chandlerwest
Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2015
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- 534
I presume there is an area of Zion National Park that doesn't get much action. The East Rim Trail and Deertrap Trail can get you initial access but soon you have to head off trail to get to what could be some of the grandest views in the National Park Service. It took me three separate day treks to cover the rim from east to west.
This area is prime landscape for expanding the backcountry of Zion. Put in a dozen campsites and build an easy trail and it would be appreciated for generations to come. But I don't think that this type of development is part of the Park Services recent mindset. They understandably focus on how to give the multitudes that visits Parks a better experience of the currently available access. Weren't the last trails built in the 1930's....ha.
Zion is blessed with easily attained wilderness for those with the desire and time.
My initial trip was in March 2017. I headed up the East Rim Trail three or so miles until I came to the head of an unnamed canyon. The trail is put behind me and the adventure begins.
Jolley Gulch from the East Rim Trail
![IMG_0508.JPG IMG_0508.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58282-e03e8351afad2d25b20f6aa4d44b9601.jpg)
Head out thru the maze of brush. With no foliage in March it made it easier to weave my way in and around.
![IMG_0526.JPG IMG_0526.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58283-1bd9bc512af9f81e97c8d794202e785a.jpg)
Looking to the rim country to the west.
![IMG_0528.JPG IMG_0528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58284-3ef0294526f97c0d3918e087d8fca5b8.jpg)
![IMG_0545.JPG IMG_0545.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58285-2e1ff947764a127b6711152c23087fd7.jpg)
![IMG_0551.JPG IMG_0551.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58298-475757eba2c9d31f28b9e32e2c41ae43.jpg)
How is this for a perfect split. I felt like I was the first to trek these ridges.
![IMG_0558.JPG IMG_0558.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58286-fe7457f76520887ed142b84c44eca12d.jpg)
Looking across future rim country.
![IMG_0570.JPG IMG_0570.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58299-7bdeb5822450792a9326a80cf614ccbf.jpg)
The following four photos are a panorama from the point from west to east.
![IMG_0578.JPG IMG_0578.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58290-3346e863c58b81d87d99c7a9a718ac1d.jpg)
![IMG_0593.JPG IMG_0593.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58292-f6a11e507e5e16c6e0e14b64ac64e5d5.jpg)
Interesting pothole like Upper Keyhole Canyon. I need to explore that!
![IMG_0589.JPG IMG_0589.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58300-d4c4877a0e57df9d6ddea67bacab3359.jpg)
Keyhole Canyon narrows
![IMG_0591.JPG IMG_0591.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58301-1a303ca8e1a5b8cc23b5797d0bffc73c.jpg)
Walls of Parunuweep Canyon on the southern border of Zion National Park
![IMG_0597.JPG IMG_0597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58302-f6541d5e68f80adedf0a73be9391dda2.jpg)
Walking east along the rim.
![IMG_0606.JPG IMG_0606.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58293-a99be84bee5a7a0bd1e704df712eab2d.jpg)
The view out the east entrance of Zion National Park
![IMG_0611.JPG IMG_0611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58294-3a9a683f2004e4aea27c5312addc81f5.jpg)
That is Checkerboard Mesa on the left.
![IMG_0612.JPG IMG_0612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58295-bc0828f74774e64107dbf81cb822e38c.jpg)
Views across then down the unnamed canyon where I went off trail.
![IMG_0625.JPG IMG_0625.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58297-452fdbfebdc2fb63f9e303048487d476.jpg)
The last week of September I continued my adventure. In order to day hike I needed to use any access that was available. If you drive through a guest ranch along the North Fork road you find this obscure connector trail that gives quick access to the mid point of the East Rim Trail. After almost 2 miles on trail I head off trail again.
![IMG_2260.JPG IMG_2260.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58304-d6d1add083e11ff11a2ecc3e7b7bcc17.jpg)
Looking across the Root Canals. These are two parallel canyons that sort of like an tooth x-ray on Google Earth or a map.
