Category Archives: Winter

Field Trip to Toroweap, Grand Canyon National Park

Posted on December 22, 2012 by

Living in the shadows of Zion National Park, sometimes it’s hard to understand that there can be beauty anywhere else. Two weeks ago, several staff members took a day trip to check out Toroweap and the Grand Canyon. So after a quick stop at Deep Creek Coffee in Springdale, the ZAC staff drove the four and a half hours to check out the canyon. The drive begins with crossing through something familiar, and occasionally routine for me, Zion National Park. On our drive, bighorn sheep and mule deer greeted us as we drove through the east side. Since we left early in the morning, we were lucky enough to catch some of the sunrise on our drive. Between the majestic colors and good conversation, the drive went by quickly. The town of Fredonia is a small Arizona border town. And no road trip through a border town is complete without a stop for Lottery, Guns, Ammo, and Beer! So after a brief stop filling up our coffee cups and Landcruiser at Judd’s Auto, we moved on. We eventually turned onto a dirt road for beautiful views of desert plains and distant mountains for 60 long, rutted miles. At this point, … Continue reading →

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Ski with a Dixie National Forest Ranger at Brian Head Ski Resort

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

Yes, there is snow! You can check current conditions on the Brian Head Resort website. We just received this press release from the Dixie National Forest: “Cedar City, UT – Join Forest Service Snow Rangers as they guide tours on the ski slopes of Brian Head Resort. On Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11:00 am and 2:00pm meet with Forest Service rangers to learn about some of the natural history, cultural history, and geology of the area, and to learn about the public/private partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Brian Head Resort in providing public recreation opportunities on National Forest System lands. If you would like to participate in the event, skiers or snowboarders must have a valid day pass or season pass to ride the lift, and have at least an intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability.  Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have intermediate skiing or snowboarding ability. Meet at Brian Head Resort, Giant Steps Chairlift #2.   Please gather at the bottom of the chairlift #2, beginning at 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., respectively.  After a brief orientation at the bottom of the Giant Steps Lift, the group will ride the chairlift … Continue reading →

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Trip Report: Imlay Canyon on Christmas Day

Posted on January 18, 2012 by

The question has been asked: Why descend Imlay in the winter? A wonderful canyon maybe, but it’s hard enough during the warmest times of the year. Why build in extra suffering and risk? There are a few reasons really, but paramount is I am competing. Competing with who? For what? Competing for time with my son, Aaron. His options for adventure are great and varied now that he is an adult on his own, with great skills and many talented partners. He likes FreezeFest. He has attended six straight years, but North Wash fare doesn’t move him anymore. So Imlay on Christmas sparks the man-child’s desire for challenge and I am rewarded with time. Time with the man. Last year, the idea was Christmas in Choprock/Kaleidoscope… that was something for him sink his teeth into. This year it was Christmas in Imlay, and I upped it with a plan to climb Ancient Art and Castleton Towers on the following days. He owes me more climbs than canyons anyway, and it is a chance for him to show me his fine skill set. He is on board for this. If I don’t come up with the goods, he will go elsewhere. … Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoneering, Seasonal, Trip Reports, Winter, Zion, Zion National Park | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Zion Park Winter Updates

Posted on December 31, 2011 by

For many people, the winter months are their favorite time to visit Zion National Park. Moderate temperatures, mostly sunny days and no crowds create the perfect conditions for awesome hiking and sightseeing. For some great recommendations on how to make the most of your winter visit, read Sarah’s article on making the most of Zion’s winter months. Here is the latest 2011/12 winter update from the Park: “December signals the beginning of a quieter time in the park with fewer visitors and increased opportunities for solitude. Due to decreased visitation, some services will be reduced or ended for the winter season, announced Superintendent Jock Whitworth. The voluntary shuttle service that provides transportation to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on weekends in November has ended operations for the season. The Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle will resume regular service on April 1, 2012. For visitors interested in spending the night in the park this winter, the Watchman Campground and Zion Lodge are open year-round. During a trip, the public is encouraged to visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for information on park activities and trail conditions. This facility is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The Kolob … Continue reading →

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Mountain Top Reflections: Desert Oasis

Posted on December 14, 2011 by

My first draft of this blog post was a detailed description of my recent Red Rock climbing trip. The salient points were, a) I am good at climbing rocks, b) I know some good places for Asian cuisine in Las Vegas, and c) I am moderately witty. Realizing I spent far too much time coloring such a story, and valuing your time, dear reader, I will spare you my narrative of rock climbing heroism, and ask you to trust me on these points. What I would rather illustrate is the notion of finding one’s self through suffering. By “one’s self,” I mean some greater understanding of who I am, or what I’m capable of. Whilst climbing last week, on the side of an obscure rock, miles from anybody besides my climbing partner, I found myself fully panicked and hyperventilating. Tiptoeing and thrutching up the face of a mountain, I surprised myself by resisting gravity over and over again. The route (Time’s Up, 5.11d) had an exclamation mark next to it in the guide book; I interpreted this as a sign of exciting climbing, and it certainly delivered. The climbing itself was not unique or terribly difficult, but the protection was … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Rock Climbing, Spring, Trip Reports, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

