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The West Temple
West Temple, Zion N.P. 5-14 (15485128911).jpg
East aspect of The West Temple
Highest point
Elevation 7,810 ft (2,380 m)
Prominence 1,680 ft (510 m)
Isolation 10.66 mi (17.16 km)
Geography
The West Temple is located in Utah
The West Temple
The West Temple
Location in Utah
The West Temple is located in the United States
The West Temple
The West Temple
Location in the United States
Location Zion National Park
Washington County, Utah
United States
Parent range Colorado Plateau
Topo map USGS Springdale West
Geology
Age of rock Jurassic
Type of rock Navajo Sandstone
Climbing
First ascent 1933
Easiest route class 5.6 climbing

The West Temple is a prominent 7,810-foot (2,380 m) mountain summit composed of Navajo Sandstone in Zion National Park in Washington County of Utah, United States. This, the highest feature in Zion Canyon, was originally called "Temp-o-i-tin-car-ur" meaning "Mountain without a trail" by the Paiute people. It was called Steamboat Mountain by local Mormon settlers before 1934, when the USGS officially changed it to its present name, which was applied by John Wesley Powell during his explorations in 1872. West Temple is situated two miles northwest of Springdale, Utah, one mile northeast of Mount Kinesava, and two miles west of the park headquarters. It is one of the notable landmarks in the park. The nearest higher peak is Windy Peak, 10.46 miles (16.83 km) to the north. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains into tributaries of the Virgin River.

Climbing Routes

The West Temple (left) with the Towers of the Virgin
The West Temple (left) with Altar of Sacrifice (right)

Climbing Routes on The West Temple

Geology

The upper white cliffs are composed of Navajo Sandstone, which in some places exhibit reddish staining caused by hematite (iron oxide), the source of which is the Temple Cap Formation caprock at the summit. Lower slopes and ledges are composed of Kayenta Formation, Moenave Formation, Chinle Formation, and Moenkopi Formation.

Climate

West aspect of The West Temple
West aspect of The West Temple

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit this feature. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a Cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C), and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer. This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.

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