switchbacks carved into the Navajo Sandstone elevate us into the shady, narrow hanging gorge of Refrigerator Canyon. A pleasant stroll along the floor of the cliff-framed chasm, a delightful spot to rest on a hot day, leads us to more switchbacks. Ascending the 250’ wall above the canyon, we negotiate Walter’s Wiggles, above which we step out onto the canyon rim amid scattered ponderosa pines.
Nearby, a sign identifies Scout Lookout (1.9; 5350). Many dayhikers terminate their journey here, satisfied with the superb views into Zion Canyon directly below, and east into the gaping alcove at the mouth of precipitous Echo Canyon, flanked on either side by majestic, soaring cliffs.
• • • • •
Angels Landing
The sentinel monolith of Angels Landing juts outward into Zion Canyon, forcing the south-flowing river to make a great bend around it and its lower satellite rock, The Organ. Hikers with a fear of heights should be content with the exceptional views from Scout Lookout and avoid this trail.
From the signed junction immediately below Scout Lookout the trail follows the pine-clad rim generally south, climbing over a minor rise before attacking the north ridge of the Landing. The route, cut into solid rock very steeply ascends a knife-edged sandstone rib, from which cliffs plunge 500 feet or more on either side. Sloping steps cut into the rock make footing precarious. Short segments of chain bolted intermittently to the rock offer occasional handholds, but many exposed stretches offer no such protection. The route is steepest and most exposed just below the top, but once we surmount the crest we simply follow the narrow ridge among scattered ponderosa pines to the high point on the canyon rim (0.5; 5790) where an incredible, aerial-like view unfolds.
Seemingly a stone’s throw away across the gaping maw of Zion Canyon is the Park’s most famous landmark, The Great White Throne. Rivaling some of the world’s greatest stone monoliths in size, form, and relief, its sheer cliffs rear abruptly 2200 feet from the canyon to the broad mesa above. Also capturing our attention is the 1000’ red-stained wall of Cable Mountain. The wooden frame of the Draw Works, constructed by ingenious pioneers to transport lumber from the plateau to the canyon bottom, is visible along the edge of that mountain. The trail leading to that mountain and Observation Point can be traced along the canyon wall as it climbs above the verdant growth engulfing Weeping Rock. Fine cliff-framed views extend southward down Zion Canyon, and North Fork Virgin River is not only seen but heard.
Retrace your steps with caution back to the Grotto trailhead.
Trip 9
Weeping Rock Trail
Distance: 0.5 mile, round trip
Low/High elevations: 4350’/4450’
Suited for: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Best season: All year
Map/Trailhead: 3/7
Hazards: The trail can be slippery in winter when snow- or ice-covered.
Introduction: This short but moderately steep and paved nature trail (too steep for wheelchairs) offers a host of scenic delights and is a must for anyone visiting Zion. Hanging gardens, shady riparian vegetation, and a dripping alcove nurtured by water emanating from the vast Navajo Sandstone aquifer are but a few of the outstanding features along this trail.
Description: Immediately beyond the parking area, our trail crosses the bridge over Echo Canyon creek and then forks. Hikers bound for Trips 10 and 13 turn right here, but our trail begins climbing a grassy slope above the creek, beneath the spreading branches of boxelder and netleaf hackberry. Interpretive signs all along the trail identify and explain trailside vegetation typical of riparian and hanging-garden habitats.
Where the trail passes a hillside seep, we notice an abundance of scouring rush and, in season, the delicate yellow blooms of cliff columbine. The west-facing slope also harbors creeping hollygrape, maidenhair fern, and false Solomon’s seal—denizens of moist, shady environments.
As we approach the Weeping Rock alcove, velvet ash and Fremont cottonwood spread arching branches over the trail. Canyon wild grape drapes over many trailside trees along the way. Shrub live oak and squawbush, typically found on drier sites, are also present at this merging of habitats. Views from the trail are also exceptional. The sheer red and gray facade of Cable Mountain looms above us to the south, while the isolated red monolith of Angels Landing and other towering canyon walls rise to the plateau rim in the west.
The hike ends at an overlook platform inside the deep, wet alcove of Weeping Rock (0.25; 4450). For a span of 100 yards along the cliff face above us, a continuous rain of spring water nurtures abundant water-loving vegetation. Cementing agents binding the sand grains of the Navajo Sandstone have been dissolved by groundwater and redeposited on the wall above as tufa formations, lending the cliff a corrugated appearance.
Be sure to stay on the trail to avoid trampling the delicate vegetation, and expect to get just as wet when you exit the alcove as you did upon entering it.
Return the way you came.
Trip 10
Weeping Rock to Hidden Canyon, Observation Point
Distance: 2.2 miles, round trip, to Hidden Canyon; 7.4 miles, round trip, to Observation Point
Low/High elevations: 4350’/5100’; 6507’
Suited for: Dayhike
Difficulty: Moderate to Hidden Canyon; strenuous to Observation Point.
Best season: March through November
Maps/Trailhead: 3,4/7
Hazards: Steep dropoffs, little shade; trail should be avoided if thunderstorms threaten. Snow or ice makes travel hazardous from late fall through early spring.
Introduction: This exceptionally scenic trip is most often taken as two separate hikes, but they can be combined for a memorable all-day hike.
The general route of the trail dates back to the time when native Americans inhabited the region, offering them access to the plateaus for hunting and gathering forays. Later, the trail was improved upon by pioneers driving cattle to summer range. The Flanigan brothers used the route while developing their cable draw works on Cable Mountain.
Hidden Canyon is the goal of a moderate hike to a cool and shady hanging canyon, a pleasant retreat on a hot day. The more rigorous trail to Observation Point, although it ascends exceedingly steep cliffs, offers an alternative to the Angels Landing Trail for faint-hearted hikers who wish to revel in what is arguably the finest vista in the Park.
No water is available enroute, so be sure to pack an adequate supply.
Description: From the Weeping Rock parking area (0.0; 4350) we follow the trail as it bridges Echo Canyon creek and bear right where the Weeping Rock Trail (Trip 9) forks left. We quickly exit the narrow ribbon of riparian growth hugging the streambank, climbing steeply at once upon rubbly slide debris. Above this slope we reach concrete pavement and begin ascending a series of moderately steep switchbacks cut into the cliff face beneath the seemingly overhanging wall of Cable Mountain. Views enroute stretch across Zion Canyon to the sentinel rock of
