Zion National Park - Angel's Landing

 Wow, wow, wow. The Angels Landing hike is insane (or I'm insane for hiking it). This was really a bucket list item for Charlene, me not so much, not because I didn't want to do it, but more I was terrified to do it. So if you are not familiar with it, let me describe it. It is 5.4 miles with a 1500 foot elevation gain. It requires a permit to hike it as there are so many who want to do it.  We got our permit the day before for a time slot before 9 am (which I was thankful for because starting at 11 the predicted 55 mph wind gusts). I had my doubts that we would eve be able to do it, but fortunately the gusts didn't start until we were well on our way down. We started from our B&B on electric bikes that we rode into the park (cars are not allowed into the canyon after April, so you either take a shuttle or ride a bike). 

The first part of the hike goes to Scott's Landing and doesn't require a permit. It is probably about a 1000 foot gain. It has a lot of very steep switchbacks but it's not scary (it is even paved). Once you reach Scott's Landing then the terror begins. After showing your permit to the rangers you are freely allowed to hike an insane path up to Angel's Landing.  What makes it insane? Just look at the pictures. There are chains to hold onto as you thread your way across shear drop offs on both sides (I'm not a real fan of heights). I spent most of my time staring straight in front of me at my feet.  Besides that, you are also navigating people coming down as you are going up and vice versa on your way down. But, all whining aside we both made it (Charlene no problem).  We stayed on top for about 15 minutes entertained by some very bold chipmunks, then we started down, which used a whole different set of muscles.when we got back down to Scott's Landing (which by the way had very clever toilets. You would do your business then pump a foot pedal that moved a conveyor belt to whisk away whatever you left on it) we walked another mile or so passed that summit to higher ground to get a better look at the insanity we just hiked. Eventually we made it all the way down and hopped back on the bikes and went to the end of the canyon and soak my feet in the river. 

Late in the day we took a little drive to the east part of the park and did a short hike to a Canyon Overlook. It was a nice little hike (very popular and crowded, but worth it). By the way, the gusts did come in with full force and put a lot of dust into the sky (supposed to die down about 10-11 pm, fingers crossed).

Angel's Landing is top left and the "trail" follows that ridgeline



We hiked up to get a better look at it






This is the trail we hiked after summiting Angel's Landing

Again, after Angel's Landing




Here is Charlene on he hike up to Angel's Landing

Up to Angel's Landing

Also up to Angel's Landing


Looking Down from Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing in the background


On the way up to Scott's Landing



Angel's Landing from the canyon floor



Out of place but the look from the canyon overlook from the end of the day (see all the dust on the sky?)

A look down from Angel's Landing

Another look at the trail (might see people on the trail if you zoom up)


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