Sneak Peak, Winter Fun in Zion

Cathedral Mountain, as seen on the approach to Sneak Peak

A long day for me and the girl in mixed conditions. 11.25 hours roundtrip. Had some spicy scrambling in places along the upper south ridge of "Sneak Peak." Protected a snowy knife edge portion, then rapped 20' off a big pine to a notch just below the final push to the top. Loose scrambling over wet but snowfree rock led to the summit. Good views, including a very interesting perspective of Mountain of Mystery. Snow-covered manzanita summit.

On the return, we had to bypass the section we'd rap'd, so we bailed east, dropping a couple hundred feet, then had to climb a steep 400-ft snow slope to regain the ridge near where Mike had left us several hours earlier.

Got to the car at final light, then headed to Oscar's.

*Mike Pearce's terrific pics from the weekend

*Photo courtesy of Rick Kent