![IMG_2265.JPG IMG_2265.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58303-873e9e9072fc24c8183b3bcd2ab55ee3.jpg)
Landscape to get to the rim
![IMG_2269.JPG IMG_2269.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58305-a8db004bd5e8af77f21c7fcf7ef131bf.jpg)
At the southwest point of the ridge. I saw similar rock formations in March on the southwest corner of that trip. 1.1 miles away as the crow flies. What is that about?
![IMG_2273.JPG IMG_2273.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58306-2181273c6a6dcdedafd191ced1b945d4.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from the east to the west. Yonder high spot, to the left of middle has the similar ground rock
![IMG_2276.JPG IMG_2276.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58308-ab5a4ac56cf253dbc7f890659724e046.jpg)
Lower end of the Root Canal
![IMG_2278.JPG IMG_2278.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58310-4764c583163ea64aa5d1e2924b052adc.jpg)
Note the ridge that separates the Root Canal
![IMG_2279.JPG IMG_2279.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58311-b4f7b17ae1b39924d1370d0ee2a38e30.jpg)
Miscellaneous views as I walk to the east.
![IMG_2306.JPG IMG_2306.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58316-72d8b78d10c4ab330e43e0ab178b3be6.jpg)
Lets call this West Fork of Keyhole
![IMG_2322.JPG IMG_2322.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58318-9e7be437555977dfdc2b244fb88b4ed5.jpg)
Now to work my way to the head of the Root Canals. I found that if I connected the tree skeletons the bushwacking wasn't That bad.
![IMG_2328.JPG IMG_2328.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58319-b5164247ad504dc595a5c3f4d6f4bc2c.jpg)
East Root Canal
![IMG_2332.JPG IMG_2332.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58320-6f770386e88ddb12d4a45c40d4d81eba.jpg)
Head of East Root Canal
![IMG_2335.JPG IMG_2335.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58321-b6289ab707a5c5dedc8123f6afdc5e96.jpg)
I'm now heading along the ridge that separates the Root Canals. This is looking into the West Root Canal
![IMG_2339.JPG IMG_2339.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58322-8ca29a5929ca23e1df621011648ca5b7.jpg)
This was a two feet circular, couple inches thick rock that blew my mind.
I went until I was stopped by a 50 ft. drop off
![IMG_2352.JPG IMG_2352.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58328-c5d099d3ee6ab1024eb775b5af6c3f20.jpg)
The beauty of Zion is in the details
![IMG_2356.JPG IMG_2356.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58330-afafe1941c540eecc35838e88ce21d36.jpg)
The head of West Root Canal. A bit of a bear to reach!
![IMG_2365.JPG IMG_2365.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58332-3e7dc316a8e1837f08f9c3c47011cade.jpg)
The third day of the adventure took place October 3rd. I was amazed I headed perfectly to the West Root Canal. I am heading out the ridge on the right.
![IMG_2371.JPG IMG_2371.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58333-af81765bd02361507201aba7ddb5d760.jpg)
The terrain is narly but not as bad as it looks
![IMG_2375.JPG IMG_2375.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58334-15ab60f1f62d892f7497c2640e83d3aa.jpg)
At 6,900 feet this is pretty high for this area. This is a shot far off to the north.
![IMG_2389.JPG IMG_2389.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58335-58d3ef9bc4e7da723f1e1e78b8717c38.jpg)
I loved the early morning light kissing the slopes
![IMG_2394.JPG IMG_2394.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58336-9eacaa340d5d253a8e08ac848818b05c.jpg)
Across to West Temple
![IMG_2397.JPG IMG_2397.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58337-71c7bbd134f4674a509c45cbbcb66471.jpg)
Todays trip was essentially a horseshoe around a basin that I wrote an earlier trip report for. This basin has extremely challenging access so I considered it a hidden wonder of the park. This looks across to Deertrap Mtn. which is where my rim trek will end. Flat green ridge.