High Than Normal Water In Narrows Predicted Through January

Posted on November 12, 2011 by

Over the past week and a half, Narrows hikers have been experiencing higher-than-normal water flows. This has been a result of both snow melt from recent storms, as well as a water release from the nearby Kolob Reservoir. On Tuesday, November 2nd, 2011 the Washington County Water Conservancy District began releasing 35cfs from Kolob Reservoir to increase holding capacity and ensure there will be enough room for next year’s spring runoff. According to the Zion National Park Morning Report, this 35cfs water-release is predicted to last through the end of January 2012. What does this mean for those interested in hiking the Narrows in the next few months? Hikers will need to plan for not just cold water, but also for slightly faster and chest deep water in places. This week, Narrows hikers have indicated that they have adjusted their hike length due to particularly high flows and deep sections. Although the water may be swift, the Narrows is still appropriate for adult hikers looking for an adventurous experience. Staying flexible and preparing prior to the trip will help hikers stay safe and enjoy this hike during the release period. Kolob Creek, a technical slot canyon in the park is … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Seasonal, Seasons, The Narrows, Trip Reports, Weather & Climate, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Warren Miller Film Showing This Tuesday

Posted on November 4, 2011 by

Snow Bunnies! ‘Tis the Season to start thinking about the white powdery stuff and SKIING!!! Warren Miller is back with his all-new ski film “Like There’s No Tomorrow,” featuring amazing snow-sport stunts and footage. This film is one of my personal favorite ways to get stoked about the upcoming ski season AND make it affordable to get on the slopes myself. Entrance into the film has been about $20 in year’s past, and includes a FREE ski pass to Brian Head Ski Resort, just 1.5 hours away from Zion. In year’s past, show-watchers have been able to purchase several tickets at a time, but this policy is subject to change. First Showing What: Warren Miller Ski Film w/FREE Brian Head Lift Ticket When: Tuesday, November 8th Where: Hilton Garden Inn, St. George UT Time: 7:00pm Second Showing What: Warren Miller Ski Film w/FREE Brian Head Lift Ticket (In case you miss the St. George showing!) When: Tuesday, November 15th Where: Sharwan Smith Center Ballroom, Southern Utah University, Cedar City UT Time: 7:00pm    

Posted in In the News, Local Events, Skiing, Winter, Winter Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fall Updates and New Shop Hours

Posted on November 4, 2011 by

With the turning of the leaves and our first snow storm of the year… New Shop Hours Beginning Monday, October 31st, our new shop hours will be 8 am – noon and 4 pm – 7 pm daily, with extended hours during Thanksgiving Weekend.* This allows us to outfit customers in the morning and return gear in the evening. Evening gear pick-ups may or may not be available, depending on availability of specific items. Our shop hours December – February will be 9 am – noon and 4 pm – 7 pm. *Thanksgiving weekend hours: Thursday 11/24: 8 am- noon only Friday: 11/25 – Sunday 11/27: 8 am – 7 pm Gear Reservations For those interested in renting equipment, please note we require reservations during the winter months. We have been unusually busy this fall and have been selling out of certain dry suit sizes, especially on the weekends. To make a gear reservation, please contact us with the following information: Date(s): Number in Party: Full Name: Phone: Email: Address: Name, height, weight, and shoe size for each group member: Winter Outfitting The Narrows Narrows hikers in the winter find icicles, snow, and near-silence as rewards for their adventurous visit. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Gear, Hiking, In the News, Seasonal, Seasons, The Narrows, Weather & Climate, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ZAC Memories from John Heusler

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

This in from John Heusler, a guy who’s been with us since the beginning. Thanks, John! Wow… so much to say about Zion Adventures. Jonathan is without a doubt hugely knowledgeable and insightful about his craft. Besides being a great businessman, he is a heck of a nice guy to boot. We first met just about 15 years ago, when the company was in its infancy, on a cold February day. Jonathan outfitted us with dry gear to hike up the Narrows. He warned us of all the dangers and also pointed out the details of what to look for in terms of beauty. Things like “pictures in the rocks.” Keep your eyes peeled for lots of subtleties that are, in themselves, breathtaking. Ice was everywhere, but it didn’t stop us. We hiked all day and arrived back just in time for them to close the shop. What a trip it was! Since then I have hiked just about every single hike there is in Zion, and every time, I stop in for gear and help from the helpful staff at Zion Adventure Company. NEVER will you find a more accommodating group than this one! Kudos my friends! Congratulations on … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Reflections, Seasonal, The Narrows, Trip Reports, Winter, ZAC Events | Tagged | Leave a comment

Spring Snowstorms Keep Things Exciting in Balmy Springdale

Posted on April 10, 2011 by

Snow fell on Friday and Saturday in Springdale… actually, it felt more like Winderdale. Though little snow accumulated on the ground in town, conditions through much of Zion have been affected by the snow. On Saturday morning, ten inches of snow were reported at the Left Fork trailhead for the Subway on Kolob Terrace Road. Zion Spring visitors are occasionally surprised to find snow and ice on trails. This surprise is understandable, given that most visitors don’t encounter Winter Conditions on the roadways, or see much snow as they enter Zion. The steep vertical walls of the National Park keep temperatures cool and trails shaded, however, causing them to hold snow and ice longer than the wider, sunnier areas guests travel though as they approach Zion. Those headed to many hikes in Zion Canyon such as Angel’s Landing and Observation Point will find traction devices which slip-on over your shoes useful for the next day or so as things will slowly begin to melt Sunday. For current weather conditions, always feel free to stop into our shop or the Zion Visitor’s Center.  

Posted in Seasonal, Weather & Climate, Winter, Zion National Park | Leave a comment