Story:
One of the most common landmarks in Cedar City is the Red Hill. Standing out prominently against it's larger darker neighbors on the east side of town, the Red Hill is a means of navigation (drive east toward the Red Hill) and an immense source of beauty as the summer sunsets reflect off of it at dusk.
Long played on by high school and college kids looking to add a little excitement to their day / nights in Southern Utah, the Red Hill rewards the scrambler with a breathtaking view of the township.
Take any of the three exits in Cedar City and head to the center of town. On center street turn east (toward the Red Hill) which is hwy-14. Shortly after leaving town you will pass truck warning signs with a large turnout for semi's to turn around on. Immediately after the turnout is a sharp left turn around the southern most tip of the Red Hill. Park in the large turnout on the left had side of the road.
There are many routes to the top and large shelf systems of vegetative ramps make the scramble class 3. I followed the gully north for about 200 yards before picking a line and faint trail up the boulder hillside. Eventually the route angled south following the cliff face. Several moves near the saddle I would consider class 4. Soon the ridge line is reached and a beautiful red rock point allows you to step out and look up and down the canyon.
Turning north, the impressive boulder ridge line of Red Hill lays before you. The next hour is bouldering up the ridge line to the summit. The trail is evident and easy to follow. Once elevation is reached the travel toward the rear of the hill and the summit is class 2. The highest point on the Red Hill are two separate peaks about 50 feet apart, I laid my GPS on both peaks. Both read the exact same elevation. I believe the generally accepted summit is the multi-boulder peak to the north. I didn't find a summit cairn, but someone was thoughtful enough to bring a can of graffiti remover and wire scrub brush. I left a summit register next to the can and brush in the hopes that people will sign the register vs. write on the rocks.
The views into Cedar City are stunning. Looking south along the ridge line is the impressive 10,000 foot Cedar Mountain. East is Peak 7068, north-north-west is Cedar Ridge Golf course and Three Peaks recreation area.
Dropping directly east off the Red Hill I spotted my line of ascent up Peak 7068, moving quickly down the shelf systems I soon arrived at the 4-wheeler trail in the gully between the two peaks. Hiking uphill on the trail a short distance brought me to an obvious ridge heading higher. I spooked a small herd of Mule Deer which made it easy to follow the game trail up the ridge. Reaching a minor saddle, above a large cliff face, the mountain side became very steep and rocky. Continuing to follow the fresh tracks, I was able to follow a good line through the loose rock and sand to the ridge line.
Turning at the ridge, the travel is again easy making my way north. Juniper trees litter the hillside and grow along the ridge making it necessary to drop to one side or the other. Staying as close to the ridge line as possible to avoid having to re-climb parts of the peak. Soon a small summit cairn is reached. I am surprised to see a few stones stacked on this peak as it is almost an after thought to the more popular Red Hill. Leaving another summit register I again moved quickly down hill. Snow flurries have been occurring all day and I count myself lucky that they haven't turned worse. Arriving again at the gully, I followed the 4-wheeler trail down the gully and back to my awaiting vehicle.
One of the most common landmarks in Cedar City is the Red Hill. Standing out prominently against it's larger darker neighbors on the east side of town, the Red Hill is a means of navigation (drive east toward the Red Hill) and an immense source of beauty as the summer sunsets reflect off of it at dusk.
Long played on by high school and college kids looking to add a little excitement to their day / nights in Southern Utah, the Red Hill rewards the scrambler with a breathtaking view of the township.
Take any of the three exits in Cedar City and head to the center of town. On center street turn east (toward the Red Hill) which is hwy-14. Shortly after leaving town you will pass truck warning signs with a large turnout for semi's to turn around on. Immediately after the turnout is a sharp left turn around the southern most tip of the Red Hill. Park in the large turnout on the left had side of the road.
There are many routes to the top and large shelf systems of vegetative ramps make the scramble class 3. I followed the gully north for about 200 yards before picking a line and faint trail up the boulder hillside. Eventually the route angled south following the cliff face. Several moves near the saddle I would consider class 4. Soon the ridge line is reached and a beautiful red rock point allows you to step out and look up and down the canyon.
Turning north, the impressive boulder ridge line of Red Hill lays before you. The next hour is bouldering up the ridge line to the summit. The trail is evident and easy to follow. Once elevation is reached the travel toward the rear of the hill and the summit is class 2. The highest point on the Red Hill are two separate peaks about 50 feet apart, I laid my GPS on both peaks. Both read the exact same elevation. I believe the generally accepted summit is the multi-boulder peak to the north. I didn't find a summit cairn, but someone was thoughtful enough to bring a can of graffiti remover and wire scrub brush. I left a summit register next to the can and brush in the hopes that people will sign the register vs. write on the rocks.
The views into Cedar City are stunning. Looking south along the ridge line is the impressive 10,000 foot Cedar Mountain. East is Peak 7068, north-north-west is Cedar Ridge Golf course and Three Peaks recreation area.
Dropping directly east off the Red Hill I spotted my line of ascent up Peak 7068, moving quickly down the shelf systems I soon arrived at the 4-wheeler trail in the gully between the two peaks. Hiking uphill on the trail a short distance brought me to an obvious ridge heading higher. I spooked a small herd of Mule Deer which made it easy to follow the game trail up the ridge. Reaching a minor saddle, above a large cliff face, the mountain side became very steep and rocky. Continuing to follow the fresh tracks, I was able to follow a good line through the loose rock and sand to the ridge line.
Turning at the ridge, the travel is again easy making my way north. Juniper trees litter the hillside and grow along the ridge making it necessary to drop to one side or the other. Staying as close to the ridge line as possible to avoid having to re-climb parts of the peak. Soon a small summit cairn is reached. I am surprised to see a few stones stacked on this peak as it is almost an after thought to the more popular Red Hill. Leaving another summit register I again moved quickly down hill. Snow flurries have been occurring all day and I count myself lucky that they haven't turned worse. Arriving again at the gully, I followed the 4-wheeler trail down the gully and back to my awaiting vehicle.
Tips:
Backcountry Route! Safely hiking backcountry routes depend on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention to your surroundings. Your safety is your responsibility.
In my pack:
75' 6mm static pull rope (not needed)
50' webbing, locking carabiner (2), (not needed)
Water: 1 liters**(51 degrees F) GPS, Camera, Cell phone, TOPO map, compass, gloves, extra batteries, first aid kit, headlamp, knife, sunscreen, bug spray, matches, light sticks, emergency Bivouac kit.
Lunch & energy snacks
**Full sun, take minimum of 2 liters on a warmer day.
Good shoes for slickrock scrambling.
Permit: NOT required, BLM managed lands.
Backcountry Route! Safely hiking backcountry routes depend on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention to your surroundings. Your safety is your responsibility.
In my pack:
75' 6mm static pull rope (not needed)
50' webbing, locking carabiner (2), (not needed)
Water: 1 liters**(51 degrees F) GPS, Camera, Cell phone, TOPO map, compass, gloves, extra batteries, first aid kit, headlamp, knife, sunscreen, bug spray, matches, light sticks, emergency Bivouac kit.
Lunch & energy snacks
**Full sun, take minimum of 2 liters on a warmer day.
Good shoes for slickrock scrambling.
Permit: NOT required, BLM managed lands.
Tags:
scramble, peak bagging
scramble, peak bagging
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