Lady Mountain-Zion NP

[cmgz]

This was back in the beginning of November. A group led by my son was going up Lady Mountain. Lady for those of you who don't know it is an old park trail which was abandoned due to numerous accidents. They took down the ladders and chains and now it includes two short sections where one of the group has to climb up and set up a rope. A chimney which is rated 5.3 and a short pitch at 5.7. We took harnesses for the first and set up handlines at the second and two other exposed sections just for safety. This hike was a stretch for me as I have to work with my fear of heights, but it was a supportive group who I knew would be my best chance.

This is the view from the Emerald Pools area. Looks pretty improbable from here. The entire trail is 5 miles roundtrip but the elevation gain is around 2600 feet with 2300 in about 1.5 miles. Starting out at the Middle Emerald Pool, the Park allows Lady Mt. hikers to access through a closed section of trail. This section was closed due to a landslide which is past our start.


Look closely and you'll see the moki steps on the left.

Painted arrows from the old trail.

My son starting the chimney climb.

After a bit we come to the second technical section, which we handlined.

Then the "endless staircase"



Getting closer to the top. The views are just amazing!
Finally, we reach the top and the marker, still in place from when it was an official trail.
Made it and now I get to pose for pictures. You can tell I'm not much of a poser.
We had been in Behunin canyon this year and it was fun to see it from the top here.

Phantom Valley
Now time to head down and get to Oscar's for beer!

 

[Perry]

That's awesome! I wish I had the endurance, and guts, to do something like this. Impressive!

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Jeffrey Chandler]

That's awesome! I've been wanting to get there but have never been confident on what rappelling and climbing skills I need. I'm friends with the son of someone pretty awesome, so maybe in due time I can convince them to haul me up there.

 

[Yvonne]

this brings back so many good memories. I love Lady Mountain and hope to get up there again one day.
It's just such an amazing hike

 

[Parma]

Hours of posing in the mirror at home is how to master that posing ability like me!

 

[Jackson]

Looks like that hike beats the heck out of Angel's Landing! Awesome.

 

[Nick]

Crazy to think that used to be an official trail with chains. Looks like more fun the way it is now. Thanks for the post.

 

[Absarokanaut]

Very Cool. thank you young lady.

 

[Jammer]

Awesome. Definitely a route I've wanted to do for a long time.

Did you encounter anyone else along the way? Imagine if it had Angels Landing-type crowds!

 

[cmgz]

Awesome. Definitely a route I've wanted to do for a long time.

Did you encounter anyone else along the way? Imagine if it had Angels Landing-type crowds!

There was a couple who were climbers and a small group who were locals which were coming down. I have a hard time imagining what it would be like as an official trail. It definitely has some major penalty points. We really do spend most of our hiking time in Zion off on our own. The best protection from overuse seems to be the difficulty in getting there.