I've been feeling it for several weeks now, "The Pull." I've felt it before, often, and it usually doesn't take long before I'm picking up my pack, loading water, lacing up my Vibram sole shoes, and heading to Zion National Park. There is something magical and, yes, spiritual about being in Zion. The crowds have a way of drowning it out, but even on a busy day, one can find isolation in this heavily traveled national park's backcountry. Finding a parking space is something different altogether.

I don't worry too much about the time as I drive the improved UT-9 toward Springdale. I made a couple of passes through Zion last year at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, but people got stupid after being in lockdown, and the sheer amount of vandalism and graffiti that appeared in the park was heartbreaking. A year later, things have improved (a little) as more places are open for business, and winter's ice and snow discourage hiking in the park. But spring is coming; you can see it in the light green shading of the cottonwood trees and the few flowering planter boxes along the main street, boasting Tulips and other spring flowers.

There is a line to enter the park, but it moves quickly, and I'm soon driving toward the long tunnel on the east side. No shuttles are running today, so that the main canyon will be busy, and it has already started to overflow to the few trails in this section of the park. Parking spaces are still available as I pull my Fj to a stop near Pine Creek. I glance to the summit of Progeny Peak as I unload my pack and turn on GPS. My 7th ascent to the small peak should be pleasant as I hike up and over the slight Slickrock rise and drop into the creek bed.

Progeny is an excellent spring ascent and will provide ample evidence of one's conditioning for Slickrock hiking. Narrow ledges and steep inclines keep my breathing healthy as I take a short break near Twin Pines Arch. I watch as the couple I passed a short while ago emerges back onto UT-9 as I admire how quickly they moved over the rough terrain. I move up the steep rock to another resting place and take another break. I don't mind taking frequent breaks. Zion's beauty is breathtaking, and the higher I go, the more beauty I see.

I reach another saddle and take another rest. It's been a few years since I climbed Progeny Peak, and I don't quite remember taking so many breaks, but I love every minute as I cross the last remaining sandy area and reach the summit.

Route view Scarlet Begonias and Ant Hill

Clouds have moved in, the sun is gone, and a cold wind blows as I sign the summit register. It could rain, but take a moment to enjoy the view and the ascent. A storm is coming, and the northern mountain of Utah are expecting more snow. I hope this is the case as I look forward to a few more days of skiing, at least until "The Pull" causes me to pick up my pack, load water, and head to Zion National Park once again.