Peak Bagging in Zion National Park

Peak Bagging - Few places on the planet offer the diversity that Zion National Park does. Peak bagging, although not what the park is known for, is a great form of recreation and during your climb you are surrounded by some of the best scenery anywhere. Remember that sandstone can be very soft and weak in nature and even more so if it is wet. Peaks are often tantalizing but can be dangerous. Some peaks require steep, unprotected scrambling or even 5th class maneuvers on unsure footing. It is essential that proper training, and equipment are employed on some of the descriptions given. If you feel unsure about continuing, it is better to back off, and try again at another time. Remember your safety is always your responsibility. If you are into peak bagging you will enjoy this book about peak bagging in the Las Vegas area.

Hiking - For those that want to keep their feet a little closer to the canyon floor, you can explore the diverse world of the park by hiking, backpacking, canyoneering or biking. If you have already done all the trails in Zion Canyon, be sure to explore the trails and routes located on the east side of Zion.

Hiking Equipment - The kind of gear you will need for your visit to Zion National Park depends on which trails you plan to hike. Comfortable hiking shoes and quality socks are a must. Painful blisters and sore toes can ruin your plans. If hiking the Zion Narrows is on your vacation itinerary, you might want to invest in a good pair of aquatic shoes. A day pack and hydration system are also essential.

Peak Bagging in Zion National Park	miles/km roundtrip or rating	Ascent ft/meters	Average Time	Area	Difficulty
Separation Canyon	2.5/4	400'/122m	2 hours	East	Moderate
Angels Landing	5/8.6	1488'/453m	5 hours	Canyon	Strenuous
Jug Handle Arch	2.4/3.86	650'/198m	4 hours	East	Strenuous
Checkerboard Ridge (Not quite to the top)	2/3.22	600'/183m	4 hours	East	Strenuous
South Ariel Peak	1/1.6	700'/213m	2 hours	East	Scrambling
Progeny Peak	.8/1.3	1075' /328m	3 hours	East	Strenuous
Mountain of the Sun	7/11.3	1526'/465m	6 hours	East	Strenuous
Lady Mountain	1.3/2.09	2440'/744m	8 hours	Canyon	Technical
Destination Peak	3.5/5.63	2100'/640m	8 hours	East	Scrambling
North Guardian Angel	2.8/4.51	700'/215m	7 hours	Kolob	Technical
Aries Butte	5.7 Grade II 4-pitches	900'/275m	4 hours	East	Technical
Red Butte	3rd,4th,5th class	1000'/ 308m	6 hours	East	Technical
G2 Summit	2nd,3rd,4th class	6000'+ accumulated elevation diff.	8-12 hours	East	Scrambling, some technical.
South Guardian Angel	2nd,3rd,4th class	6000'+ accumulated elevation diff.	12 hours	Kolob	Scrambling
West Temple	5.6 Exposed 5th class	Asc. + 4000' Dec. - 4000'	8-14 hours	South	Technical
All Zion Park Hiking or Zion Hiking Continued - Zion Canyoneering - Kolob Hiking - Great Zion Area Hiking

Key: [East/South of Canyon Junction off hwy 9] [Cliff-side: Exposed scramble or narrow ledge]
[Boulders: Climbing over boulders or up steep slabs] [ Scrambling: Hiking/Climbing up or down steep slick rock]
[Semi-Tech: Rope and climbing skills] [Technical: Advanced climbing]

Average Temperatures, Precipitation, Elevation

The floor of Zion Canyon is only 4000', so temperatures can soar in the Canyon. Leaving Zion Canyon and traveling east through the main section of the park the elevation of the park rises. Mt. Carmel Junction, on the east side of Zion National Park, is a mile high and a cool alternative for lodging. Average summer temperatures in Zion National Park range from 93 degrees in June to 97 degrees in August, but temperatures can reach 110 in Zion Canyon and the campground area. The lowest section of the park is Coal Pits Wash at 3666' and the highest is 8726' at Horse Ranch Mountain. Plan for hiking in the heat by bringing lots of water, wearing a hat and using sun screen.

Zion National Park Weather

Our vacation planning section will help the first time visitors hit the hot spots and plan their trip to the Southwest parks. Zion National Park is packed with everything the nature lover could want.