Bogley

[Iceaxe]

This is something all Zion hikers will enjoy. It's an old hiking pamphlet published by the Zion Natural History society some time before 1970. The pamphlet is mainly of historical interest; some of the trails have had their names or routes changed, and at least two of the routes have been closed (Lady Mountain and the orginal Watchman). Roads have also been constructed or closed since this pamphlet was printed.

Guide to Zion NP

[Scott P]

Where can I get one of those fire permits they talk about? :naughty:

There seem to be only a realitive few National Parks and Monuments that allow backcountry campfires now days in the lower 48. Good thing though.

[Iceaxe]

I also found out this shuttle bus deal is not really new to Zion. They had tour buses in 1929.

[Iceaxe]

Orginal Watchman Info:
Watchman Trail is 1.2 miles long, and the average round-trip time is about 2 hours. The start of the trail is not easy to find as you must drive toward the back of the Visiter center, cross under the highway, and follow the road across the Virgin River to the Park Service residential area. Drive very carefully as children sometimes play in the roadway. The Watchman Trail starts at the southwest corner of the residential loop and climbs up the canyon to an excellent lookout directly across from the South Campground and entrance station. An additional loop trail extends off the main trail and is about a mile in length.

The town of Springdale lies down canyon a short distance. Settled by the Mormons in 1862, the principal occupation was farming; today, the thousands of visitors to Zion National Park are its main concern. To the right is the Visitor Center and Oak Creek Canyon which lies below the West Temple and Towers of the Virgin.

Mid-morning is best for photographs but sunsets are sometimes quite beautiful from the lookout area on the trail. Although the first half of the trail is fairly steep, the second half is a gradual climb through the pinyon pine forest. Here is one of the best areas in Zion Park to see the many birds that nest among the Pinyon-juniper woodlands during the spring and summer. A few of the birds you may see include the mourning dove, black-chinned hummingbird, ash-throated flycatcher, plain titmouse, common bushtit, Bewick's and cañon wrens, blue-gray gnatcatcher, gray vireo, Virginia's and black-throated gray warblers, black-headed grosbeak, and rufous-sided towhee.

Orginal Lady Mountain Info:Lady Mountain Trail is only 2 miles long, but the average round-trip time is about 5 hours. This is Zion's steepest and most difficult trail and should be taken by experienced hikers only. Starting from the upper ledge of the Emerald Pool Trail (see the map in the center), it climbs 2,679 feet in 2 miles, ending at the summit of Lady Mountain—6940 feet elevation. Hiking is best during the early morning and late afternoon hours as the trail is only partially in the shade most of the day.

You must follow the red and yellow markings on the cliff, and with the help of chains, ladder, stairs, and a good deal of scrambling the top may be reached. Take water with you as there are no springs along the Lady Mountain Trail.

The view from the summit is well worth the strenuous climb. You find yourself on top of the world with Zion Canyon and Zion Lodge far below you; it looks as if you could almost dive right into the swimming pool across the river and roadway. From west to north you have a fine view of the top of the West Temple, the backs of the Three Patriarchs, Castle Dome, Cathedral Mountain, and Mount Majestic. To the east is the Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain, Deertrap Mountain, and the East Temple. An excellent perspective of the Markagunt Plateau country may be had from this lofty perch.

It is also a good place to view the various geologic formations of Zion Canyon. All of the formations you see are of the Mesozoic era. The oldest formation visible is that at the base of the cliffs just above the canyon road far below. This is the Kayenta formation which is generally maroon in color and is situated just below the steep cliffs which are the Navajo formation. You can easily trace this line of contact all along the canyon. From Lady Mountain, about 90% of the visible formations is Navajo. High on the east plateau, however, is a light colored cap of Carmel. This is the limestone formation that you drive through on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway just east of the East Entrance. Further down canyon, beyond the Court of the Patriarchs, are 2 more geologic formations: Moenave and Chinle. Both lie below the Kayenta and are older.