Little Zion Overnight (Semi-Exploratory)

This will be an easy/moderate out and back overnight to one of my favorite spots near the valley. Little Zion (or The Park) is a unique sandstone plateau situated just north of Monument Peak atop the Red Rock escarpment. On our way we'll bag Mountain Springs Peak as an easy consolation prize.

I've rated this as easy-to-moderate. The hike up is easy enough (approximately 4 miles one way) with 1500 ft. of elevation gain. However, I'm suggesting all attendees carry enough water for the hike up, camp and the hike down the following day, which will increase the weight of your pack significantly. You will sometimes find stagnant water pooled in the sandstone close by, but it can be riddled with bacteria and viruses from the animals that use these pools as water sources. I highly suggest packing your own water unless you have a water treatment system for both bacteria and viruses (chemical or UV treatment). Even then, you are taking a risk this late in the season when the water is usually dried up.

This will be a semi-exploratory hike. While I've visited this spot many times in the past, I usually take a different approach from Lovell Canyon/Rainbow Spring, and this will be my first time approaching from the south (Hwy 160). Still, this is a popular approach and there are many defined use trails in the area to follow.

We'll meet at the Mountain Springs Trailhead (use Google Maps) at 10:00 am and depart no later than 10:15. Be on time or we'll leave without you!