You’ve got to want to climb Peak 7134. Even after I attempted Burnt Mountain last week, which ended with rain and no summit, the endeavor was a moderate to difficult (class 2) approach and a surprising 2,484’ feet of elevation gain. I expected the class 1 approach to Peak 7134 to be a walk in the park, at least on a comparable note. The park part is correct for those who have not hiked Hop Valley, especially in the springtime. Deep green grass, running water, and a leisurely stroll after dropping into the valley.
“Hop Valley” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
Langston Canyon was a different matter entirely. The Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park is rugged backcountry. Turning east into Langston Canyon, I walked through the wide sandy wash, and according to the TOPO map, the canyon would narrow. Once through the narrow section, I could move onto the western ridge line for my approach to the summit. As the canyon narrowed, boulders and dry falls appeared. True to all Zion canyons, it was rough going but doable. I can find a workaround in most canyons on the hillsides of boulder-strewn washes. A few exist in Langston, but the steepness of the hillside and the bushwacking hardly made it worth the effort.
“Langston Canyon Bouldering” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
A large dryfall exists about halfway through the canyon, and several areas allow for weakness on the hillside, but it is sandy and dirty. I found climbing next to several dead logs and holding onto the busted limbs helped make good progress higher. Above the dryfall, the going becomes easier and bouldering less frequent. Another massive dryfall empties into Langston Canyon from the west and is punctuated by an enormous pothole just above the sandstone lip.
I continued up the main drainage, and the ridge line to the west became less steep. Look for a game trail running along the western edge of the stream, which will save a good amount of climbing through the wash. Just past, a fallen pine tree marked the area where I exited Langston to rise to the ridge.
“At saddle, looking up final approach to summit ridge” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
I know I was in a rugged country when the TOPO I reviewed barely registered this rise and the subsequent wash on the western side, but when reaching the ridge, I couldn’t see the bottom of the wash. I proceeded down the opposite side and looked over a small ledge; still, I could not see the bottom. Worried, I finally worked backward, finding the wash and saddle opposite my current location for Peak 7134 ridge line access. Following this wash back toward me, looking north, I could spot a rise in the canyon floor that would allow crossing. I was ready to turn back before I spotted the minor shoulder. The bouldering had left me winded and my legs tired. I hate bushwacking. The view from my current location of Peak 7134 was not inspiring.
Dropping into the wash and crossing the rise, this is the wash that empties into Langston Canyon at the massive pothole area I had spotted earlier. I debated following it downstream on my return trip but decided to stick with my current route. As I proceeded up the wash, it was more bushwacking but also good Slickrock scrambling. Finally, as the wash constricted near the saddle, a well-used game trail leads through the cliff bands and makes for a nice reprieve.
“Zoom photo of Kolob Arch” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
The saddle is spectacular! The views that open to the west are fantastic. The scene of the Kolob Arch is the best I have ever witnessed (standing at the Kolob Arch trail and looking up at the Arch isn’t the same). I pause and take plenty of pictures—what a rugged country. Turning south, I proceed up the steep and rugged ridgeline toward the summit. Two class 3+ moves exist along the ridge. The first is a shallow chimney with excellent hand and foot positions. A dead log is buried in the center of the chimney, so use caution on the holds you grab.
The second class 3+ move is at the apex of a massive wash draining off the western face. Thankfully the ridge line I am currently working on doesn’t drop down, but the wash rises to meet the ridge. Drop left just off the line to a pine tree; this marks the beginning of a series of very narrow ledge systems leading to the next layer. I have ranked both crux’s classes 3+. Undoubtedly, skilled climbers will be able to down climb without issue; I tossed a hand line around the pine trees at the top of both cruxes for extra balance. I didn’t feel a need to harness up in either case.
“Final ridgeline to Summit” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
Above this final crux, the ridge line smooths out and becomes a pleasant stroll to the summit. The views into the rugged backcountry of Kolob Canyons have to be as stunning as anywhere in the world. Looking north into the Kolob Arch area, Icebox canyon and beyond are breathtaking in their beauty. Unfortunately, no summit cairn or registration exists.
“Summit view north towards Kolob Arch” copyright BrickBarnBlog2013
Use caution, as the return trip is long and tedious. The climb out of Hop Valley is challenging. Stopping to cool my feet in the running spring water, I watched the sun grow low in the western sky, setting fire to the surrounding red peaks; indeed, there could not be a more beautiful sight.
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Written May 24, 2013