Snow Hike up the West Rim, December 15, 2019

Yvonne

I lava it!!!
Joined
Jan 19, 2012
Messages
4,098
I have to admit that I simply love winter and snow. Especially here in Zion, it is my time of the year, where I can finally get out and hike. Summer is just too hot and dusty, and I suffer a lot with my chronic lung disease and severe asthma. But as soon as winter is here, I'm out on all the trails you can imagine.
I woke up this morning and saw it snowed in Hurricane, just a bit outside of the park where I live. I quickly checked the Zion webcam and then grabbed my gear and headed to the park with a big smile on my face.
I decided to hike to the West Rim again. I was still snowing pretty hard, and everything was covered in fog and mist with the lowest visibility possible. It didn't bother me at all. I was well prepared, had additional gear, food, emergency blanket, and extra layers for emergencies, plus I strapped on my crampons and attached my snowshoes to my backpack.
I was excited to see what I would encounter on my hike. Up to Scouts Lookout, it was just slushy snow.

wintry%20scene%20just%20before%20scouts%20lookout%20copy-XL.jpg

first slushy snow in Refridgerator Canyon

foggy%20canyon%20walls%20copy-XL.jpg


But soon after I turned onto the West Rim Trail, it was all fresh snow, and I was the first to step on it.
For the most part, everything was covered in thick fog and mist, and it was an eerie and really cool experience. I hiked through the fog and couldn't see anything at all in most spots.

snow%20pine%20copy-XL.jpg

snowy pine trees and low visibility

foggy%20view%20copy-XL.jpg


slickrock%20sign%20copy-XL.jpg

find the trail on the slick rock and in the fog

no%20view%20copy-XL.jpg



Closer to Little Siberia, the fog finally lifted a bit, and some of the surrounding cliffs and peaks were visible again.

snowy%20west%20rim%20copy-XL.jpg


covered%20in%20clouds%20copy-XL.jpg


hiking%20up%20west%20rim%20copy-XL.jpg

working my way up

Little Siberia is one section where you have to be extra careful in winter because of the steep drop-offs and the avalanches that come down the cliff and pile up on the narrow ledge of the trail. I had a whole bunch of snow to cross, but it was pretty packed and not loose at all. The angle was steep but okay to traverse, and I strapped on my Katoolas for some extra traction.

snowdrifts%20copy-XL.jpg

the picture doesn't pay justice, but it was pretty steep going down

The trail kept climbing, and the steep drop-off to the right was definitely not where you want to slip and fall down the cliff. I was extra cautious because a lot of sections were really icy. It finally cleared out and the sun was peeking through the clouds.

snowy%20zion%20scenery%20copy-XL.jpg

it starts to clear out

cliff%20walls%20copy-XL.jpg


behunin%20canyon%20view%20copy-XL.jpg


The last half mile was pretty steep, and the snow soft, so I had to be careful not to slip. In addition, there were some icy spots.

the%20trail%20keeps%20climbing-XL.jpg


The last few switchbacks to the trail junction with Telephone Canyon and campsite 2 was just deep snow, and I was glad to have my snowshoes with me.

west%20rim%20sign-XL.jpg


west%20rim%20view%20from%20site%202%20copy-XL.jpg


I%20made%20it%20copy-XL.jpg


I wished I had more daylight, but since I had to go through Little Siberia again and it was getting late, I had to turn around here at campsite 2 instead of exploring a bit more beyond that point. For the hike back down the steep trail, I needed some extra time, because the snow was getting pretty soft and slippery and walking through the slide area of Little Siberia.
Closer to the trail junction with Angels Landing, I got some really good views of the wintry Zion Canyon and the Great White Throne.

wintry%20zion%20copy-XL.jpg

rewarding views on the way back

last%20light%20in%20zion%20canyon%20copy-XL.jpg


I gained almost 3600 ft of elevation, hiked a total of 13 miles round trip, but I made it all the way up to the West Rim and to campsite 2 and the spring. It was a great experience in the snow. Since we barely get a lot of snow down here, I have to take all the chances I have and play as long as it lasts. Since then, we didn't have any more winter weather to play, which is pretty sad. I hope I'll get another chance again soon.
 