![IMG_2400.JPG IMG_2400.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58338-6760c4a1d93a01a620a80487fc443767.jpg)
![IMG_2409.JPG IMG_2409.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58340-8ea13885b7a63940ad24e8bab4938990.jpg)
Looking up the Root Canal
![IMG_2416.JPG IMG_2416.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58343-086b8ad029a87af55e3e4c639683d850.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from west to east
![IMG_2423.JPG IMG_2423.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58348-5c2beb68f079d5acf0f480e88f260bdd.jpg)
Looking straight down.......the lines!
![IMG_2425.JPG IMG_2425.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58349-a10f6cb8ba006ad040d89699060080b4.jpg)
Bridge Mountain
![IMG_2434.JPG IMG_2434.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58351-97f05cf19f8fc302d5d3f2d83ea802c7.jpg)
East Temple -- West Temple
![IMG_2435.JPG IMG_2435.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58352-8e5d1b81123a3cd2ed623b8b4b7cbcdc.jpg)
![IMG_2439.JPG IMG_2439.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58353-833d984a6c033db4ea43e404f18e4f82.jpg)
Now I start the horseshoe around the basin
![IMG_2444.JPG IMG_2444.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58355-19ab478c0a695a2fb9317e05c18acc5b.jpg)
Progeny Peak is way down there on the left middle. @Scott Chandler and @Jeffrey Chandler and I have scrambled up that.
![IMG_2464.JPG IMG_2464.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58357-c3bb06104f45e6675d9edc3608cd2afb.jpg)
Lets call this Small Tunnel Canyon. I have yet to explore that.
Check out that tree hanging onto that rock
![IMG_2477.JPG IMG_2477.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58360-bb926e5f03a904f503862667b6497f58.jpg)
The following four photos are from a surprise point that I wasn't expecting. From west to east
![IMG_2491.JPG IMG_2491.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58364-1b085eb81bac2391df7d291515662209.jpg)
Shooting across Deertrap to West Temple
![IMG_2496.JPG IMG_2496.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58365-dc5a7149e12bffc11c8d8b31055fe04d.jpg)
A view to the north. Great White Throne is in the middle with the hoodoos on top.
![IMG_2504.JPG IMG_2504.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58366-ea2e00aa2172eda6dc53fe62381d1c3c.jpg)
I was startled by these Bighorn a split second after I startled them.
![IMG_2506.JPG IMG_2506.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58368-a4a9998a9d37132ec0bf876867826b78.jpg)
The Virgin River Canyon becomes visible to the west.
![IMG_2512.JPG IMG_2512.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58369-30cfe5e2c12fdd023ac26f439d77d610.jpg)
Head of Pine Creek Canyon
![IMG_2514.JPG IMG_2514.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58370-a9b87451eeb2a41fa87bf21264ed1388.jpg)
Making my way out Deertrap Mtn. Court of the Patriarchs
![IMG_2516.JPG IMG_2516.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58371-55845345018721b1a9ce1dcb5d7c5f5e.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from east to west from the point of Deertrap Mtn.
![IMG_2527.JPG IMG_2527.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58373-d8b982938bc4b89a845399b2758e4f33.jpg)
Progeny Peak and Pine Creek
![IMG_2528.JPG IMG_2528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58374-f963aaf572c3a5189ec5ad0ac17e5e77.jpg)
East Temple
![IMG_2530.JPG IMG_2530.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58376-001fe66cee53e247fd885f275cb01416.jpg)
Gifford Canyon which heads south from the east end of the long tunnel
![IMG_2534.JPG IMG_2534.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58377-755e066a02040098b32369612c0bf8f8.jpg)
Spry Canyon and what I am calling the reflective light on East Temple
![IMG_2544.JPG IMG_2544.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58380-5f80ea663c840a1d88cca23c663bbbcb.jpg)
Cliffs far to the east.
![IMG_2538.JPG IMG_2538.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58381-fdfefda66372301704865a15216ff9b7.jpg)
Headed back to the trail from the point of Deertrap the views got simply nuts into the Virgin River Canyon.
