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Destination PeakFor those with adventure in mind and wanting to beat the crowds, Destination Peak is truly the ticket. This hike requires some scrambling skills and isn't for the weak-hearted, but the rewards are grand with views that are rarely seen by the average hiker. Although the short 3.5 mile distance round trip can lure you into what may be perceived as a stroll, remember that 2000' of some steep slickrock scrambling can do some wear and tear, so be prepared. Photo Album: Pictures Trail access: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy is open year-round. The steep slickrock is dangerous if wet or if the moss on the mountainside is frozen so avoid it in those conditions.
Gifford Canyon - Walk up the mostly sandy path for about .75 miles until a small intersection of another wash enters from the right. Notice that the sandstone seems to be less steep on the right and allows travel upward. Leave Gifford Canyon at this point. Ascent to the Plateau - At times it may be steep traveling, but by picking ramps and ledge systems, it will be necessary to travel toward the base of some small cliffs lined with pine trees. Once at the base of the cliffs there will be a small ridge leading left and up. Identify the cairns and soon a trail will appear. The trail leads into a large sandstone bowl. From the bowl, bear west and pick the easiest route to the plateau above. The Plateau - The plateau is level and pleasant with views back into Gifford Canyon and the beautiful peaks to the east. Now it will be necessary to bear north and look for a canyon that runs east-west. Cliff bands on the south-east end of this canyon are difficult to negotiate, so head north a bit and begin descending to make travel easier. East-West Wash - Once down a few hundred feet from the plateau, get to the north side of the wash. You will be confronted with a 40' wall to pick your way up, but if you were to continue down the wash there will be a dry fall to stop you. Make your way up the short wall and gain the ridge on the north side of the wash bottom. Ridge Top - Once at the top of the ridge, go up hill and look for the wash gully, on the backside, just to the left, which is the ramp that will be followed north toward the summit of Destination Peak. For the most part it is just steep slickrock scrambling, however two-thirds of the way up as the wash constricts, there is a short 15' corner of 4th class climbing. From the top of this scramble, there is a bit of minor bush-whacking. and soon a ridge is gained sporting a small hoodoo mound on the left. Destination Peak - Continue to the right another 150 vertical feet and the summit is achieved. The views of East Temple, Bridge Mountain, and Watchman are grand. Below, the valleys seem unidentifiable, but this is what it's all about. GPS Coordinates Canyon Overlook Parking Lot Scramble out of Gifford Canyon Plateau between Gifford and Hepworth Scramble out of the East-West Shoulder to Summit Destination 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. To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more information please visit the Zion National Park Forum Suggested Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury.
Utah Canyoneering Forums: Zion Hiking Bogley Canyons Coalition of American Canyoneers All Zion Park Hiking or Zion Hiking Continued - Zion Canyoneering - Kolob Hiking - Great Zion Area
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 Checkerboard Ridge
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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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