Mindful Scramblers

East Zion: Climbing Checkerboard Mesa

Sat, May 23 · 7:00 AM MDT

Davis Food & Drug, 495 N State Street, La Verkin, UT, US

Rating: Up to 2000 feet of climbing, 5-6 miles total distance, all cross-country. Altitude is around 6000 feet.

Zion's backcountry hike limit: 12 hikers.

This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hiking and the 12 hiker limit is being split between the two groups. If this site's limit is full you may be able to get onto this hike with the other group.

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Join us Saturday for a fun and moderately challenging cross-country trek in far eastern Zion. We'll be ascending a route up to the mesa tops next to Checkerboard Mesa, and then onto that mesa too.

We also plan a side trip along the length of a particular mesa in order to get a good view of a well-known arch on the mesa next to it. This will let us determine a possible approach route for a future hike to the arch.

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The hike area consists of a series of tall, white sandstone mesas covered with trees. It's a little bushy here and there, but it's worth it because of the great views toward the south and Parunanweap Canyon.

The going can be difficult in places, but anyone used to scrambling around in rugged terrain should have no problem.

This hike is perfect for those who desire a different perspective on East Zion. Also it's great for photography enthusiasts, route-scouting enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for the raw beauty of the outdoors.

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Prep: 2 big bottles of water, sun hat, light clothing, some food, leather gloves, grippy hiking shoes or boots, optional hiking sticks, and a camera!

Meet: 7am Saturday at the Sinclair Gas Station in Laverkin. Then we drive to Zion and up into East Canyon to the trailhead.

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This will be a STRENUOUS full day of exploration even though the total mileage is only about 5-6 miles, and estimated elevation gain/loss 2000 ft accumulative. We will be climbing and descending steep, rocky hillsides.

See you there! M+J

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Special Notice:
Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.
By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you.

All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or injury to themselves or their guests.

By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.