West Zion: Scorpion Point at Dawn!

Rating: Out and back, 6.5 miles, 4 miles very easy, and 2.5 miles on easy to moderate terrain, with steep slopes in two places. Minor exposed rock climbing, minor bushwacking. Altitude is around 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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This West Zion hike travels to and partially climbs the North Guardian Angel, a 600ft tall white sandstone dome brooding over the famous Subway slot canyon far, far below.

The first 2 miles is very easy and level hiking on a main trail, and we'll come back the same way at the end. This final portion will be getting a bit warm, so be sure to have lots of water on hand. We plan to hand-carry extra water and stash it for use during the return trip.

The rougher portion is 2.5 miles total and comes in the middle of the hike, traveling from where the easy trail ends to the North Guardian Angel and then back to the easy trail. This involves passing thru a pristine pocket forest nestled between three prominent white sandstone peaks.

Once at the North Guardian itself, we contour/climb along the west (shady) side, following a nice handy terrace, which eventually takes us up and around to the Subway side, where we rock climb steeply for 150 feet onto a majestic white shoulder jutting out from the body of the peak itself.

This is Scorpion Point, as called by the peak climbers. It stares directly up and down Left Fork Canyon, and straight down too, deep into the Subway slot far below. Opposite is the South Guardian Angel, the twin to the North Guardian.

Overall, Scorpion Point has one of the very best views in West Zion.

We should be at the point before 9am. The early-rising sun will be pretty dramatic and very bright on the white rock underfoot. Sunglasses, people.

To beat the heat we'll need to turn and smartly make our way back to the trail and the final two easy miles back to the trailhead, before the heat gets going and starts to cook us, oi. Make sure you have plenty of H2O for the end of the hike!

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

Prep: 2-3 big bottles of water (or more), sun hat, leather gloves, food. Cameras are near-mandatory. ;-)

See you there!
M+J

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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.