East Zion: The Zen Garden
Details
Rating: 7 miles, all cross-country, moderate to strenuous, about 1700 feet of climbing. Basic ability to handle oneself on difficult terrain for several hours is needed*.* 6-7 hours total hiking time. Very tiring.
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 time we head to East Zion and a splendid route that goes to a place where very few visitors ever get to. We call it the Zen Garden because it is a 1/2 miles long stony bench above a deep vertical canyon, with intriguing hoodoo of various kinds dotted along its length. And at the end, there is a wonderful perch where we may rest and contemplate the East Virgin river nestled far below in colossal Parunnuweap Canyon.
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The hike starts with a fun 1.5 mile climb up a long canyon and over an easy pass. It's 700 feet of total rise.
As we rise, the view rapidly expands and becomes pretty fantastic. After the initial climb, we top out and head down into true back country wilderness.
At the hike's greatest extent we'll get a good look at mysterious Parunuweap Canyon and the river within.
You need to have fairly deep stamina for this hike. The payoff is an epic hike where the masses never ever go.
See you there! M+J :)
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Cautions: Be aware that the hike is at 6000 feet altitude and has very considerable climbing. Endurance will be a factor on this hike! Also, there will be a lot of quite steeply slanted sandstone to traverse. Anyone with some experience walking on the slanted redrock should do okay, but beginners could face a challenge.
Assuming you are a rugged and safe individual, we can pretty much guarantee a really exceptional hike. Much of the area just bursts with appeal, almost too much so at times.
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Prep: Bring three big water bottles and some food. Sunglasses, sun hat, and leather gloves. Bring a light in case we run a little long. The final two miles are very easy to follow in low light, so no prob.
Camera required. ;-)
Drive: Meet at 12:00pm at the Davis Market parking lot. Then it's just over an hour to the trailhead. The trailhead is far up East Canyon Road, so parking is typically not a big 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.
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