Zion West Rim Trail

[TIMP]

Does anyone have a current trail condition report for Zion West Rim? I am hiking it with scouts on the 14th of March.

 

[Nick]

I haven't heard anything, but someone posted on my trail guide that they did it during the winter this year. Check out the trail guide here on BCP for their brief post about it. Ultimately, it will really depend on the recent snow. Most of that trail is way up there around ~8,000 feet with a lot of narrow, exposed ledges. It's really a late spring/summer/early fall kind of thing. I wouldn't go near it with snow and ice, especially with scouts. I'm sure if you call the Zion backcountry office they can give you their opinion, but it'll probably be discouraging and very condition-dependent.

Oh, and welcome to BCP.

 

[Rob]

For what it's worth, my wife and I thru hiked the "East Rim" trail to Observation Point/Weeping Rock on Valentines Day weekend...was clear and very enjoyable except for the saddle where we encountered a lot of snow and mud. Also seen some fresh mountain lion tracks.

Call 435-772-3256 for the latest Zion NP trail/park info.

 

[Howells Outdoors]

From reports that I have heard, it will be similar to what @Rob experienced. Mostly clear (hasn't been snow or rain for weeks), but a few areas where the snow is hanging out. And some mud.

 

[TIMP]

I haven't heard anything, but someone posted on my trail guide that they did it during the winter this year. Check out the trail guide here on BCP for their brief post about it. Ultimately, it will really depend on the recent snow. Most of that trail is way up there around ~8,000 feet with a lot of narrow, exposed ledges. It's really a late spring/summer/early fall kind of thing. I wouldn't go near it with snow and ice, especially with scouts. I'm sure if you call the Zion backcountry office they can give you their opinion, but it'll probably be discouraging and very condition-dependent.

Oh, and welcome to BCP.

Nick....thanks for the post and feedbak/advice.

 

[TIMP]

For what it's worth, my wife and I thru hiked the "East Rim" trail to Observation Point/Weeping Rock on Valentines Day weekend...was clear and very enjoyable except for the saddle where we encountered a lot of snow and mud. Also seen some fresh mountain lion tracks.

Call 435-772-3256 for the latest Zion NP trail/park info.View attachment 15104 View attachment 15105 View attachment 15106 View attachment 15107

Rob, Thanks for the info as well as the sweet photos.

 

[TIMP]

From reports that I have heard, it will be similar to what @Rob experienced. Mostly clear (hasn't been snow or rain for weeks), but a few areas where the snow is hanging out. And some mud.

Thanks MTN DUDE, I think that "Little Siberia" may be the only issue...if so then I guess it will be a good turn-around point and head back up the mountain.

 

[Nick]

I would agree that Little Siberia would be the biggest issue. Traction devices might be enough to get through it.

 

[TIMP]

Nick, I just had another thought...do you know if the current road conditions are well enough to actually drive to Lava Point? I tried the Zion NP site and it was of no assistance.

 

[TIMP]

Does anyone have a current trail condition report for Zion West Rim? I am hiking it with scouts on the 14th of March.

Trying to get another update???? Hiking it on the 14th of this month.

 

[Nick]

I haven't heard anything else. I wonder what the most recent storm may have dropped though. Have you called the Zion Backcountry Desk? You pretty much always have to just leave a message but they are awesome at calling back. 435-772-0170

 

[TIMP]

I called the backcountry desk and no information. I called Zion Adventure Company @ 435-772-1001 and they told me it was crazy muddy...I am making another attempt toward the end of May.

 

[Nick]

I did it in early May 2012 and it was perfect.

http://backcountrypost.com/forum/threads/the-west-rim-of-zion-national-park.871/