HourGlass: Zion, Utah

We got sick of Vegas, and headed for the big walls and relatively lush vegetation of Zion NP. The approaches here are short and much appreciated after the long approaches at Red Rocks. We've been taking a fair number of rest days due to the rain as well as the strenuous nature of the climbs here. Our first route here was Touchstone Wall which we climbed at 5.11, C2, as we only aided the first 2 pitches. The stone here is a little soft, and the climbing naturally sustained which makes for some stout grades and heady leading.

Graham leading the C2 pitch of Touchstone Wall

Graham and Sue atop Touchstone

We then climbed Iron Messiah (grade IV, 5.10 R), a great trade route with a good dose of chimneys, 14 pitches, and a beautiful summit.

A couple rainy days followed after which we decided it was time to climb a bigwall. We chose Lunar Ecstasy grade V 5.10, C2+. This was Sue's first 'bigwall' and we forgot to take pictures of us chilling on the portaledge on the sheer wall (apologies especially to the parents). The views from the portaledge were unmatched and we slept like bricks.