Cougar Mountain and The Bishoprics in Zion National Park, UT

Hike Cougar Mountain and The Bishoprics Zion National Park, UT

Class 4 20.2 miles 7900 gain 11-15 hrs Loop Nov 28, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Cougar Mountain and The Bishoprics GPX Track

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A few years ago we hiked The Bishopric West, starting from the Right Fork Trailhead. I originally intended to get all the peaks in the area, but the group I was with wasn't interested and so we settled on just hiking that one peak and returned the way we came. As soon as we had turned back, I vowed to return as soon as I could. And so here we were, this time with a different group more thrilled for massive days in the backcountry. This trip report is a longer and more difficult/adventurous undertaking. It follows mostly the same route as my previous trip report, but includes Cougar Mountain, plus a couple of short loops to get other peaks nearby, including Zippy, The Hamster, and The Bishopric East. I kept both trip reports on my site because our previous hike is shorter and better describes the route up/back via Trail Canyon since we ran out of daylight on this hike, and because the route we took today is a bit more extravagant than that original out-and-back. I highly recommend making sure you aren't navigating in the dark on the way back if it's your first time in this area because the terrain has hidden cliff bands to avoid as well as other navigation hurdles, so plan accordingly.

We decided first hiking up to Cougar Mountain would make the most sense because we weren't sure we could locate a weakness in the its northwestern cliff face and that would be pretty horrible on the way back if it were dark, and because I'd already hiked Trail Canyon and was therefore familiar enough with getting back that way later in the day/night. Additionally, we would be able to keep our feet dry until the way back.

We set out from the Right Fork Trailhead and descended from the Kolob Plateau and down into North Creek via a poorly-maintained trail. The Left and Right Forks of North Creek have already met at their confluence at this point, so this section is flowing pretty heavily. We followed the creek for a short time, then rock-hopped across the flowing water and ascended a steep slope that only seemed like it would ascend all the way if looking at a topo map. It was tempting to start up early, but that would result in lots of side-hilling later on. We managed to find animal trails, which helped us get up the slope more quickly. After about 1200 vertical gain, we made it to the steepest and actually pretty dangerous base of Cougar Mountain's cliffs. There was a short section of Class 3/4 to get over a minor cliff band, but you might be able to find easier options to ascend to the major cliff band higher up. The terrain is loose and dirty. Now at the base of Cougar Mountain, we located a major crack that included a Class 3 set of moves followed by a crawl-through under a massive boulder. It's a bit tight, but the alternative would have been a difficult climb. Past the boulder was a short drop before a couple hundred feet of Class 2/3 on loose rock within a chute. The bottom of the chute seems to drop off to nothing, so if you're descending this way, don't forget about the boulder crawl-through.

Now above the chute, we found ourselves on the rim of Cougar Mountain. The views were instantly fantastic in all directions. We followed the rim more-or-less to the summit of Cougar Mountain. Along the way, the ridge crest had rock outcroppings that offered some Class 3, but most of this was avoidable by sticking to the left of the obstacles on flatter ground. From Cougar Mountain's summit we could see The Bishoprics far away. Our next goal was to reach the head of Trail Canyon, which we'd be descending later. This spot also marks the saddle of Cougar Mountain and Zippy. Reaching this saddle wasn't too difficult, but the terrain on the east side of Cougar Mountain can get pretty complex. There are a bunch of hoodoos below preventing easy direct access, so we descended to the southeast on Class 2/3 sandstone slabs and outcrops until we reached a minor wash that we followed until it would have led west and off the mesa. Instead we ascended below a bump and then had a wide view of the very open terrain ahead. We jogged through the pretty field riddled with tiny cacti bombs for about a half mile until the ridge crest became strewn with a rocky outcrop. We side-hilled along its west slope and wrapped around, then taking a quick and easy descent to the saddle. This is the perfect time to judge how much time you required for the hike so far. It doesn't get easier, and the upcoming peaks are still very far away. You could just descend Trail Canyon now and make a nice little loop, even though you'd be missing out on the prettiest and meatiest stuff of the day.