![IMG_2548.JPG IMG_2548.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58382-453e5bcb8058bcbd6ee1f3be2af6b2bc.jpg)
Looks up into the drainage above Court of the Patriarchs
![IMG_2554.JPG IMG_2554.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58384-1886df73f893ca5cc2610df59f857f8d.jpg)
The Zion Lodge is at the end of this canyon in the foreground.
![IMG_2562.JPG IMG_2562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58386-c237a52bc1af5848441aa7bcd2699837.jpg)
Look at that wall!!
![IMG_2570.JPG IMG_2570.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58388-a0eb06127192292747c605dc40151a07.jpg)
Now it is a 4 mile hike back the trail to the car.
![IMG_2577.JPG IMG_2577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58389-698ff94945f087d12035bee24a813e84.jpg)
But first lets see if I can find the head of Hidden Canyon
![IMG_2581.JPG IMG_2581.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58390-c15910c118ad76e3301cf75e2e7fa79b.jpg)
To get to this limited shot I had to go across a side angled, loose, poison oak, dark forest slope.
![IMG_2584.JPG IMG_2584.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58391-6ed1e4a6ed22c172265505cf28a1a568.jpg)
Surely I could do better so I clawed my way up hill under tree limbs and over rocks. A bit better.
![IMG_2589.JPG IMG_2589.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58393-e35f7cf8c151e335146828a1d3994a2e.jpg)
That is Observation Point at the mouth of the canyon.
![IMG_2592.JPG IMG_2592.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58394-aa059bac73bb286d443d6ef055f56b6e.jpg)
The pink cliffs far to the north.
![IMG_2597.JPG IMG_2597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58395-a842cd02119faca173df612c0378da2f.jpg)
Three years ago I started my exploration of the east side of Zion. I almost have the map filled in with what I am capable of doing. Enjoy!
This area is prime landscape for expanding the backcountry of Zion. Put in a dozen campsites and build an easy trail and it would be appreciated for generations to come. But I don't think that this type of development is part of the Park Services recent mindset. They understandably focus on how to give the multitudes that visits Parks a better experience of the currently available access. Weren't the last trails built in the 1930's....ha.
Zion is blessed with easily attained wilderness for those with the desire and time.
My initial trip was in March 2017. I headed up the East Rim Trail three or so miles until I came to the head of an unnamed canyon. The trail is put behind me and the adventure begins.
Jolley Gulch from the East Rim Trail
![IMG_0508.JPG IMG_0508.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58282-e03e8351afad2d25b20f6aa4d44b9601.jpg)
Head out thru the maze of brush. With no foliage in March it made it easier to weave my way in and around.
![IMG_0526.JPG IMG_0526.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58283-1bd9bc512af9f81e97c8d794202e785a.jpg)
Looking to the rim country to the west.
![IMG_0528.JPG IMG_0528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58284-3ef0294526f97c0d3918e087d8fca5b8.jpg)
![IMG_0545.JPG IMG_0545.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58285-2e1ff947764a127b6711152c23087fd7.jpg)
![IMG_0551.JPG IMG_0551.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58298-475757eba2c9d31f28b9e32e2c41ae43.jpg)
How is this for a perfect split. I felt like I was the first to trek these ridges.
![IMG_0558.JPG IMG_0558.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58286-fe7457f76520887ed142b84c44eca12d.jpg)
Looking across future rim country.
![IMG_0570.JPG IMG_0570.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58299-7bdeb5822450792a9326a80cf614ccbf.jpg)
The following four photos are a panorama from the point from west to east.
![IMG_0575.JPG IMG_0575.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58287-1ff4000d028fab9107a3c8df7af599dc.jpg)
![IMG_0576.JPG IMG_0576.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58288-4ad9dbaed5badd785dab0d59f074af6f.jpg)
![IMG_0577.JPG IMG_0577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58289-ab0c89e71db9bd660108d91424bda439.jpg)
![IMG_0578.JPG IMG_0578.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58290-3346e863c58b81d87d99c7a9a718ac1d.jpg)
![IMG_0582.JPG IMG_0582.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58291-37ef0e0127e40e9efcc92bf3e54fdb24.jpg)
![IMG_0593.JPG IMG_0593.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58292-f6a11e507e5e16c6e0e14b64ac64e5d5.jpg)
Interesting pothole like Upper Keyhole Canyon. I need to explore that!
![IMG_0589.JPG IMG_0589.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58300-d4c4877a0e57df9d6ddea67bacab3359.jpg)
Keyhole Canyon narrows
![IMG_0591.JPG IMG_0591.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58301-1a303ca8e1a5b8cc23b5797d0bffc73c.jpg)
Walls of Parunuweep Canyon on the southern border of Zion National Park
![IMG_0597.JPG IMG_0597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58302-f6541d5e68f80adedf0a73be9391dda2.jpg)
Walking east along the rim.
![IMG_0606.JPG IMG_0606.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58293-a99be84bee5a7a0bd1e704df712eab2d.jpg)
The view out the east entrance of Zion National Park
![IMG_0611.JPG IMG_0611.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58294-3a9a683f2004e4aea27c5312addc81f5.jpg)
That is Checkerboard Mesa on the left.
![IMG_0612.JPG IMG_0612.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58295-bc0828f74774e64107dbf81cb822e38c.jpg)
Views across then down the unnamed canyon where I went off trail.
![IMG_0620.JPG IMG_0620.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58296-03a5439d0f76a5bc4dc64d4e10267f92.jpg)
![IMG_0625.JPG IMG_0625.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58297-452fdbfebdc2fb63f9e303048487d476.jpg)
The last week of September I continued my adventure. In order to day hike I needed to use any access that was available. If you drive through a guest ranch along the North Fork road you find this obscure connector trail that gives quick access to the mid point of the East Rim Trail. After almost 2 miles on trail I head off trail again.
![IMG_2260.JPG IMG_2260.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58304-d6d1add083e11ff11a2ecc3e7b7bcc17.jpg)
Looking across the Root Canals. These are two parallel canyons that sort of like an tooth x-ray on Google Earth or a map.
![IMG_2265.JPG IMG_2265.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58303-873e9e9072fc24c8183b3bcd2ab55ee3.jpg)
Landscape to get to the rim
![IMG_2269.JPG IMG_2269.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58305-a8db004bd5e8af77f21c7fcf7ef131bf.jpg)
At the southwest point of the ridge. I saw similar rock formations in March on the southwest corner of that trip. 1.1 miles away as the crow flies. What is that about?
![IMG_2273.JPG IMG_2273.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58306-2181273c6a6dcdedafd191ced1b945d4.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from the east to the west. Yonder high spot, to the left of middle has the similar ground rock
![IMG_2275.JPG IMG_2275.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58307-c4ca10b28cbc591dbdd6fd87b5fd5564.jpg)
![IMG_2276.JPG IMG_2276.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58308-ab5a4ac56cf253dbc7f890659724e046.jpg)
Lower end of the Root Canal
![IMG_2277.JPG IMG_2277.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58309-e34b421067fac3d0057c70f7877a9e35.jpg)
![IMG_2278.JPG IMG_2278.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58310-4764c583163ea64aa5d1e2924b052adc.jpg)
Note the ridge that separates the Root Canal
![IMG_2279.JPG IMG_2279.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58311-b4f7b17ae1b39924d1370d0ee2a38e30.jpg)
Miscellaneous views as I walk to the east.
![IMG_2281.JPG IMG_2281.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58312-e0e1a8be27cf6b69919fe7bbcc4b2969.jpg)
![IMG_2284.JPG IMG_2284.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58313-eefd73a504691968494bc1a483617421.jpg)
![IMG_2293.JPG IMG_2293.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58314-4410b798c982fad08dd2fd23f01c804e.jpg)
![IMG_2301.JPG IMG_2301.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58315-e024955b0ca007ac90ff3f55f69b3185.jpg)
![IMG_2306.JPG IMG_2306.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58316-72d8b78d10c4ab330e43e0ab178b3be6.jpg)
Lets call this West Fork of Keyhole
![IMG_2321.JPG IMG_2321.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58317-5e6ee6c5f419153e53638ab391846b4c.jpg)
![IMG_2322.JPG IMG_2322.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58318-9e7be437555977dfdc2b244fb88b4ed5.jpg)
Now to work my way to the head of the Root Canals. I found that if I connected the tree skeletons the bushwacking wasn't That bad.
![IMG_2328.JPG IMG_2328.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58319-b5164247ad504dc595a5c3f4d6f4bc2c.jpg)
East Root Canal
![IMG_2332.JPG IMG_2332.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58320-6f770386e88ddb12d4a45c40d4d81eba.jpg)
Head of East Root Canal
![IMG_2335.JPG IMG_2335.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58321-b6289ab707a5c5dedc8123f6afdc5e96.jpg)
I'm now heading along the ridge that separates the Root Canals. This is looking into the West Root Canal
![IMG_2339.JPG IMG_2339.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58322-8ca29a5929ca23e1df621011648ca5b7.jpg)
This was a two feet circular, couple inches thick rock that blew my mind.
![IMG_2341.JPG IMG_2341.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58325-518c24ef208e42ff5ccdab9e1ab1d4fd.jpg)
I went until I was stopped by a 50 ft. drop off
![IMG_2343.JPG IMG_2343.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58326-ec336531d51053eacecfc64319ed6770.jpg)
![IMG_2347.JPG IMG_2347.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58327-fc735c027f31702ad4b1a6a6c1bc2bb1.jpg)
![IMG_2352.JPG IMG_2352.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58328-c5d099d3ee6ab1024eb775b5af6c3f20.jpg)
The beauty of Zion is in the details
![IMG_2354.JPG IMG_2354.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58329-4a16c8e2e757a0d299b765527bc8c2b4.jpg)
![IMG_2356.JPG IMG_2356.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58330-afafe1941c540eecc35838e88ce21d36.jpg)
The head of West Root Canal. A bit of a bear to reach!
![IMG_2363.JPG IMG_2363.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58331-ab131366147f241f93b87fc3cc06ece3.jpg)
![IMG_2365.JPG IMG_2365.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58332-3e7dc316a8e1837f08f9c3c47011cade.jpg)
The third day of the adventure took place October 3rd. I was amazed I headed perfectly to the West Root Canal. I am heading out the ridge on the right.
![IMG_2371.JPG IMG_2371.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58333-af81765bd02361507201aba7ddb5d760.jpg)
The terrain is narly but not as bad as it looks
![IMG_2375.JPG IMG_2375.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58334-15ab60f1f62d892f7497c2640e83d3aa.jpg)
At 6,900 feet this is pretty high for this area. This is a shot far off to the north.
![IMG_2389.JPG IMG_2389.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58335-58d3ef9bc4e7da723f1e1e78b8717c38.jpg)
I loved the early morning light kissing the slopes
![IMG_2394.JPG IMG_2394.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58336-9eacaa340d5d253a8e08ac848818b05c.jpg)
Across to West Temple
![IMG_2397.JPG IMG_2397.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58337-71c7bbd134f4674a509c45cbbcb66471.jpg)
Todays trip was essentially a horseshoe around a basin that I wrote an earlier trip report for. This basin has extremely challenging access so I considered it a hidden wonder of the park. This looks across to Deertrap Mtn. which is where my rim trek will end. Flat green ridge.
