Zion National Park

There was no point staying in Las Vegas if we couldn't climb, so we packed up our camp and set off on a road trip to Zion National Park. We left Nevada, passed through Arizona, and a few hours later arrived to the park entrance in Utah. The scenery was already stunning, immense sandstone cliffs rising either side of the road. I could tell I would love this place!

The place was busy although not quite in peak tourist season, we caught the shuttle into the park and started up the track to the 'Hidden Canyon'. Chris didn't let his injury stop him, he was able to keep pace with a large number of hikers as we switch-backed up the mountainside. More great views of the valley below, the park growing even more beautiful with the afternoon light.

After we returned to the valley floor we caught the shuttle to the end of the park and walked along the river towards the Narrows. This was a popular hike but we were able to walk next to the stream, away from the main path, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

The camp grounds in and around Zion were full, so after dinner we searched for some state land to spend the night. After a few false starts we found a small rest area a little distance from the main road, set up out tent and called it a day.

The next morning we were up at the crack of dawn and on our way into the park. We arrived to the museum before the crowds, got a close park and set off for more hiking. I left Chris to do his own thing, I decided to hike up 'Observatory Point', the longest day hike with the most elevation gain. It was still early, the park was absolutely stunning in the morning light.

I reached the lookout point, the view was breathtaking. I sat and relaxed, transfixed by the scene in front of me. Simply phenomenal. I took my time on the hike back to the valley floor, catching the shuttle back to meet Chris for lunch.

I spent the rest of the afternoon checking out the shorter hikes, lazing on the grass at the meadows, and even took a much needed swim in the Virgin river. Very refreshing.

As the sun was fading, Chris and I drove to an observation point overlooking the park. We timed it perfectly, making the hike out a few minutes before the sun fell behind the mountains. We even saw some big horn sheep!

Another amazing day, we drove back out to our camping area and collapsed for the night.

An even earlier start the next morning, I had one final thing to check off my list. I caught the shuttle to 'Angels Landing' and began the steep hike to the top. Another incredible hike, unbelievable views wherever I looked. The path was steep and narrow in sections, but the reward was immense. Once again I sat and savoured the view from the end, a fitting end to my time in Zion.

Reluctantly leaving the park behind, Chris and I drove back to Las Vegas for his flight home in the afternoon. We said our goodbyes, I returned to the Red Rock Canyon camp ground for one last night. It was a shame that Chris was injured and we didn't climb as much as expected, but being able to experience Zion was incredible and I'm glad not to have missed it.

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Prince of Darkness and the end of climbing

Trying to sleep in after a tiring day doesn't really work when the sun is pouring through your tent at 5:30 AM and the heat of the day is already building. Chris and I wanted to do something less committing than a trad multi-pitch so we decided on a shorter sport multi-pitch instead.

After a slower start involving lots of coffee, we drove a little further out on a rocky and slightly rutted dirt road to the 'Black Velvet' wall. From there we hiked up a desert wash, and eventually found the start to 'Prince of Darkness'.

We had mistakenly assumed the the entire route was bolted, so we took no trad gear. This was not the case, the first pitch (a mostly easy scramble) had no bolts so Chris improvised some rope stoppers to protect the short section of proper climbing.

I had the second pitch, 140' of sustained climbing on thin holds with no easy sections. I finished it cleanly, my toes screaming by the end. I belayed Chris to the top, then he set off on the next pitch.

He had clipped the first bolt, climbed past it, and was close to the second when he suddenly fell. I managed to get out of the way in time, but as he fell he his smashed his ankle against the wall, straight away Chris knew something was wrong.

We rested for a couple of minutes, but he realised he couldn't go on so we rappelled down to the ground. We packed our bags, and started the long hobble out of the canyon back to the car.

Chris made good time, I found him a decent branch for support which only broke once! We got back to the car, after a consolation beer I drove into Las Vegas to get Chris some medical attention. He had badly sprained his ankle, but it could have been a lot worse. Our climbing trip had finished prematurely, but the adventure wasn't over yet.

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Crimson Crysalis

Time to tackle a big one. Chris and I had packed all of our gear the night before, we were determined to bag this route. Crimson Crysalis, 900 feet, rated 5.8, mixed route (bolts and trad gear required)

Up at 4:00 AM, to the trail head by five. The park wasn't open to traffic until 6:00, so we stopped at the outskirts and hiked in rather than wait to drive. It was forecast to be the coolest day of the week, and given it was a Saturday morning we wanted to make sure we were the first ones out there.

It was an easier hike this time, not having to carry additional water as we had already stashed a gallon up there. Hearing coyotes wail in the dim light as we hiked in was great, unfortunately they stayed out of sight.

It was still early by the time we made it to the base of the route, we gear up and set off. What a difference a day can make, we flew up the first pitch that gave us concern last time, and the second pitch didn't look intimidating at all!

The climbing was phenomenal, beautiful rock, stunning scenery, and a fantastic line all the way to the top. We were in the shade the entire climb, it was actually quite chilly on the wall!

But nothing could dampen our spirits, six hours after we had set off we were on the summit. Incredible views to the surrounding areas, we sat and basked in the sun, savouring the climb.

A couple of hours later we had finished rappelling back to the ground, we packed our gear and hiked out. We reached the car twelve hours after we set off, not a bad session.

We stopped at a nearby crag for a short sport climb, then returned to camp elated with how the day turned out. We had a world-class route all to ourselves on a day with perfect weather. Doesn't get any better than that.

More photos here