From the head of Trail Canyon, we started up a loose Class 2 slope complete by an animal trail. I recommend starting at the head. On our previous visit we started too early and it was less fun. Toward the top we were funneled into a set of hoodoos, the only viable-looking option for gaining the top of the mesa, Class 2. Now on the mesa, we could see Zippy ahead, but we'd be saving it for last, hoping to be able to find a route up from its southeast side later (an endeavor which we were later successful in doing). For now, we would instead drop into Terry Wash to the south of Zippy. We headed along the mesatop through pretty meadows without hiccup, following a fairly prominent social trail until it reached the top of a wide slickrock bowl. Don't descend this too early or you'll be pushed in the wrong direction. The bowl narrows into a very interesting canyon with Class 2/3 downclimbs within a hoodoo maze of sorts. The difficulty here is escaping the canyon at a key spot. Ultimately this canyon leads nowhere, so once the walls on the left (east) side seem low enough to scramble (Class 3), head on out. On my first trip out here we found one option that worked, and today we located a different one that also worked. So choose your own advneture to escape the hoodoos.

Once above the hoodoos, we bushwhacked for a short time before an animal trail led us down into Terry Wash below, Class 1/2. Accessing Terry Wash this time went slightly differently than last time. Now within Terry Wash, we headed easy mostly within the drainage on either side of the watercourse. It was obvious where to go, but there was a bit of bushwhacking. Terry Wash continues between The Hamster and The Bishopric West, but we left it early in order to head cross-country toward the base of The Bishopric East. We got to the base of the The Bishopric West's slickrock as soon possible to avoid excessive brush, taking animal trails whenever available, then wrapped around its base and headed up the slickrock between the West and East summits.

Now between The Bishoprics, in what's labeled as Jennings Wash on maps, we gawked at the view toward the sheer faces of the (likely) unclimbed Bishopric North nestled between our two peaks. We started up to the ridgeline of The Bishopric East, encountering some Class 3 to gain the ridge crest. Routes can vary likely from Class 2-5 to the crest, depending on where you decide to head up. The ridge of The Bishopric East was abolutely wonderful. The colorful slickrock under our feet and the drastic views to the south toward the towering peaks of Zion were breathtaking. Plus, it took a long-ass time to get out here, so I guess that adds quite a bit to the appeal.

Aside from a bunch of quad-killing steep slickrock, more than the first 2/3 of the ascent went easily. Then we encountered a steep slab move (Class 3/4) with minimal exposure up a dihedral, and then a narrow Class 2 section of ridge led to the crux. On the way down we were able to keep the last few hundred feet to Class 2/3, but on the way up we pulled at least a couple Class 3/4 moves. Basically I recommend keeping left of the crest much of the time because it becomes very steep and scary, but the left side is loose sand and rock and is also pretty nerve-wracking. Just move slowly and don't pull any scary moves. There's a thousand feet of exposure on the west face, but a slip will likely not put you off the edge; it just feels that way. Toward the top keep farther to the left and ascend Class 2 rather than the alternative Class 3/4 stuff if you manage to find it. We emerged at the flatter summit area, but the true summit of The Bishopric East is set back and requires a tiny bit of bushwhacking. We moved a misplaced summit register to the true high point.

After returning from The Bishopric East, we dropped off its ridge on a Class 2 slickrock slab (easier than our earlier ascent to the ridge) and crossed through some light brush to reach the base of The Bishopric West. We tortured our quads a bit more with the steep slickrock as we made our way up to the summit. On my previous trip to The Bishopric East, we kept to the right of the crest, resulting in a Class 4 slab section that I wasn't keen on repeating. This time, instead we stayed to the crest and encountered a pretty scary-looking Class 3/4 move, but it ultimately went quite easily compared to how it appears from below. Past this we had more slickrock and made it to the summit faster than anticipated.

We headed back down The Bishopric East, and at the first opportunity we could, dropped off its northwestern slab in order to get to The Hamster with as little vertical loss as we could manage. Horrible brush to the base of The Hamster was what greeted us. You might want to consider dropping another couple hundred feet lower to avoid this bushwhacking, but we were getting concerned about time. The Hamster was a glorious Class 2 slickrock wonderland without anything scary. If you're not thrilled about the cruxes on The Bishoprics, The Hamster might be a good alternative if you've made it way out here. The hiking was straightforward and the summit had excellent views.