![IMG_2400.JPG IMG_2400.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58338-6760c4a1d93a01a620a80487fc443767.jpg)
![IMG_2403.JPG IMG_2403.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58339-7635f4b3b891a33f0067eb97b539554b.jpg)
![IMG_2409.JPG IMG_2409.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58340-8ea13885b7a63940ad24e8bab4938990.jpg)
Looking up the Root Canal
![IMG_2411.JPG IMG_2411.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58341-e99e3dafc54d98016242b04fe22b49fa.jpg)
![IMG_2415.JPG IMG_2415.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58342-9f4f1a42da81eaa663566d1d3429c362.jpg)
![IMG_2416.JPG IMG_2416.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58343-086b8ad029a87af55e3e4c639683d850.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from west to east
![IMG_2418.JPG IMG_2418.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58344-cd11e2c630a8d2e6b8af2c667126a915.jpg)
![IMG_2419.JPG IMG_2419.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58345-8a36b3c4fdffab518d9e7b2d8df961e5.jpg)
![IMG_2421.JPG IMG_2421.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58346-f6f70fde7e1e7569b2bab262e3adcc58.jpg)
![IMG_2422.JPG IMG_2422.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58347-687addd327511dabf6f87ad0347cc8d5.jpg)
![IMG_2423.JPG IMG_2423.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58348-5c2beb68f079d5acf0f480e88f260bdd.jpg)
Looking straight down.......the lines!
![IMG_2425.JPG IMG_2425.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58349-a10f6cb8ba006ad040d89699060080b4.jpg)
Bridge Mountain
![IMG_2433.JPG IMG_2433.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58350-8a9950a99f78316492931671681a9694.jpg)
![IMG_2434.JPG IMG_2434.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58351-97f05cf19f8fc302d5d3f2d83ea802c7.jpg)
East Temple -- West Temple
![IMG_2435.JPG IMG_2435.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58352-8e5d1b81123a3cd2ed623b8b4b7cbcdc.jpg)
![IMG_2439.JPG IMG_2439.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58353-833d984a6c033db4ea43e404f18e4f82.jpg)
Now I start the horseshoe around the basin
![IMG_2443.JPG IMG_2443.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58354-6f3cccac681e50f27610cde87330f32e.jpg)
![IMG_2444.JPG IMG_2444.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58355-19ab478c0a695a2fb9317e05c18acc5b.jpg)
Progeny Peak is way down there on the left middle. @Scott Chandler and @Jeffrey Chandler and I have scrambled up that.
![IMG_2445.JPG IMG_2445.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58356-d0c84adb501c3a4ca2b4731e89da2781.jpg)
![IMG_2464.JPG IMG_2464.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58357-c3bb06104f45e6675d9edc3608cd2afb.jpg)
Lets call this Small Tunnel Canyon. I have yet to explore that.
![IMG_2465.JPG IMG_2465.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58358-e6700e7ae37bd63705751019d374acd7.jpg)
Check out that tree hanging onto that rock
![IMG_2474.JPG IMG_2474.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58359-c2d9416d6f7c35201c708221591bff68.jpg)
![IMG_2477.JPG IMG_2477.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58360-bb926e5f03a904f503862667b6497f58.jpg)
The following four photos are from a surprise point that I wasn't expecting. From west to east
![IMG_2488.JPG IMG_2488.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58361-5cabfa60c64853f76403e67ec141371f.jpg)
![IMG_2489.JPG IMG_2489.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58362-d9a685833d321b55292843f2b4031cb1.jpg)
![IMG_2490.JPG IMG_2490.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58363-567b0ffb8259dd177defd506d06e0295.jpg)
![IMG_2491.JPG IMG_2491.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58364-1b085eb81bac2391df7d291515662209.jpg)
Shooting across Deertrap to West Temple
![IMG_2496.JPG IMG_2496.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58365-dc5a7149e12bffc11c8d8b31055fe04d.jpg)
A view to the north. Great White Throne is in the middle with the hoodoos on top.
![IMG_2504.JPG IMG_2504.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58366-ea2e00aa2172eda6dc53fe62381d1c3c.jpg)
I was startled by these Bighorn a split second after I startled them.
![IMG_2505.JPG IMG_2505.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58367-312959b6a64f21a25092de26917ffd57.jpg)
![IMG_2506.JPG IMG_2506.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58368-a4a9998a9d37132ec0bf876867826b78.jpg)
The Virgin River Canyon becomes visible to the west.
