Historic The Lady Mountain was one of the first constructed trails in Zion Canyon, preceding the Angel's Landing Trail and the Observation Point Trail. Completed in 1923, maintenance was discontinued in the 1960's because it was so steep and difficult.

In the current day, the remnants of the trail make for an interesting wilderness adventure, with several short 4th class sections, and two short 5th class pitches worth leading and belaying. The summit of Lady Mountain offers grand views of Zion Canyon. This makes an entertaining, very aerobic alternative to canyon grovelling on those pleasant days in the spring and fall.

Here is a third-hand copy of the original, charming write-up from the Black Book, from 1984. Crossed out stuff is in italics, with the replacement text in bold. (Editor unknown). [Smart alec comments from one of my sources in square brackets]. Notes on modern ascents are at the end.

(Updated by Bob Lineback, NPS, 9-25-84)

LADY MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Difficulty
The Lady Mountain Trail was the first trail constructed by the Park Service to one of the canyon rims. Lady Mountain, which is just west of Zion Lodge, was originally called Mt. Zion. It was later changed to the present name for the (arch in the upper portion which resembles a woman's face looking south, as seen from Zion Lodge.) face (profile) north-facing cliff which resembles a person's face. The trail was completed in September 1923, and was Zion's steepest trail. However, the trip was very worthwhile since it offered the finest panorama of scenic features including views of Observation Point, The Great White Throne, Deertrap Mountain, East Temple, West Temple, Castle Dome, and Caanan Mountain to the south.

	Carved steps on the Lady Mountain Trail. foto: Brian Cabe

Maintenance of this route was terminated in recent years due to hazardous conditions and the questionable reliability of weathered ladders, chain and wire supports. and the many rescues required when people "froze" on the route. All cables and chains have been removed, thus making this an even more arduous hike.

Due to the difficulties encountered, this trip should only be attempted by experienced cross-country hikers who are adept at rock climbing. Hikers should be prepared to turn back if they lose the route!

Recommended Season
Lady Mountain can be hiked year around except during weather extremes when high summer heat may make it difficult or when winter snow or ice would make travel even more dangerous. Since the route is unmaintained and water is unavailable, hikers should get an early start to avoid any possibiliby of a hazardous descent in darkness. Allow 7 hours for a round trip if you are in excellant physical condition and are good at route finding.

Campsites
The climb and hike is difficult to do with a full backpack, so overnight trips are not recommended. There are a few small flat spots on the NW end of Lady Mountain.

EQUIPMENT. 50 feet of rope; chocks are essential at the four scrambling obstacles and at the two steep pitches; two quarts of water, minimum; long pants. [And possibly a tape measure! Read on...]

TRAILHEAD. Emerald Pools Parking Lot.

ROUTE. Take the Upper Emerald Pool Trail to the left. Continue until you reach the Sandbench/Emerald Pool fork. Take the Emerald Pool Trail which forks right. Follow it to where the second spring crosses the trail. The unmarked Lady route junction is 0.1 mile from this spring. As you approach the eastward rim, look for a metal trail sign reading: "Danger, Roll No Rock, People Below." The route takes off west and up from this point and may be somewhat obscure since it is seldom used. The route is easy until you reach the base of some sandstone cliffs, 0.8 miles from the trail junction. Yellow, white, and pink arrows are painted on the rocks marking the route, but may be faded and hard to see. Look for steps and footholds carved into the rock on the entire route. Climb 33 feet to the top of the inclined bench. In another 328 feet, you should be on top of the cliffs. There are several switchbacks as you ascend to the next cliff bottom. This location is at the top left switchback shown on the topo map near the 5000-foot contour. There are several handholds which you need to use as you friction up the cliff. About 79 yards farther on, you should reach a crevice. The best climber in your party should climb this section, then tie a fixed rope to the large eyebolt or belay persons up. There is a lot of exposure at this point. Continue another 26 feet to the top of the crevice, then traverse along the rim in a southerly direction for 31 yards. At this point you have reached the rock staircase. Ascend the rock staircase some 39 yards.

km     miles     elevation   Parking Lot 0.0 0.0 4276 Virgin Bridge 0.3 0.2 4276 Emerald Pool Trail Fork   0.4 0.2 4450 Spring crosses trail 0.7 0.4 4475 Unmarked Lady turnoff 0.9 0.5 4500 Base of cliffs 1.2 0.8 4700 Base of cliffs 1.3 1.1 5150 Rock staircase 1.9 1.2 5450 Base of cliffs 2.2 1.4 5600 Crevice 2.6 1.6 6000 Saddle top 3.2 2.0 6850 Lady Mountain summit 3.5 2.2 6940