We backtracked from The Hamster and descended back into Terry Wash. Now we were headed to Zippy. We originally hoped to find a route up Zippy without having to go all the way back into Terry Wash, but its southeastern cliffs would prevent us from doing so. Instead, we descended Terry Wash for a while and decided to head north when the terrain at the base of Zippy seemed more tame. The slopes of Zippy looked fine, but the problem was getting above its cliffy hoodoos around its base. After a bit of trial and error, Sam found a Class 3/4 narrow chute between a couple of the hoodoos. I assume there are more possibilities, but I included photos of our choice below. Let me know if you locate a better option please! I'm curious to know. Now past the hoodoos at the peak's base, we headed up Class 2/2+ slabs which led all the way to the base of the summit. Luke and Sam went directly up Zippy's steep south face, but I opted to wrap around and located a Class 2 alternative. Great view, especially back toward The Bishoprics. We could also see Elephant Head due south. Earlier in the day we toyed with the idea of attempting it, but from this angle we realized it would certainly require some serious climbing gear.

Our short break on Zippy marked the end of the fun for the day. It was now time for the business of getting back with as much daylight as we could. We stuck just left of Zippy's western ridgeline, just choosing the path of least resistance around rock outcrops. It might look tempting on a topo map to just head east as long as possible along the ridgeline, but the crest was riddled with obstacles. Instead we dropped down in a small slickrock bowl (Class 3) into the sandy terrain below. From here it was just a matter of traversing the meadow and rejoining our earlier route across the open terrain, which led back to the head of Trail Canyon.

We started down Trail Canyon. I'll say first that ultimately I think we all agreed coming in and out over Cougar Mountain would have been preferable to the bushwhacking and aggravating terrain in Trail Canyon, but it's always nice to make loops. I won't describe this section of the route in-depth because it was too dark for photos and I describe it in better detail in my previous report. It's a slow-moving canyon. The watercourse is riddled with big boulders and loose rock, and lower down has a ton of bushwhacking and more massive boulders. There is a social trail that makes the descent easier, keeping to either the left or right side of the drainage, depending on where you're at. There is one massive cliff band that you need to avoid by staying high on the left (west) side. A series of animal/social trails avoid this on a steep and sandy slope. You'll see this major detour from the drainage on my attached map. Additionally, there's another short dryfall farther down avoidable on the left. Don't even try to stay dry or you'll just waste a lot of time. Eventually Trail Canyon widens a bit and provides a slightly less stupid experience as it enters the Right Fork of North Creek. The creek is a lot more open and pleasant, but still rocky and sometimes a little brushy. Once we reached the confluence of the Left and Right Forks, a trail materialized on the right bank (western). This trail is overall easy to follow and leads back to the Right Fork Trail.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Cougar Mountain
6510 ft
670 rise
2
The Bishopric East
7300 ft
660 rise
3
The Bishopric West
7000 ft
360 rise
4
The Hamster
6920 ft
300 rise
5
Zippy
6725 ft
405 rise

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Right Fork Trailhead.
Right Fork Trailhead.
Entering Zion Wilderness. Cougar Mountain seen ahead. We dropped down a few hundred feet on the Right Fork Trail down to North Creek.
Entering Zion Wilderness. Cougar Mountain seen ahead. We dropped down a few hundred feet on the Right Fork Trail down to North Creek.
Ascending the slopes below Cougar Mountain.
Ascending the slopes below Cougar Mountain.
Our weakness left of center (a crack not visible from here).
Our weakness left of center (a crack not visible from here).
View back. Our cars are on the mesa somewhat near where the shadowline is above.
View back. Our cars are on the mesa somewhat near where the shadowline is above.
Approaching steeper terrain. The minor cliff band ahead has lots of options. We pulled some Class 3/4 moves. I didn't include a photo of this because you'll likely be able to find an easier option.
Approaching steeper terrain. The minor cliff band ahead has lots of options. We pulled some Class 3/4 moves. I didn't include a photo of this because you'll likely be able to find an easier option.
Ascending the steep cliff band.
Ascending the steep cliff band.
The crack weakness we used to access the Cougar Mountain mesa. In the center you can see a big boulder that has a crawl-through space.
The crack weakness we used to access the Cougar Mountain mesa. In the center you can see a big boulder that has a crawl-through space.
View back as we enter the crack.
View back as we enter the crack.
Luke in the boulder crawl-through.
Luke in the boulder crawl-through.
Just past the crawl through, a steep chute.
Just past the crawl through, a steep chute.
View back down the chute. You can see Sam in the center, just above the rock crawl-through. Just behind me is the mesa rim.
View back down the chute. You can see Sam in the center, just above the rock crawl-through. Just behind me is the mesa rim.
View along the rim. Our ascent to the rim came from just behind Sam (green shirt).
View along the rim. Our ascent to the rim came from just behind Sam (green shirt).
A nice little arch along the rim.
A nice little arch along the rim.
Cougar Mountain ahead.
Cougar Mountain ahead.
Some Class 3 obstacles along the ridge crest, most avoidable by staying a little lower.
Some Class 3 obstacles along the ridge crest, most avoidable by staying a little lower.
Cougar Mountain.
Cougar Mountain.
Summit of Cougar Mountain. Gorgeous views. The Bishoprics are poking out in the center.
Summit of Cougar Mountain. Gorgeous views. The Bishoprics are poking out in the center.
Cougar Mountain view toward the Guardian Angels.
Cougar Mountain view toward the Guardian Angels.
Descending to the southeast from Cougar Mountain. It's pretty straightforward, but has some hoodoos and other obstacles to avoid.
Descending to the southeast from Cougar Mountain. It's pretty straightforward, but has some hoodoos and other obstacles to avoid.
We entered a sandy wash for a short time, view back toward Cougar Mountain.
We entered a sandy wash for a short time, view back toward Cougar Mountain.
Farther away, a view back toward Cougar Mountain.
Farther away, a view back toward Cougar Mountain.
We wrapped below the south side of a hill and then got this nice view of the route to come. We jogged through the meadow ahead.
We wrapped below the south side of a hill and then got this nice view of the route to come. We jogged through the meadow ahead.
View back toward Cougar Mountain.
View back toward Cougar Mountain.
At the end of the meadow, we kept mostly to the left of the ridge crest, side-hilling on the far left in this photo instead.
At the end of the meadow, we kept mostly to the left of the ridge crest, side-hilling on the far left in this photo instead.
Descending to the saddle of Cougar Mountain and Zippy, which is also the head of Trail Canyon, which is seen on the left. Now to ascend the slope ahead.
Descending to the saddle of Cougar Mountain and Zippy, which is also the head of Trail Canyon, which is seen on the left. Now to ascend the slope ahead.
View back toward Cougar Mountain as we ascend the slope.
View back toward Cougar Mountain as we ascend the slope.
We got funneled into this weakness in the hoodoos toward the top.
We got funneled into this weakness in the hoodoos toward the top.
Class 2/3 stuff to ascend through the hoodoos, view back.
Class 2/3 stuff to ascend through the hoodoos, view back.
The meadow ahead. Elephant Head visible far right, Zippy (our last of the day later) far left.
The meadow ahead. Elephant Head visible far right, Zippy (our last of the day later) far left.
View back toward Cougar Mountain as we head through the meadow.
View back toward Cougar Mountain as we head through the meadow.
At the end of the meadow, we entered a wide slickrock bowl.
