Zion National Park
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Hidden Canyon & Weeping Rock Zion National Park |
March 25, 2009
This is my third hike of the day, having just visited both Hidden Arch and Two Pines Arch. On the way over, I pass through the unique Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Completed in 1930, it's a mile long; for seventy years it remained the longest auto tunnel in North America that wasn't under water.
Ventilation ducts in the amazing Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
At the trailhead, the air temperature has warmed up to nearly 40 degrees! As seems normal for this week, parking is available only in an overflow area at this time of day; oddly enough, the shuttle system doesn't go into effect until early April.
The paved path heads directly up a series of long switchbacks for about 850 feet. Time passes quickly, however, as the going is easy. At a junction the Observation Point Trail goes left up the "great white crack." The pavement ends here as my route heads to the right up some more switchbacks.
The lower switchbacks and the Weeping Rock alcove
The trail goes up through the high tree-filled notch
Junction with the Observation Point Trail
A sign of rougher times ahead
Things begin to become really interesting here. A group traverses the orange cliff above me, on what appears to be an easy section of trail. That proves not to be the case.
The trail slices up the cliff side
Previous hikers have dug footholds into several of the snow patches; in a couple of spots, pine branches have been placed on top to provide non-slippery footing. Around the next corner is a nifty set of four dozen stone steps.
Snowbound
Stairway to the scary stuff
Upon reaching that "easy-looking" traverse, I discover chains attached to the cliff wall. Although this section can be negotiated safely enough without holding on, the chain does provide a convenient handhold in a couple of tight spots.
The chain-assist is optional for some, obligatory for others
It is a lot of fun, if you like this sort of thing
The cliff-side walk is several hundred feet long
The roughest section
The chains disappear as the trail veers sharply left around a corner past several small pools of water. My literature says that this is a favorite hangout for the famous canyon tree frogs, but none are being heard from today. I guess they are still hibernating.
The only water on this route
The maintained trail ends here, at a spot where several footholds have been cut into the rock. Actually, there is a way to go around this section, but using the steps is easy enough and is much more fun.
Entrance to Hidden Canyon
This slot canyon is something of an obstacle course, featuring various combinations of soft sand, fallen trees, and big boulders. In two spots a small log has been placed such that the hiker can walk up it while using the canyon wall for balance, that being the only way to continue without benefit of 5-foot-long legs or other special equipment.
The slot
Just begging to be explored
A forced detour leads up and to the left of the tree
Easy walking at times
A long flat wall is covered with moss. This place is beautiful. Soon the going becomes more problematical, as some hands-on scrambling is required.
The Garden Wall
The route becomes more challenging
Not much farther along, an unfriendly obstacle prompts me to call it quits despite a strong desire to continue. Passage looks easy enough in the photograph; but that wall is about ten feet high, and there is nothing resembling a decent handhold or foothold anywhere.
With delicate balancing the obstacle could be negotiated, and I watch a young hiker do just that as I converse with his female companion who will have nothing to do with the attempt. Yet any slip-up here could result in a sprained ankle or worse, as there is no soft or flat place to land. Sure-footed though I am, the prospect of climbing down that section is uninviting.
End of the line for me
The scenery changes on the return leg, of course. One always sees things that were unnoticed on the way in.
Starting back
This rock is alive
The sand really is pink
Abruptly the canyon ends at the steep drop-off. The parking lot is visible about a thousand feet below.
The canyon ends
Overlooking the parking lot
Around the next corner a man entices his companion to continue, but she is balking at the difficulty. After I pass by she still is standing there, shaking her head.
She is going no farther
The chain gang
Almost to the end
Shortly, the hard stuff is over. Back on the switchbacks there is time for pictures and admiration of the scenery.
Zion Draba
Zion Canyon
Near trail's end a spur route goes over to Weeping Rock. That is where most of the visitors go as well. The short detour enables me enjoy this deservedly popular place.
The Weeping Rock Trail
Weeping Rock alcove
A good-feeling place
A last glance up the mountain lets me see where I have been today.
The Hidden Canyon Trail runs behind the dark triangle at left-center
§: The chained areas on the trail aren't as scary as certain guide books would have you believe. In contrast, the Angels Landing Trail is more challenging. Most folk should have no trouble negotiating this route with reasonable care.
It seems that I screwed up, however, big time. Having inadequately
perused my literature prior to setting out, I missed a free-standing arch that
apparently is located across from the big mossy wall. Shucks. I
could have bagged my third arch of the day, each on a different hike.
Zion National Park
Hidden Canyon
Weeping Rock
Observation Point Trail