing trip" but I want to hit a few climbs while there. I also have never climbed sandstone and don't want to sandbag myself on somthing that I am not familiar with.

Thanks for the help I will look into those.

by **The Chief** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:36 pm

Done all my climbing in Zion during the months of April-May from the years 1980- 2001.

Best time of the year IMO.

Yu'll be fine in April.

Be advised for any Spring T-Storms in the Narrows.... it will kill ya if yur caught in em if a Flash Flood comes roaring down. Has happened before, several times.

by **cp0915** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:05 pm

jackstraw0083 wrote:This can make for brutal approaches, postholing, and "interesting" bollard rappels if the natural anchors are buried.

Not to mention potentially inescapable conditions in certain slots. Be careful.

norco:

Based on what it sounds like you're looking for climb-wise, consider the SE Chimney of The Organ. The SE face of Aires Butte too. The Organ is something of an "adventure" climb (trad; 5 pitches, 5.6), while Aires Butte is a highly enjoyable, super-easy bolt-clipping route (4 pitches, 5.5). You'll have a splendid time.

March-April is a fine time to be in Zion, for certain activities. Not for all.

by **norco17** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:35 pm

cp0915 wrote:
jackstraw0083 wrote:This can make for brutal approaches, postholing, and "interesting" bollard rappels if the natural anchors are buried.

Not to mention potentially inescapable conditions in certain slots. Be careful.

norco:

Based on what it sounds like you're looking for climb-wise, consider the SE Chimney of The Organ. The SE face of Aires Butte too. The Organ is something of an "adventure" climb (trad; 5 pitches, 5.6), while Aires Butte is a highly enjoyable, super-easy bolt-clipping route (4 pitches, 5.5). You'll have a splendid time.

March-April is a fine time to be in Zion, for certain activities. Not for all.

I am looking at the aires Butte route. It seems to be more of what I am interested in for this trip. I want good views and a fun time with my GF not an overly technical adventure. If I was going with my climbing budies then I wouldn't mind the harder stuff.

by **cp0915** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:37 pm

Yeah, go for the Aires Butte gig. It's great fun. Done it four or five times, myself.

by **norco17** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:40 pm

I don't have any maps. What would you guys recomend. Quads? Any other specific maps that would include the entire park?

by **cp0915** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:47 pm

For what you're looking at doing, just get the Nat'l Geo 'Zion National Park' topo map. It'll do the trick.

by **norco17** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:49 pm

cp0915 wrote:For what you're looking at doing, just get the Nat'l Geo 'Zion National Park' topo map. It'll do the trick.

Thanks for all the help.

by **cp0915** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:53 pm

No prob. Have a friggin' blast. And if you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

by **Day Hiker** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:38 pm

norco17 wrote:I don't have any maps. What would you guys recomend. Quads? Any other specific maps that would include the entire park?

Here is a quick little one I made for Aires Butte. The route is short, about 1.0 mile from car to summit. The red and blue tracks are our ascent and descent paths, respectively. Contour interval is 40 feet.

Save the jpg file if you want it. I will eventually delete the hosted image.

by **cp0915** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:00 pm

Great map.

For kicks, you might enjoy the hike up Nippletop (lower-right; two short class 3-4 sections via the north ridge) or Ant Hill (WSW of Aires Butte; class 4 via south buttress or 5.2 via north ridge).

So many options, just on that map.

by **norco17** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:39 pm

Thanks day hiker. I was hoping to get a map at sport chalet yesterday. All they had was local stuff. Last time I wanted a local map all they had was stuff like zion yosemite glacier..... looks like I will be looking online.

zion march-april

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