East Zion: Checkerboard Pass to Seperation Pass

Rating:
6 miles, all cross-country, moderate to strenuous, about 1500 feet of climbing total. Basic ability to handle oneself on difficult terrain is required. 5-7 hours hike time.

Zion back country limit: 12 hikers. This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hiking and the 12 hiker limit is being split between the two groups.

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This is another one of those patented epic Zion backcountry hikes that people rave about. It's ruff and tuff, and if that's you, be prepared for a seriously otherworldly experience.

We start the hike in East Zion, right off the main road. The route passes between Checkerboard Mesa and Crazy Quilt Mesa in a deep narrow white canyon. After dragging ourselves over the steep sandy pass, we break out into the open in a wonderland of raw unspoiled vistas.

After wandering down a local drainage full of sandstone slabs, we climb up onto a vast slanted exposure of red rock, with a cute little hoodoo right in the center of it. Then we pass up "Pine Street" and approach a big steep red-and-white striped sandstone hill.

As we go up and around the hill we get our best views of the area. To the south lies the deep hollow of Parunuweap Canyon, harboring the east fork of the Virgin River in its hidden depths. To the north a line of huge white mesas loom far overhead. All around below is sparse piney woods with frolicking deer and bighorn sheep.

After a break and a good long look, we traverse more interesting terrain toward Separation Pass and the way back to the "real world." Once thru it, the final mile is an easy gradual descent back to the road, with a visit to a superb tower hoodoo in the westering evening light.

In short, you will be sorry when it ends.

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Cautions: Be aware that the hike is at 6000 feet altitude and has considerable climbing/descending. Endurance will be a factor on this hike! Also, there will be a lot of steeply slanted sandstone to traverse. Anyone with some experience walking on the slanted redrock should do okay, but complete beginners could face a challenge.

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Assuming you are a rugged and safe individual, we can pretty much guarantee an exceptional Zion hike. Much of the area just bursts with appeal, almost too much so at times. Those who have been there can represent.

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Prep:
2-3 big bottles of water. Sun hat. Sunglasses for the bright white rocks. Leather gloves are a big help too. Camera required. ;-)

Drive:
We go up to Zion and through the long tunnel to eastern Zion, then up close to checkerboard Mesa and the trailhead. There will be a 1 mile car shuttle along the road to make the hike a little easier.

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See you there! M+J :)

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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.

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.