West Zion at Dawn: Enchanting Lee Valley Hoodoos
Details
Do you like red rock hoodoos? Do you like climbing around on them? Then this is the hike for you. This time we explore along a huge tilted ridge of clean red sandstone, heavily sculpted by erosion. It's relatively easy (for Zion) and lots of fun.
It's still getting kinda hot out there tho, thus the early start. But the dawn light on the east-facing hoodoos will be superb.
Rating:
About 3.5 miles total with around 600 feet total climbing. 3-5 hours. Mostly easy to moderate, but with several steepish and strenuous climbs on the red rock. Some sand and a few bushes along the approach and return.
Advanced climbing skills are not needed for this hike, but some slopes get pretty steep, so leg strength and agility are necessary.
Altitude: 6000ft.
Zion backcountry hike limit: 12 hikers.
This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hiking and the 12 persons allowed is being split between the two groups.
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Prep: 2-3 big bottles of water, sun hat, sunglasses for the bright rock, grippy shoes for the slickrock, camera. A snack is nice.
Meet: Be at the La Verkin Sinclair Gas Station (Southeast corner of the parking lot) at 6:30am. Then it's 22 paved miles up to West Zion. Note that there is a one mile easy dirt road drive to the trailhead. Any car with good clearance can make it easily. But the parking is a tad tight, so we'll carpool to save space.
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.