West Zion: The Citadel Loop

Rating:
6 miles total, 1800 ft elevation gain/loss. Moderate to strenuous, with some steep climbing and significant bushwacking. Altitude is around 6500 feet. Around 6-7 hours total time.

This hike is in conjunction with Mindful Scramblers.

Zion Backcountry Limit: 12 hikers, split between Mindful Scramblers and Red Rock Hiking.

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This hike goes around and thru The Citadel, a hoodoo forest on a prominent redrock ridge in the heart of West Zion. It's pretty spectacular, and the hoodoos found there are extremely healthy, oh yes.

This particular set of hoodoos are our favorite in Zion. It's that good.
We've heard people utter the phrase "Castle in the clouds" when referring to the Citadel.

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The route is all cross-country and goes directly south and down from Wildcat Trailhead on Kolob Reservoir Road, from about 7000 feet. It's easy to moderate cross country hiking all the way to the Citadel, where it becomes much more strenuous and the rock climbing is moderate, not easy.

This newish route leads to a fantastic 'Grand Entrance' on the nearly-unknown south side of the Citadel, which leads up to the high hoodoo area thru a superb slickrock channel lined with tall red and white hoodoos.

In short, an epic hike on a major redrock mass in the middle of West Zion, with absolutely everything in full view. But for this you must pay the piper, in sweat equity. ;)

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Cautions:
There's some pretty ROUGH terrain on this hine, albeit in a very spectacular setting. Also, the return trip has the majority of the climbing, so you will need some deep stamina.

Be aware that there is a 6 foot vertical drop on the route, which will have a solid hand line to make it safe. Anyone capable of such a rough hike will handle it easily, and there's plenty of room below to give assistance where needed. There's also a tiny foot ledge halfway down, which makes it a lot easier.

Prep:
2-3 bottles of water, sturdy grippy hiking boots, sun hat, gloves for the rocky and bushy bits, optional hiking poles, some food.

Meet and Drive:
We meet at the La Verkin Davis Market at 9am, then it's 12 miles to Virgin and the turn onto Kolob Reservoir Rd. From there it's about 14 very scenic paved miles to Wildcat Trailhead.

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.