Across the Slickrock
Most hikers that come to Zion National Park hike the designated, signed trails that start in Zion Valley. Many of these hikes are memorable ones worth facing the ever-increasing crowds, but there are many more areas to hike in Zion, most of which see little traffic. The east side of Zion past the tunnel has remarkable scenery, but has limited parking and almost no designated trails. There are routes, though, that climb the slickrock ramps onto the ridges, through the bowls, up and down gullies, and across the hills. None of these routes are easy and many are challenging. Good navigation is needed and hikers have to be able to ascend and descend steep slickrock among cliffs above and below. The views are worth the effort, but it is not for everyone. We were fortunate to know a local hiker who led us through the complicated route. A few images are shared here:
