Rock is likely wet

Why

• NORTH FORK VIRGIN RIVER NEAR SPRINGDALE 2NE (NFVU1, 3.4 mi): 0.01 in in the last 72 h, ending 6 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
• ZION CANYON (ZIOU1, 3.8 mi): 0.03 in in the last 72 h, ending 15 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
• ZION NP EAST (ZPKU1, 5.6 mi): 0.08 in in the last 72 h, ending 6 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
• SR-9 @ MP 46.5 Zion Discovery Center (UTZDC, 7.7 mi): 0.03 in in the last 72 h, ending 24 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
• Rockville (PC093, 8.1 mi): 0.06 in in the last 72 h, ending 15 h ago. Wet window is 48 h.
• Rain chance peaks at 9% in the next 12 h.

Rain gauges

Bars show hourly rain over the last 72 h. Tap a gauge to see its full record on MesoWest.

Local guidance

Park guidance The park says to avoid climbing in damp areas or after rainstorms: desert sandstone is heavily weakened when wet, and it often takes two or more days to dry. NPS: Climbing in Zion ↗

• Rock Navajo Sandstone
• Group Fragile when wet: red for 48 h after rain, caution to 72 h (96 h in winter)

Zion National Park on Mountain Project ↗Zion Climbing Coalition ↗Southern Utah Climbers' Alliance ↗

Is it actually dry?

Field checks before you tie in

• Is the sand at the base dry? It dries before the rock does; damp sand means wet rock.
• Are the trail and the ground at the cliff base dry? If not, don't climb.
• Look for dark damp patches, moisture behind flakes and inside cracks, and fresh sand on holds.
• Shaded walls, spots under trees and grooves that channel water stay wet much longer.
• Sun and wind dry rock fast; cloudy, calm, humid days slow it down, and winter drying is slow.
• After long, soaking rain the rock can stay wet inches deep. Give it extra time.
• If any part of the route, base included, is wet, pick another climb.
• Not sure? Climb rock that isn't affected by rain, like limestone or granite, until it dries.

Learn more

• Climbing in Zion ↗ by National Park ServicePark climbing rules, including avoiding damp rock and waiting two or more days after rain.
• How to Assess Sandstone After Rain or Snow ↗ by Access FundWhy western sandstone can lose up to 75% of its strength when wet, and how long to wait after rain or snow.

Thank you

• Zion Climbing Coalition

  A community-founded local climbing group for Zion, built on climber input.

  Facebook ↗

• Southern Utah Climbers' Alliance

  For bringing southern Utah's climbers together on access and stewardship.

  Facebook group ↗Instagram ↗

• Access Fund

  For keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment across the country.

  Access Fund is the national climbing advocacy nonprofit. It works alongside local climbing organizations, like the coalitions thanked on each area page, on access, stewardship and education, including how long to wait after rain.

  How to assess sandstone after rain ↗

• Weather data

  Rain gauges via Synoptic Data (MesoWest) from public and private weather networks. Forecasts from the National Weather Service. Model estimates from Open-Meteo when gauges go quiet.