Mount Kinesava Summit

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views

This is a challenging route than generally takes six or more hours to complete, but the reward of the summit is well worth the toil. Expect lots up bushwhacking, rock scrambling with difficulty up to Class 4 scrambling, and prolonged exposure to the sun and wind. Being such a tough adventure, it is much quieter than other trails in Zion National Park. You may even get the epic summit of Mount Kinesava all to yourself.

This route requires comfort with high-angle rock scrambling. There are sections of Class 3 and Class 4 difficulty. Some people choose to bring a length of rope (40 feet or longer) to protect the climbs or the descents, but it's not strictly necessary.

Start from the Chinle Trail, located on the north side of Highway 9. This trail begins as a mellow dirt path that will take you through a small subdivision before reaching the Zion National Park boundary, marked by a gate. Go through the gate to enter the park boundary.

Beyond the gate you must immediately leave the Chinle Trail and head east, following the fence line toward a small ridgeline rising to the north. Ascend the ridge, using the power poles as a reference. Springdale will be below you on the right. Continue up a second steep slope with a bit of Class 2 scrambling, then enjoy a bit of flat trail before ascending northeast up another ridge (marked by cairns - the trail is well marked, but the climb becomes more difficult).

Follow the cairns through a grove of juniper trees. You'll reach a large boulder with a cairn on top of it. Proceed up and left of the boulder. Many trails exist after this point (mostly animal trails) but you should aim for the large gully to the north of the hillside.

Eventually you'll drop into a flatter area but then proceed up onto the southern hillside. A well-worn path with cairns marks the way. Soon the trail drops down and through the gully to the opposite hillside. Expect Class 3 scrambling to reach the cliffs above. Work your way through the sand and talus to the rock face, and then proceed up Class 4 terrain until the final ramp is reached.

Just past this ledgy rock ramp is the crux. A series of massive boulders must be climbed to arrive at the sandy trail. Once on this trail, make your way through slickrock domes and hoodoo formations to the final summit. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs along this section. When you finally reach the top, you'll enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the park's south entrance, the towering West Temple, and all of the surrounding mesalands.

Rest up and refuel on top, then reverse your steps down the mountain. Taking special care not to lose your way or your footing, as the descent is often harder than the climb.

Petroglyphs can be found along this trail, please be respectful by only observing, never touching them.