Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 5,101 ft
GPS: 37.27624, -112.94516
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 38,679 total · 152/month
Shared By: Andrew Wellman on Apr 14, 2003 · Updates
Admins: Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C
Warning 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 DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This is the prow that Desert Shield climbs. The standard descent is to rappel Desert Shield.

Getting There Suggest change

Past big bend on the Zion Canyon road. This buttress is on the right side of the road just before Leaning Wall. The only thing separating it from Leaning Wall is a large broken area with an arch that the Spaceshot rappels go down.

5 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Desert Shield Buttress Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Desert Shield Buttress

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C2+
 14
Disco Inferno
Trad, Aid 8 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c C3
 99
Desert Shield
Trad, Aid 9 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Disco Inferno
 14
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C2+ Trad, Aid 8 pitches
Desert Shield
 99
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c C3 Trad, Aid 9 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Desert Shield Buttress »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading