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Zion: South Ariel PeakThe east side of Zion National Park does not have massive, vertical sandstone walls like Zion Canyon, but it is stunning in its own way. Once you begin to explore the east side of the park you will become addicted to it. Because of the east sides less vertical nature it becomes a mecca of off the beaten path exploration. The pyramid shaped domes of white Navajo sandstone beckon those with a sense of adventure. Don't be foolish though as those seemingly easy to scale mounds of solidified sandstone present many obstacles and can be very deceiving. Be prepared by having solid scrambling skills, proper equipment including sticky rubber soled shoes like sportiva's and be ready to back off if the going just gets too tough. Photo Album: South Ariel Peak Pictures
Trailhead - South Ariel Peak is located just north and west of the popular canyoneering route Keyhole Canyon and offers a relatively easy scramble to a summit with impressive views in all directions. Parking for the route is just 1.9 miles east of the small tunnel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway or 2.1 miles west of the east entrance into Zion National Park. This parking area only accommodates four or five vehicles and is located at the mouth of Keyhole Canyon. As a side note, it you look to the north, up-canyon, you should be able to see Jug Handle Arch on the right side of a large peninsula. Now look at the rock peak just above the highway and on the left side of the slot canyon. This is South Ariel Peak.
The Peak - The route is fairly apparent as it makes a bee-line to the caprock summit. Along the way there will be several steep sections to negotiate. A rope belay will come in handy for those less sure of their footing. Close to the summit ridge, right of the actual summit, is a bowl of slickrock and the steepest section. The footing becomes a bit tenuous, but by seeking the "layered" ridges it is still considered 4th class scrambling. Once on top of the "knife-edge" ridge and veering left, the last obstacle will present itself. The fragile rock layering of the sandstone might require a spot from your companion to pull you up and over the cap and onto the summit. Once atop views unfold that few have seen. South is a hoodoo specked ridge overlooking Parunuweap; southwest is the Watchman and Bridge Mountain. West is the fingers of the East Rim. North is Aires Butte and the East Rim. East is Checkerboard Mesa towering above the valley below. Keyhole Canyon becomes just a sliver and makes one wonder what may lay in its depths. Be sure to keep a keen eye for bighorn sheep as this area has been a popular one for them to congregate in recent years. GPS Coordinates WGS84 Datum Parking For South Ariel Peak South Ariel Peak Summit GPS coordinates are only references and may or may not be accurate. - Do not rely on GPS coordinates as the sole method of navigation. Always have an accurate, detailed map at hand and have the proper map reading and navigation skills before setting out on any hike. Many of the hikes listed in this guide travel into canyons where a GPS has limited capabilities. Always check your position with a detailed map before dropping into a canyon. Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo Beck and zionnational-park.com author, Mary Cisneros. Suggested Gear: Rope, webbing, harness and rappelling device. A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend for canyoneering in Zion . Quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury. Experienced Zion hikers and canyoneers like the Sportiva Exum Ridge. This shoe is great for hiking, bouldering and canyoneering.
Zion National Park, UtahHistory of the Thunderbird |
East Zion Lodge Mileage from Stay in a hotel the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah. Site Map Zion Hiking |
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This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com It's a better site than the NPS's anyway." Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park |
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