West Zion at Dawn: Encircling Tabernacle Dome

Rating: Moderate to strenuous, with rough sections. 4 miles total, 1100 ft of climbing/descending, moderately difficult with a few steeper, rocky areas to be more careful on. You will need to SCRAMBLE UP some steep, slanted hills, and some rocky gullies.

Zion Backcountry limit: 12 hikers

This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hiking and the 12 spots are being divided between the two groups.

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This hike starts on Kolob Reservoir Road, travels quickly to Tabernacle Dome, goes around it, and returns to the road. Along the way the scenery never stops coming.

We've found this to be very fun, adventurous and photogenic hike loop. The loop takes us clockwise around the foot and shoulders of the Dome with outstanding views of Zion's surrounding peaks and cliffs, and as we go along we experience various other interesting mini zones of changing terrain.

READ CAREFULLY:
On the loop, we will be backing down a couple of short angled rock chutes, using a hand line and mutual assistance. We've done this 4+ times and everyone has been okay so far, but complete beginners could be challenged.

Not recommended for those who are strongly afraid of heights, or who cannot grip a hand line firmly enough to aid in backing down a 50 ft long, 35 degree slanted rock chute.

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Prep: 3 big bottles of water. Some food, hiking sticks and camera as desired. Bring grippy hiking shoes, gloves, hat and optional long pants to guard against brush.

Drive: 12 paved miles, parking near the road, no problem.

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Please Note The Following:

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 - 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.