I have to admit that I simply love winter and snow. Especially here in Zion, it is my time of the year, where I can finally get out and hike. Summer is just too hot and dusty, and I suffer a lot with my chronic lung disease and severe asthma. But as soon as winter is here, I'm out on all the trails you can imagine.
I woke up this morning and saw it snowed in Hurricane, just a bit outside of the park where I live. I quickly checked the Zion webcam and then grabbed my gear and headed to the park with a big smile on my face.
I decided to hike to the West Rim again. I was still snowing pretty hard, and everything was covered in fog and mist with the lowest visibility possible. It didn't bother me at all. I was well prepared, had additional gear, food, emergency blanket, and extra layers for emergencies, plus I strapped on my crampons and attached my snowshoes to my backpack.
I was excited to see what I would encounter on my hike. Up to Scouts Lookout, it was just slushy snow.

wintry%20scene%20just%20before%20scouts%20lookout%20copy-XL.jpg

first slushy snow in Refridgerator Canyon

foggy%20canyon%20walls%20copy-XL.jpg


But soon after I turned onto the West Rim Trail, it was all fresh snow, and I was the first to step on it.
For the most part, everything was covered in thick fog and mist, and it was an eerie and really cool experience. I hiked through the fog and couldn't see anything at all in most spots.

snow%20pine%20copy-XL.jpg

snowy pine trees and low visibility

foggy%20view%20copy-XL.jpg


slickrock%20sign%20copy-XL.jpg

find the trail on the slick rock and in the fog

no%20view%20copy-XL.jpg



Closer to Little Siberia, the fog finally lifted a bit, and some of the surrounding cliffs and peaks were visible again.

snowy%20west%20rim%20copy-XL.jpg


covered%20in%20clouds%20copy-XL.jpg


hiking%20up%20west%20rim%20copy-XL.jpg

working my way up

Little Siberia is one section where you have to be extra careful in winter because of the steep drop-offs and the avalanches that come down the cliff and pile up on the narrow ledge of the trail. I had a whole bunch of snow to cross, but it was pretty packed and not loose at all. The angle was steep but okay to traverse, and I strapped on my Katoolas for some extra traction.

snowdrifts%20copy-XL.jpg

the picture doesn't pay justice, but it was pretty steep going down

The trail kept climbing, and the steep drop-off to the right was definitely not where you want to slip and fall down the cliff. I was extra cautious because a lot of sections were really icy. It finally cleared out and the sun was peeking through the clouds.

snowy%20zion%20scenery%20copy-XL.jpg

it starts to clear out

cliff%20walls%20copy-XL.jpg


behunin%20canyon%20view%20copy-XL.jpg


The last half mile was pretty steep, and the snow soft, so I had to be careful not to slip. In addition, there were some icy spots.

the%20trail%20keeps%20climbing-XL.jpg


The last few switchbacks to the trail junction with Telephone Canyon and campsite 2 was just deep snow, and I was glad to have my snowshoes with me.

west%20rim%20sign-XL.jpg


west%20rim%20view%20from%20site%202%20copy-XL.jpg


I%20made%20it%20copy-XL.jpg


I wished I had more daylight, but since I had to go through Little Siberia again and it was getting late, I had to turn around here at campsite 2 instead of exploring a bit more beyond that point. For the hike back down the steep trail, I needed some extra time, because the snow was getting pretty soft and slippery and walking through the slide area of Little Siberia.
Closer to the trail junction with Angels Landing, I got some really good views of the wintry Zion Canyon and the Great White Throne.

wintry%20zion%20copy-XL.jpg

rewarding views on the way back

last%20light%20in%20zion%20canyon%20copy-XL.jpg


I gained almost 3600 ft of elevation, hiked a total of 13 miles round trip, but I made it all the way up to the West Rim and to campsite 2 and the spring. It was a great experience in the snow. Since we barely get a lot of snow down here, I have to take all the chances I have and play as long as it lasts. Since then, we didn't have any more winter weather to play, which is pretty sad. I hope I'll get another chance again soon.
What incredible scenery you experienced! It must be nice to know a trail so well that you're able to do it successfully in these conditions. Brave!
 
