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West of the River Cliff Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
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Routes in West of the River Cliff

	Chocolate Donuts T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Left Book T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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GPS:	37.25928, -112.97265 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,241 total · 21/month
Shared By:	Ben Mottinger on Apr 5, 2003
Admins:	Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C Page Updates (admin only)

Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures ***** RAIN AND WET ROCK ***** The sandstone in Zion is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN ZION during or after rain. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby. Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Closures in effect March 1
Check for current Raptor closure conditions at:

nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/…

Description

A small cragging cliff, that is, ehem, west of the river just past the Court of the Patriarchs pulloff. The name of the cliff is taken from Stewart Green's Rock Climbing Utah guidebook.

The routes are short, not too clean (except a few) and the top is loose, sloping, and not easy for belaying. Basically, the quality isn't the highest but the routes are nice for a quick cragging session.

Seen from the road, there are a number of cracks on the face and in corners just a short walk up from the river.

Getting There

Drive up the main canyon road toward the Court of Patriarchs. Go just beyond that viewpoint and look for a large, paved pulloff on the west (left) side of the road. There are a couple trails heading down to the river. Cross and look for another faint trail that heads up to the cliff. A horse trail intersects this trail and parallels the river.

Be careful not to erode the hillside. Also watch out for horse trains of tourists coming by and irritating horse train leaders who tell you to be careful so they don't have to come rescue you.