Tag Archives: Guacamole Trail

‘Tis the Season: Late Summer Adventures in Zion

Posted on August 6, 2011 by

Ahhh, August is here. The desert is still hot, the thunderstorms are coming and going, and for many it is the last chance for a summer adventure. I offer this post as a guideline on how to maximize this time in Zion and the surrounding area. Climbing, for me, is the most important form of recreation, so I will start there. There are few sports that offer such extreme physical challenge and such inspiring rewards. Even when it is 100 degrees outside, climbing in the shade is amazingly reasonable. Shady cragging opportunities exist all through the main canyon for those who can find the right aspects and times of day. One of my favorite summer climbing areas, Kolob Canyon’s South Fork of Taylor Creek, features cool temps and shade most of the day. Perhaps the most exciting and challenging summer climbing I have done is in Kolob on Huecos Rancheros (5.12c) and Namaste (5.12a). Also, Last Rites (5.10+) is a super-fun single pitch finger crack with a bolted start. St. George also has some fun summer climbing opportunities. Enjoy the novelty of Veyo’s Crawdad Canyon Climbing Resort; if you go, don’t miss “The Fly” (5.11c), right off the pool deck. Snow … Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoneering, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Seasonal, Summer, The Narrows, Zion, Zion National Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is It Just A Bike Ride?

Posted on October 26, 2010 by

I recently sat down to write about cleaning hydration bags, but found myself uninspired by the topic. After scratching my head a bit, I thought, “Why not go for a ride and find some inspiration?” So off I went on one of my favorite rides, a primitive slickrock loop just minutes from my house. As the wheels turned, I found myself thinking about risk and the perceived comfort zones we live in. How often do I push my own comfort zone? On this particular night, I had parked further away from the trailhead than usual, adding 300 feet of vertical climbing and an extra mile and half. I had left my phone in the truck and I failed to tell anyone where I was riding. With no headlamp and about an hour and forty minutes of usable day light, I had left for my ride. As I started out on the trail, I passed a party of 6 or so ending their ride and thought about asking if anyone wanted to do another loop. I decided to remain quiet; this was going to be a solo ride. As each decision passed, I was raising the stakes higher and higher. Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountain Biking, Outdoor Leadership, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment