Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Zion National Park's White Pass

I already mentioned it in the last post, but today I hiked up to White Pass in Zion. It was insanely beautiful up there, and I wish my pictures could do justice. For a hike that was only about 1.5 miles out and back, you couldn't ask it to be much more pristine! 
 At the peak of White Pass looking west. Sloping to the left is South Ariel Peak, and to the right in Aries Butte. The curved layering in the sandstone show the eye where to go.
 Small potholes still half full leading down the west side of the pass. I can imagine these holes will be dry again within 3 days or so. But for now, it adds a little more character to the bright white sandstone.
 Looking East past an interesting iron formation in the bright white sandstone. As a rule of thumb, the ironite is a stronger sandstone, so the white sandstone will erode first and you will be left with harder pieces of "rusted" sandstone.
Fascinating layers of pink on the east side of the pass. This is a view of the Upper Keyhole Canyon area. This would be an excellent side trip if you are descending the technical section of Keyhole Canyon.

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