Aires Butte in Zion, UT

Pics by Harlan W S
May 11, 2022

This was Louie's 1st lead, and he did an excellent job. Since he was leading, he wore rock shoes; CP and I used more stylish footwear. I was on belay, so I don't have meaningful comments on the grade, as they would suffer from the "I'm safe" deflation. The route is mainly a series of ramps, and when they get to 60 degrees, they are surprisingly slick, covered with easily loosened sand. My best advice: when you get to such a tractionless surface, brush the soles of your shoes on your socks or pants, and look right or left for some subtle ledges or holds.  The bolts are 30-50' apart, so the leader will feel some runout anxiety. There are very few good cracks for cams, and your best opportunity might be to sling a bush. Bring 5 quickdraws.

0map0
Not named on USGS map.
I think this was named
after evidence of sheep
on top, so maybe the
name was supposed to
be Aries Butte? The
peak was once called
"Ariel."
 1map0
Context
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Petroglyphs on
way in
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View up at Aires.
We will go up
rightmost ridge.
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View SW at saddle with
Mt. Ariel to S
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Nippletop to S,
View at start of
bolts.
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Louie's 1st lead
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CP next, belayed
by Louie, dragging
static rope to
top-belay me
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At 2nd belay station
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3rd belay station
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At rim of top,
view SSE
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Happy Louie
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View W
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View E from near
highpoint
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Rapping down.
Incredible wind,
so Louie spooled
rope out from
rope bags.
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2nd-to-last
rampy rap.
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Heading back W at
saddle S of peak.
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Potholes
on way out
Petroglyph
Canyon.