BETA PHOTO: First 5th class section on Lady Mountain mountaine...
Description
To climbers, Lady Mountain is the beautiful and impressively shear, north facing wall in the upper Emerald pools area. From it's summit, this 2,200' wall is perhaps the steepest, and smoothest in Zion. One grade VI has been done here. The upper pools area is memorable as you are surrounded on 3 sides by large sandstone monoliths. Heaps and Behunin canyons drain into this stunning area.
The southeast side sports the standard mountaineers hike to the summit. A short rope will be needed for a few pitches along this cool trail. Views from the summit are unique. The hike takes at least 1/2 a day...A must do!
The was a trail constructed in 1923 to take guests from Zion Lodge to the top of Lady Mountain. A very ambitious route, it was abandoned by the Park Service in the 60's, which means it now is a great scramble route! Best done when it's cool or even drizzly, a rope is not needed, a handline might help, and you have to navigate and look carefully to follow remnants of the trail. It's worth it.
Buzz, that's a very impressive time for this very steep and convoluted trail. Most people, even those in good shape, should plan for a half-day outing. For those attempting this hike for the first time, I'd suggest reserving the whole day, both to deal with route finding on a trail that is easy to lose in places and to enjoy the magnificent vistas from the summit over a leisurely lunch. Also, keep in mind that the east face gets sun all morning long and can be very hot from May to September. There is no water available on the trail.
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