Zion National Park, Utah
November 24, 2012
Despite its mere 4th class rating, "Ant Hill" is one of the most dangerous peaks I've climbed in Zion. This was my 2nd attempt; last April I turned around high on the South Buttress with my little brother. The combination of steep slabs, dangerously loose rock, and intense exposure make this a very bad place for hikers who aren't seriously schooled in Zion scrambling (and even for those who are)! I had a 30 meter rope and would have needed 2x60 meters in order to let him safely rappel the crux slabs (I was pretty nervous downclimbing them after scoping it out). This time we went up the South Buttress and down the North Ridge... which was even looser and sketchier! I loved "Ant Hill" but this is one I can't see myself repeating anytime soon; there is just too much objective risk.
