West Zion: Circling the North Guardian Angel

Rating:
8 miles, 1600 feet of climbing. Easy to difficult cross-country hiking. Steep slopes, substantial hand climbing and scrambling in places, and some light bushwacking. Altitude: 7000 feet.

Zion back country limit: 12 hikers.
This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hikers and the 12 persons allowed is being split between the two groups. So you may be able to get onto this hike with the other group if this one is full.

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The hike goes from Wildcat Trailhead in West Zion to a peak called the North Guardian Angel and goes all the way around it, finally returning the same way. It's a hard way, but it puts you in a part of Zion that very very few ever see, directly overlooking the famous Subway chasm far below, as well as in a front row seat viewing the South Guardian Angel directly across. Right in the heart of Western Zion!

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First comes a 2 mile warmup on the easy main trail. Then we descend about 300 feet to a beautiful canyon bottom and travel down it for a while. Eventually, we reach a point where we can climb up steeply and then begin the traverse across the southern side of the Guardian.

This traverse involves a 200 foot climb and then a 200 foot descent. But in between, the rock flattens out into a colossal white bench, with the peak staring down from far above and the subway canyon far below. There is no other place in Zion like this place.

As we complete the traverse, we must then climb 400 feet to a high point directly east of the peak. Then it's a moderate walk and one more short, steep climb before we reach the main trail and travel the final two easy miles out.

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In short, the hike is epic. Zion just doesn't get any better than this, not if wild majestic solitude is your thing.

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Be aware that the trip around the peak necessitates considerable up and down work on a variety of terrains. While there are no places that are terribly dangerous, there is considerable hazard along most of the route near the peak.

Those with considerable stamina and experience staying safe on difficult terrain should do pretty good. Beginners, however, will be strongly challenged.

If you're a rugged and able person and you really like beautiful places that are "off the map," this is your hike.

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See you there! M+J :)

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Drive: From the Sinclair station in La Verkin we drive to Virgin, and then up-country to the Wildcat Trailhead in Zion. It's 24 miles one way, all paved.

Prep: 2-3 big bottles of water, leather gloves, food. Grit.
Sunglasses for the blinding white rock.

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Notice: Meetup organizers are not touring 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 - at any event. 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.