East Zion: Deep Loop

Rating:
Long, strenuous and tiring. 7 miles with about 2000 feet of vertical rise and fall. Some moderately difficult angled sandstone sections. A couple of bushy and steep rocky sections with moderately dangerous falling hazard.

Limited to 12 hikers, per ZNP backcountry rules.

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This is an epic loop hike, far back into trackless Eastern Zion.

The starting trailhead is just a mile before the Checkerboard Mesa turnout on the road. The route heads south, up and over Checkerboard Pass, a 500 foot climb. There's also a one mile shuttle along the road to shorten the hike a little, since we come out a different, easier pass.

The entrance route passes between high white sandstone walls for nearly a mile, and after a last steep push, we clear the pass. Beyond is a paradise of totally pristine redrocks, canyons, and bighorn sheep.

Once thru the pass we must gradually descend over 900 vertical feet while performing our back country loop, and then climb back up every foot of it to get back over the pass.

Way down in the middle of it all is a particular deep pair of canyons that help to form a rough loop. The mid-point of the hike is also the low point, and is at the confluence of the two deep canyons, a particularly beautiful and serene location. We definitely won't be seeing anyone else there.

It's fairly rough and difficult down in the canyon complex, so to do the hike you need to be confident, strong, and agile. Some experience on difficult terrain is highly desirable. If you don't have that, boy are you gonna get it! ;-)

Happily tho, 90% of the total distance is easy-to-moderate, with a lot of up and down travel along beaten trails or on slickrock. All in all, a great hike that takes all day, in the very best part of Zion. What's not to love?

Prep:
Three liters of water minimum. Stout boots and leather gloves. Removable Light thermal wear. Camera. Food. And the need for solitude in a beautiful place that very few have ever seen.

Pro Tip:
Bring light thermal wear for the start and end of the hike. Won't need it much in the middle.

Meet:
7:30AM Sunday at the La Verkin Sinclair Gas station. Then we drive to Zion and go up thru the tunnels to East Canyon and the trailhead.

See you there!

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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.