At the top of the rock staircase, you traverse along the rim going south. At 132 yards, you should reach a switchback. In another 190 yards, approximately, you will be at the end of the south traverse. Start ascending. When you have reached the base of the cliff, you will need to climb with belay for a distance of 11 yards. Continue about 0.2 miles until you reach another crevice. Ascend this crevice for about 44 yards. Then take the route on the left side to climb up and around the gully on the south side. You will eventually return to the gully and continue the steep ascent. Then climb out on the north side of the gully.

Continue on the route; you should pass through a narrow cleft in the rock. The route now traverses to the north along a ridge. In another 0.1 miles you will reach a saddle with a view of canyons to the west.

The summit of Lady can be seen to the north. Walk on the narrow ridge about 246 feet to the base of a rock cliff on the southwest side of Lady. Continue carefully on around and you will reach the top of the mountain. Notice the brass orientation disk on the lookout point, identifying prominent features. The bench at the top has white fir, manzanita, pinon, juniper, and ponderosa.

[There is a map in the Backcountry Binder.]

Modern Beta: The Lady Mountain Trail is an intricate stringing together of weaknesses to ascend the steep east face of Lady Mountain. Short cliffbands are surmounted with the assistance of remnants of the constructed trail. Due to large amounts of un-belayed 4th and 5th class climbing, this route is not suitable for non-climbers. Consider this an Alpine Route - all members of the party should be capable of soloing 5.4.

That said, there are only two short bits where most people will belay. The first is short and not too hard, but requires a step across onto marginal rock with 200' of exposure. The second is not so exposed, but awkward and rounded. To lead and follow these requires a small rack of cams and a short dynamic rope. (Rack: 1-ea cam from 3/4" to 2", a few slings, a few large nuts).

The route is easy to follow. There are several sections of exposed lower 5th class climbing, with good holds courtesy of the early trail builders. Some may want to belay on these spots, or haul the packs up on the rope.

Getting Started: from Zion Lodge, cross the river on the bridge and turn left, then right onto the Upper Emerald Pools Trail as it climbs 200' to the bench above, then heads north. Follow about 1/2 mile to where the trail turns the corner and heads west. The corner is distinct.

It may be a little funny for me to request, but please sneak off into the woods unseen by others. Why? People with few backcountry skills (generally refered to as 'tourists') should not be encouraged to leave the trail, especially this trail, with a 100' cliff below. Don't put the idea into some kid's head - be discreet and slink quietly into the wood, as a socially-marginal character should.

Wait for the tourist traffic to clear out, then head up into the woods, working your way upward on small social trails, and generally staying right, near the corner. Two or three hundred feet above the paved trail, a clear remnant of the former trail is easily found. Follow this trail left (south) as it becomes more distinct. (If you come to the first rockband before finding the trail, search left (south) until you find either a distinct trail, chipped steps or painted markers).

Follow signs of traffic, faded painted blazes and chipped steps through cliffbands, then generally left (south) as the trail works it's way up. A steep chimney is surmounted on big holds. Another steep section is surmounted on chipped steps, using a crack for handholds. A somewhat trickier obstacle has some balancy climbing on eroded out steps. This part may require passing the packs up, or pulling them up on a rope.

Eventually, the trail leads left (south), traversing to a chimney behind a large block. A bolt can be used to belay the exposed step-across into the bottom of the chimney, then a few cams protect the 5.6 climbing up to a huge iron eyebolt that can be used for a belay (and rappel). The chimney offers a good place to hide from the sun.

Continue upward. The second belayed section is kind of sneaky, not looking too hard from below. Tis not too exposed, but the slope below it is steep dirt and makes a poor landing. A handcrack and right facing corner lead to some horizontal ledges. Look for hidden holds. There is not much to belay from at the top. (This step can be rappelled off a rock bollard at the top of the short wall).

The route continues upward, with no climbing steps past here. Up through some very interesting terrain, the trail comes out on the Lady Mountain - Mt. Moroni knife-edge ridge. Follow the ridge to the summit of Lady Mountain. Return the way you came.