What incredible scenery you experienced! It must be nice to know a trail so well that you're able to do it successfully in these conditions. Brave!
It was the third time I went. ButI experienced whiteout conditions, extremely dense fog, and mist almost every week when I worked as a lava tour guide in Hawai'i, so it wasn't new to me. You just need to make sure not getting too close to the edge, lol. And I knew what I was getting into. But I love these extreme moody conditions a lot.
 
Oh my gosh Yvonne those last two pictures are gorgeous! What a great day out.
 
Fantastic views.
Snow + Yvonne photographing = Unbelievable, so amazing photos!
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
RyanP How long does it take the dirt roads (S. UT) to dry out after snow? Trip Planning 16
regehr uinta snow? Trip Planning 6
Titans Boulder Mtn snow March 29- 2023 Photography 1
zionsky Snow, Snow and more Snow General Discussion 91
The Trout Whisperer Wish it was snow! General Discussion 8
SteveR Got Snow? Winter Sports 2022-23 Winter Sports 24
The Trout Whisperer Show me th cold, icy and snow pics…Burnin up here in Texas! General Discussion 35
OldBill Snow Conditions - Greater Yellowstone Trip Planning 1
T Snow Canyon Loop Hiking & Camping 1
J Escaping snow, Olympic Peninsula Dayhikes Jan. 15-17, 2022 Hiking & Camping 7
norwegianxplorer WHITEOUT, Winter Backpacking Norway in a Snow Storm Trip Reports 0
Miya First Overnight Snow Trip...Finally Hiking & Camping 20
Miya Snow Camping = Frozen Face? Resource Discussions 17
Noun Sequitur Arches + Snow Hiking & Camping 6
SteveR Got Snow? Early Season Alberta Skiing Winter Sports 2
powderglut NW Colorado Snow conditions General Discussion 16
Miya Snow I Sought, Snow I Found Hiking & Camping 5
balzaccom Quick trip in the Stanislaus without snow Backpacking 3
zionsky More snow on the way? General Discussion 5
SteveR From The Land Of Ice And Snow Winter Sports 4
fossana Snow Canyon rim loop Hiking & Camping 1
Bob Missing the snow ? General Discussion 5
Miya Noob Question about Hiking in the Snow General Discussion 32
zionsky Arches & Canyonlands closed due to snow General Discussion 12
regehr snow plumes General Discussion 5
BJett Laurel-Snow State Natural Area - Tennessee Backpacking 1
K In Search of Snow in the Eastern Sierra Backpacking 3
Dave Snow on Sandstone Hiking & Camping 14
Artemus 2017/2018 Snow Pack - or not General Discussion 54
blueeyes Vandalism in Snow Canyon State Park General Discussion 11
b.stark Winds snow conditions? Trip Planning 13
LarryBoy Snow Shoes - what should I buy? Gear 6
Mike Jones Yosemite snow shoeing 1-2 nights Trip Planning 6
IntrepidXJ Fresh Snow & Fog Everything Else 10
Curt Sapporo Snow Festival Everything Else 3
cmgz Hop Valley Snow Hiking & Camping 8
Scott Chandler Veteran's Day Snow in Canyonlands Hiking & Camping 3
uintafly 2015/2016 All things snow thread General Discussion 50
jentzschman Hiking Mt Timpanogos with some snow General Discussion 6
Vegan.Hiker Polarizing filter in snow? Photography 3
Nick Anchoring tents in sand and snow Gear 13
steve Paddleboarding Snow's Lake on Skyline Drive On The Water 0
Howells Outdoors Under Snow and Ice in Kanarraville Falls Hiking & Camping 3
Scott Chandler New Year's Snow in Zion Hiking & Camping 4
Scott Chandler Snow Canyon West Rim Hiking & Camping 4
Bob Rain......Snow Trip Planning 5
Scott Chandler Summer in the CPW- Lookout views and fresh snow Hiking & Camping 3
Nick 2014 Wasatch Snow Melt General Discussion 4
Yvonne Album Snow and Winter Shots Photography 627
DrNed Suggestions For Snow Camping In Northern Utah Trip Planning 25

Similar threads

Back
Top