Las Vegas Hikes (Logistics)

This trip is coming together. How does this itinerary sound.

Day 1) Lee's Pass -> Kolab Arch (Site 15)

Day 2) Kolab Arch – > West Rim North (Site 9)

Day 3) West Rim North -> West Rim South (Site 1)

Day 4) West Rim South -> Angels Landing -> The Grotto

I called Zion Adventure Company and they can give me a lift from one trailhead to the other for $60. Already booked my hotel, I'm just trying to find a cheap flight now.

A few questions:

I'm going to go tarp and bivy for the trip. Good idea?

Do I have to worry about some crazy snakes/scorpions down there?

There are no fires allowed in the park. Will I be allowed to use esbit tabs for cooking or is that considered a no-no?

Thanks again for all the help!

Steve – just checking e-mails and got your PM. Sorry for not responding earlier. Your campsites look fine – don't rush it as there is a lot to see for those from the North(!).

Tarp and bivy should be fine, but I would want some sort of bug / spider protection so take a bug net (unless the bivy already has one). I was told there were snakes but did not see any – only lizards and rabbits (big ears) and deer and mice. I didn't see any scorpions. Lots of smaller creatures. No cougars either, unless you count the one I saw at Zions Lodge. In the lounge (I kid). Only consideration is that you may be a little warm in a bivy.

I used a canister stove so can't comment on the esbit, but I can't imagine that being an issue because its not like esbit burns wildly out of control. Maybe call the Zion Park main office(?)

As you come out by Angels Landing – make sure to do that side hike if you have time. It is a 'ball hider' if you know what I mean.

David – No worries, I was just curious if you did the East Rim section aswell. I wanted to do that section the last day, but I called the Zion Adventure people and they told me it is a big push to go from West Rim South to the East Rim trailhead. I want to enjoy myself so I figure I'll end it at the Grotto with a side trip up Angels Landing. With the shorter last day, I'll be able to make it back to the strip with plenty of energy for my buddies stag.

If I bring my tarp, I'm going to make a new bug bivy that is fully enclosed – no way I'm gonna let a giant rattlesnake or tarantula in my shelter. I'm still on the fence though, I may bring my Refuge X.

I'll have to call and ask about the esbit tabs. I hope they're OK.

I watched some videos on youtube of Angels Landing and honestly can't wait to do it. It looks scary but totally awesome.

I really appreciate the advice.

I have done the Grand Canyon and can tell you that it is an amazing place with lots of different possibilities other than the standard n-s highway. Once outside of the major N-S highway permits are easier to get.

Zion is a very beautiful park and offers some great hikes, but honestly it isn't that big. I do recommend going to zion but it might be a stretch to extend the East-West trail to 4-days. Lots of other canyons and trails you could see in the extra two days though. I will be there in March and plan on doing this trail with the one overnight in the campground and then out the other side.

Kevin,
Are you saying that 4 days is too long for my intended itinerary? It seemed like there was good mileage (for me) in there. I think doing it in one night, like you plan, is more then I can handle. Depending on the terrain, I kind of top out at about 15 miles/day, and 20 miles is a massive day for me.

You can definitely take it it in four days. When I posted I wasn't really considering what you wanted to do and was projecting my own trip onto that itinerary. I went back and read the posts over. Your itinerary is perfectly good, so ignore my poorly thought out advice. Zion is an incredible place with lots to see and you will have a great time. Apologies.

No problem Kevin. I actually just reread your post and realized you were referring to the East/West Rim trail…I thought you were referring to the Trans Zion and felt like a sissy taking so many days to do it. :)

Enjoy your hike, it's a great one. I did it in two nights. Hop Valley was one of the highlights for me, but I've spent a lot of time in the main canyon so it didn't have the newness that it'll have for you.

Cross country hiking in Zion is generally not advised. The desert is REALLY fragile, and with the extensive crypto, it's pretty unethical in most places.

Heading back to the park on Friday for some more hiking.

"Cross country hiking in Zion is generally not advised"

Jack, thanks for the heads up. I will definitely stay on the trail.

I think I'm pretty much set, just putting a gearlist together – will post it in the appropriate section.

Thanks for all the help everyone. Booked my sites and shuttle today. Leaving on May 15th.

I'm going to get a gear list started, but have just one question for those that visit the area frequently. I talked with a Ranger and she said to bring crampons for that time of year. Really?

OK, I'm all booked..flight/permits/shuttle and all. I started a thread in the gearlist forum to discuss my gear. My list is pretty minimal right now, but I'll add to it as needed. I know some of you are quite knowledgeable of the area – would really appreciate some advice.

Thanks again!
Steve

Angel's Landing is a funny place.

I've seen grown men sit down and refuse to take another step when they reached Scout Lookout. No amount of cajolling, insulting, or coercing would budge them.

But my six year old led the way on our last trip…

I'm jealous. Zion is one of my favorite places in the world… though I've been doing more canyoneering than straight up hiking there in recent years.

Watch the squirrels/chipmunks. Last time at AL I saw one zip through someones stashed pack with its teeth (crazy how fast it was) and pull out a bag of trail mix almost as big as it was. They're on to us…

Your 6 year old? Having done it twice and understand the reality of the dangers, I think that is irresponsible.

If we're going to delve into my lack of parenting skills we're going to need our own sub-forum. :)

Having done AL 3 times last year (and 30+ total) I think I understand the 'dangers' pretty well. The biggest 2 I can think of are lack of appropriate supervision (appropriate attention for adults) and no understanding of the action-consequence relationship. That hike definitely wasn't her first outdoor experience. While I would heartily agree that Angels Landing would not be appropriate for every 6 year old, it wasn't inappropriate for this six year old. I get what you're saying though, and your heart's in the right place.

To apologize for the thread hijack… to the OP:

If you have some extra time to kill and need some quick side hikes, I would suggest Taylor Creek in the Kolob section of Zion with its wonderful 'double arch alcove', or a quick trip up Kanarra Creek a little further to the north with its beautiful narrows and waterfalls. That's the problem with trips like this… never enough time to see it all. :)

Kanarra Creek:

Oh, and there's a nice little swimming hole in Pine Creek that's super easy to get to from the hairpin turn on the east side of the park… (here I am abusing my children again… lol)