![IMG_2512.JPG IMG_2512.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58369-30cfe5e2c12fdd023ac26f439d77d610.jpg)
Head of Pine Creek Canyon
![IMG_2514.JPG IMG_2514.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58370-a9b87451eeb2a41fa87bf21264ed1388.jpg)
Making my way out Deertrap Mtn. Court of the Patriarchs
![IMG_2516.JPG IMG_2516.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58371-55845345018721b1a9ce1dcb5d7c5f5e.jpg)
The following five photos are a panorama from east to west from the point of Deertrap Mtn.
![IMG_2526.JPG IMG_2526.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58372-f566d2e80fe5d9a5820a9c9a8b82365b.jpg)
![IMG_2527.JPG IMG_2527.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58373-d8b982938bc4b89a845399b2758e4f33.jpg)
Progeny Peak and Pine Creek
![IMG_2528.JPG IMG_2528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58374-f963aaf572c3a5189ec5ad0ac17e5e77.jpg)
East Temple
![IMG_2529.JPG IMG_2529.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58375-59cef97de162d8965d6dcfa7bd84ce25.jpg)
![IMG_2530.JPG IMG_2530.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58376-001fe66cee53e247fd885f275cb01416.jpg)
Gifford Canyon which heads south from the east end of the long tunnel
![IMG_2534.JPG IMG_2534.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58377-755e066a02040098b32369612c0bf8f8.jpg)
Spry Canyon and what I am calling the reflective light on East Temple
![IMG_2536.JPG IMG_2536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58378-4187c71942199f9a66be0a04fb8b70d9.jpg)
![IMG_2544.JPG IMG_2544.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58380-5f80ea663c840a1d88cca23c663bbbcb.jpg)
Cliffs far to the east.
![IMG_2538.JPG IMG_2538.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58381-fdfefda66372301704865a15216ff9b7.jpg)
Headed back to the trail from the point of Deertrap the views got simply nuts into the Virgin River Canyon.
![IMG_2548.JPG IMG_2548.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58382-453e5bcb8058bcbd6ee1f3be2af6b2bc.jpg)
Looks up into the drainage above Court of the Patriarchs
![IMG_2550.JPG IMG_2550.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58383-4680b067a30852aae0b773877b09f008.jpg)
![IMG_2554.JPG IMG_2554.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58384-1886df73f893ca5cc2610df59f857f8d.jpg)
The Zion Lodge is at the end of this canyon in the foreground.
![IMG_2559.JPG IMG_2559.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58385-4aaad645a8ad2a87a04858166759d3f6.jpg)
![IMG_2562.JPG IMG_2562.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58386-c237a52bc1af5848441aa7bcd2699837.jpg)
Look at that wall!!
![IMG_2564.JPG IMG_2564.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58387-bc2dffc70c6579208e773a27f4ee8b6a.jpg)
![IMG_2570.JPG IMG_2570.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58388-a0eb06127192292747c605dc40151a07.jpg)
Now it is a 4 mile hike back the trail to the car.
![IMG_2577.JPG IMG_2577.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58389-698ff94945f087d12035bee24a813e84.jpg)
But first lets see if I can find the head of Hidden Canyon
![IMG_2581.JPG IMG_2581.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58390-c15910c118ad76e3301cf75e2e7fa79b.jpg)
To get to this limited shot I had to go across a side angled, loose, poison oak, dark forest slope.
![IMG_2584.JPG IMG_2584.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58391-6ed1e4a6ed22c172265505cf28a1a568.jpg)
Surely I could do better so I clawed my way up hill under tree limbs and over rocks. A bit better.
![IMG_2585.JPG IMG_2585.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58392-cacbf3e45bb3f83f25dfe8af9138d48e.jpg)
![IMG_2589.JPG IMG_2589.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58393-e35f7cf8c151e335146828a1d3994a2e.jpg)
That is Observation Point at the mouth of the canyon.
![IMG_2592.JPG IMG_2592.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58394-aa059bac73bb286d443d6ef055f56b6e.jpg)
The pink cliffs far to the north.
![IMG_2597.JPG IMG_2597.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/58/58395-a842cd02119faca173df612c0378da2f.jpg)
Three years ago I started my exploration of the east side of Zion. I almost have the map filled in with what I am capable of doing. Enjoy!
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