At the end of the meadow, we entered a wide slickrock bowl.
The bowl descended into this narrow canyon, a hoodoo maze.
The bowl descended into this narrow canyon, a hoodoo maze.
Class 2/3 within the canyon.
Class 2/3 within the canyon.
A Class 3 exit ahead to escape the canyon. There's at least one more option farther down the canyon, but I couldn't remember where it was at the time. This one worked fine.
A Class 3 exit ahead to escape the canyon. There's at least one more option farther down the canyon, but I couldn't remember where it was at the time. This one worked fine.
Animal trails leading down into Terry Wash. The Bishoprics visible in the distance.
Animal trails leading down into Terry Wash. The Bishoprics visible in the distance.
Terry Wash.
Terry Wash.
Looking back within Terry Wash.
Looking back within Terry Wash.
Terry Wash was froze, quite different from my previous visit. Also the seasonal waterfall I mentioned in my last report for the area was completely dry.
Terry Wash was froze, quite different from my previous visit. Also the seasonal waterfall I mentioned in my last report for the area was completely dry.
View back into Terry Wash after leaving it. The eastern side of Elephant Head visible here.
View back into Terry Wash after leaving it. The eastern side of Elephant Head visible here.
The Hamster on the left, The Bishopric West right of center. We headed to the slickrock on the right.
The Hamster on the left, The Bishopric West right of center. We headed to the slickrock on the right.
View back, Zippy visible above Sam.
View back, Zippy visible above Sam.
Slickrock at the base of The Bishopric West. Getting here on animal trails helped avoid a lot of brush.
Slickrock at the base of The Bishopric West. Getting here on animal trails helped avoid a lot of brush.
Along the base of The Bishopric West, as we wrap around to The Bishopric East. Elephant Head (left of center) and Zippy (right of center) visible in the distance.
Along the base of The Bishopric West, as we wrap around to The Bishopric East. Elephant Head (left of center) and Zippy (right of center) visible in the distance.
Jennings Wash, the area separating the Bishoprics. We ascended to the far right in this photo to get to the ridge of The Bishopric East. Class 2-5, depending on where you go up.
Jennings Wash, the area separating the Bishoprics. We ascended to the far right in this photo to get to the ridge of The Bishopric East. Class 2-5, depending on where you go up.
On the colorful ridge of The Bishopric East.
On the colorful ridge of The Bishopric East.
View back.
View back.
Looks very steep from here.
Looks very steep from here.
Class 2/3 for much of the ascent.
Class 2/3 for much of the ascent.
More progress up the steep slab.
More progress up the steep slab.
View back on our way up The Bishopric East. Elephant Head visible right of center. You can see the southwestern slickrock of The Bishopric West.
View back on our way up The Bishopric East. Elephant Head visible right of center. You can see the southwestern slickrock of The Bishopric West.
A Class 3/4 move on steep slab.
A Class 3/4 move on steep slab.
A short Class 3 move, summit ahead.
A short Class 3 move, summit ahead.
Image 53 from gallery
Narrow section of ridge. Past this we (mostly) kept to the left of the crest, avoiding the scariest stuff.
Narrow section of ridge. Past this we (mostly) kept to the left of the crest, avoiding the scariest stuff.
View back at the narrow section of ridge. West Temple visible top left.
View back at the narrow section of ridge. West Temple visible top left.
Just left of the ridge on loose slabs and sand. It feels exposed, but a fall likely won't push you off the face.
Just left of the ridge on loose slabs and sand. It feels exposed, but a fall likely won't push you off the face.
Class 2/3 on loose stuff.
Class 2/3 on loose stuff.
Nearing the summit. We kept left again at the steep stuff ahead.
Nearing the summit. We kept left again at the steep stuff ahead.
View back at our progress, Luke on steep and loose stuff.
View back at our progress, Luke on steep and loose stuff.
The Bishopric West visible on the right. Sam also seen here coming up to the summit area.
The Bishopric West visible on the right. Sam also seen here coming up to the summit area.
Summit area, final few feet to the true summit.
Summit area, final few feet to the true summit.
Gorgeous views to the east.
Gorgeous views to the east.
Another shot east.
Another shot east.
Close-up toward The Bishopric West.
Close-up toward The Bishopric West.
On our way down The Bishopric East, view toward The Bishopric West. We ascended the slabs on the left in this photo.
On our way down The Bishopric East, view toward The Bishopric West. We ascended the slabs on the left in this photo.
Class 2 slabs down.
Class 2 slabs down.
Class 2 slabs up The Bishopric West.
