Zion Logistics

Season Spring through fall. Wth summers brutally hot (100-plus degrees F) on the canyon floor, Zion's high country can be pleasant -- with an early morning start. Winter is too cold.

Gear
One 60m rope, a small assortment of large nuts and medium cams, runners, extra webbing, and a headlamp, space blanket, and safety matches for every climber. Ultimately, however, a topo map and sense of adventure are the two most important tools.

Routes
Success depends on moving quickly through third- and fourth-class terrain, and making quick transitions to short stretches of fifth-class climbing. Aside from the Mountain of the Sun, these ridge routes are outside the main canyon, so you won't have to contend with the shuttle bus.

Beta
At the park's visitor center, the backcountry desk has four binders of route information, with brief but helpful descriptions. Check here for bird closures -- in recent years, Kinesava and Mountain of the Sun have been subject to seasonal restrictions. Zion Rock and Mountain Guides (435-772-3303) is the best resource for gear and up-to-date information. In Springdale, the Mean Bean Coffeehouse is the climbers' hang.

Camping
The park's Watchman Campgrounds ($16 a night) are ideally located, and reservations can be made at nps.gov/archive/zion/pphtml/camping.html. Most climbers opt for Mosquito Cove, a free, undeveloped BLM campground sandwiched between the highway and the Virgin River. To get there, drive south from Springdale on Highway 9, through the sleepy town of Rockville until you reach mile marker 23.5. Look for a dirt road leading down and right.

Supplies
While Springdale has two small markets, your best bet is to stock up in St. George, 45 minutes away.