arnellfam
06-27-2011, 09:59 AM
A week ago I led two other leaders and nine boy scouts on a 10 mile hike in Zion National Park (southern Utah), a prep hike for our 50 miler this summer. Both hikes are well documented elsewhere so I'll just post information particular to the conditions, etc.
Hit the trail at 8:00am, finished at 3:00pm. Included a 45+ min lunch at Observation Point and a 15 minute break at the Arch in Hidden Canyon.
An early start was very helpful as it allowed us to do the first two miles of switchbacks in cool morning air with shade.
Weather forecast for Springdale, Utah was in the 90's (It's often easier to find a Springdale forecast than a Zion forecast). Canyon temps were cooler than that. The morning shade was great. The rest of the time was warm but not uncomfortable. This hike includes lots of sun.
A favorite part for the boys was a "hidden" trail in Hidden Canyon. It's most easily found on your return from the arch, about 5-10 minutes back towards the canyon entrance. Climb a noticeably traveled incline on the west side of the canyon, traveling back up canyon. Features fun little "caves" in the beautiful pink sandstone, a jug handle arch, etc.
Observation Point is 8 miles, Hidden Canyon is about 2, so we added some extra time up Hidden Canyon to make a total of 10.
456864568745688456894569045691456924569345694
Hit the trail at 8:00am, finished at 3:00pm. Included a 45+ min lunch at Observation Point and a 15 minute break at the Arch in Hidden Canyon.
An early start was very helpful as it allowed us to do the first two miles of switchbacks in cool morning air with shade.
Weather forecast for Springdale, Utah was in the 90's (It's often easier to find a Springdale forecast than a Zion forecast). Canyon temps were cooler than that. The morning shade was great. The rest of the time was warm but not uncomfortable. This hike includes lots of sun.
A favorite part for the boys was a "hidden" trail in Hidden Canyon. It's most easily found on your return from the arch, about 5-10 minutes back towards the canyon entrance. Climb a noticeably traveled incline on the west side of the canyon, traveling back up canyon. Features fun little "caves" in the beautiful pink sandstone, a jug handle arch, etc.
Observation Point is 8 miles, Hidden Canyon is about 2, so we added some extra time up Hidden Canyon to make a total of 10.
456864568745688456894569045691456924569345694