Class 2 slabs up The Bishopric West.
Reaching the crest.
Reaching the crest.
Along the crest. The Bishopric East visible top right.
Along the crest. The Bishopric East visible top right.
On my previous ascent of The Bishopric West, we stayed to the right of the crest and low. This time we kept to the crest and encountered this Class 3/4 move.
On my previous ascent of The Bishopric West, we stayed to the right of the crest and low. This time we kept to the crest and encountered this Class 3/4 move.
Class 3/4 move.
Class 3/4 move.
View back, Elephant Head left of center and Zippy right of center. Terry Wash separates them.
View back, Elephant Head left of center and Zippy right of center. Terry Wash separates them.
Just below the summit of The Bishopric West.
Just below the summit of The Bishopric West.
The Bishopric West summit, view toward The Bishopric East and North.
The Bishopric West summit, view toward The Bishopric East and North.
Close-up toward West Tempt and the ridgeline we took earlier for The Bishopric East.
Close-up toward West Tempt and the ridgeline we took earlier for The Bishopric East.
Close-up toward The Hamster, next.
Close-up toward The Hamster, next.
Close-up toward Zippy.
Close-up toward Zippy.
Navigating s short spurt of horrible brush on the way to The Hamster, the summit of which is visible top right.
Navigating s short spurt of horrible brush on the way to The Hamster, the summit of which is visible top right.
Ascending The Hamster, view back toward The Bishopric West.
Ascending The Hamster, view back toward The Bishopric West.
Easy slickrock terrain.
Easy slickrock terrain.
Flat section before the summit.
Flat section before the summit.
Approaching the steep slickrock bit to the summit of The Hamster.
Approaching the steep slickrock bit to the summit of The Hamster.
View toward the Guardian Angels to the north.
View toward the Guardian Angels to the north.
Nearing the summit (well, false summit).
Nearing the summit (well, false summit).
View back down.
View back down.
The true The Hamster summit ahead.
The true The Hamster summit ahead.
Close-up to the north.
Close-up to the north.
Close-up toward The Bishopric North and West.
Close-up toward The Bishopric North and West.
Heading down The Hamster into Terry Wash. Zippy visible on the right, our next goal.
Heading down The Hamster into Terry Wash. Zippy visible on the right, our next goal.
Leaving Terry Wash at the base of Zippy (ahead), where the terrain looked more tame.
Leaving Terry Wash at the base of Zippy (ahead), where the terrain looked more tame.
Luke inspecting possible options through the hoodoos around Zippy's base.
Luke inspecting possible options through the hoodoos around Zippy's base.
Sam found this Class 3/4 option.
Sam found this Class 3/4 option.
Class 3/4 through the hoodoos on Zippy's base.
Class 3/4 through the hoodoos on Zippy's base.
Ascending Class 2/2+ up Zippy.
Ascending Class 2/2+ up Zippy.
View back, Terry Wash visible up top in shadow.
View back, Terry Wash visible up top in shadow.
Ascending Zippy.
Ascending Zippy.
Nearing Zippy summit, view toward The Bishoprics (left) and Terry Wash (right), at the base of Elephant Head.
Nearing Zippy summit, view toward The Bishoprics (left) and Terry Wash (right), at the base of Elephant Head.
Zippy summit ahead. I wrapped around to the left and found a Class 2 way up.
Zippy summit ahead. I wrapped around to the left and found a Class 2 way up.
Zippy summit, close-up toward The Hamster and The Bishoprics.
Zippy summit, close-up toward The Hamster and The Bishoprics.
View toward Cougar Mountain in the distance. We headed west sort of along the ridge, avoiding outcrops along the way.
View toward Cougar Mountain in the distance. We headed west sort of along the ridge, avoiding outcrops along the way.
On a topo map, the western reach of The Hamster looks tame, but it's riddled with pinnacles, seen here. We dropped down to the sand below as soon as we could. From here we made it back to the head of Trail Canyon.
On a topo map, the western reach of The Hamster looks tame, but it's riddled with pinnacles, seen here. We dropped down to the sand below as soon as we could. From here we made it back to the head of Trail Canyon.
Descending Trail Canyon.
Descending Trail Canyon.
A social trail within Trail Canyon that avoids a major cliff band. Refer to my other trip report for more details regarding Trail Canyon and Right Fork of North Creek - I ran out of light and was also sort of sick of taking photos for the day.
A social trail within Trail Canyon that avoids a major cliff band. Refer to my other trip report for more details regarding Trail Canyon and Right Fork of North Creek - I ran out of light and was also sort of sick of taking photos for the day.

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