Lady Mountain, Zion National Park

Double Falls, along the Right Fork

LOGISTICS
Rating	5.6, Grade III. A scrambling, rugged, strenuous hike with lots of 4th class terrain.
Preferred Season	Year-round, though snow & ice can increase difficulty & danger in winter
Length	2 rugged miles (2.5 km) each way
Time Commitment	4 to 9 hours
Altitude Gain	2675 feet (815 m)
Shade	Most of the hike is in the full sun.
Access	Starts and finishes at Zion Lodge trailhead.
EQUIPMENT
Essentials	120' of rope, harnesses, and a few cams/small rack for short climbing pitches. Sturdy hiking shoes, ample water, and food for a full day hike
Drinking Water	None, bring plenty.
DIFFICULTIES
Climbing	Two short climbing sections, with difficulty up to about 5.6, plus several less exposed 4th & 5th class spots up to 5.6 difficulty.

SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS

Spring - Expect higher and colder water flowing during spring runoff, when crossings may be deeper. Neoprene socks are nice if getting feet wet (likely).

Summer - HOT! Leave early to avoid the heat and be aware the hike out is in full sun. The first couple miles from the trailhead are especially exposed, with very little shade.

Fall - the BEST time to hike this route, with great fall photography along the creek bed.

Winter - Possible snowpack and ice along the waterfalls. Use caution and check current conditions at the Zion Wilderness Desk.

Jolae & Holly scramble up a blocky chimneyGetting There

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.

This request may seem a little funny, but please sneak off into the woods unseen by others. Why? People with few backcountry skills (generally called '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 trees, as any socially-marginal character should.

Occasional blazes lead the wayAlpine Route Preface

The Lady Mountain Trail is an intricate stringing together of natural weaknesses to ascend the steep east face of Lady Mountain. Short cliffbands are surmounted with the assistance of antiquated trail hardware. Due to large amounts of un-belayed 4th and 5th class climbing, this route is unsuitable 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 big steps across marginal rock with 200' of exposure. The second is not so exposed, but awkward, rounded, and more difficult. To lead and follow these mini-pitches 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 routes, once led, are easy to follow. Outside these two technical pitches, there are several sections of exposed lower 5th class climbing, with good holds courtesy of the early trail builders. Some may want to belay in these spots, or haul their packs up with the rope.

The Hike

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.)

Negotiating the first cruxFollow signs of traffic, faded painted blazes, and chipped steps through cliffbands, then generally left (south) as the trail works its way up. A steep chimney is surmounted using 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 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 (first crux). 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, as it doesn't look 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. (On the way down, 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, taking extra care not to create rockfall on the way down.

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