Update: I was finally able to climb the route the following year! Here’s some route info that you may find helpful. https://www.rajahamid.com/journal/2020/12/6/climbing-zions-namaste-wall
I was more excited about climbing on the Namaste Wall than for any other day of my trip. The photos I had seen showed a slightly overhanging wall with gorgeously carved huecos, some large enough to even crawl into. There were lots of routes within my ability and the legend Conrad Anker noted it was one of his favorite walls. I had my doubts about whether the rock would be dry enough for safely climbing, but I figured I at least owed it to myself to pay homage to such a special place by going out to take a look. Besides, I didn’t have a climbing partner and going there would be the only way to find someone.
I drove for almost an hour to the far side of Zion NP. As soon as I arrived to the parking lot, I saw a group of three guys who were getting ready to head out with gear. I was so ecstatic that I had to tell myself to try and play it cool when I pulled up to them. I asked if I could join and they agreed. I hooted and told em I’d catch up to them. I quickly parked my car and set up my pack and ran the 45 minute hike to the wall in 20 minutes.
When I arrived, the guys were sitting down eating a late breakfast. As we got to talking, I realized that this was the first time in a while I was speaking to anyone in person for any meaningful amount of time. My exchanges so far had all been with cashiers, waiters, and park rangers. I got along with the guys well, which was great because talking would be all that we’d do all morning. We concluded the rock just wasn’t dry enough to feel safe. These guys were on the road indefinitely, and had been climbing for months. They said they’d come back in a week. For a visitor like me though, it was different.
After hanging on some of the holds lower down and thinking about how incredible it would be to climb some day, we hauled our packs and returned to the parking lot. The guys were headed west to San Diego for some surfing. Climbing around here was going to be unreliable and they had spent the last two weeks tearing their hands in Indian Creek’s splitter cracks already. We parted ways and I left with a full heart. Connecting with my community made me feel less alone, even if it was just for a few hours and all we did was stare up at a wall together dreaming about the send.
