Exploring Utah - Angel's Landing, Zion National Park

While the focus of this blog is primarily to chronicle different hiking/outdoors experiences near our cabin in Northwest Arkansas, on occasion I mention other trips and destinations that I think readers of this blog might be interested in. I figure, people who spend a lot of time in the outdoors are interested in other outdoors destinations. I know I am.

Last fall, Michelle and I got the opportunity to take a trip that has been on my bucket list for awhile as it is one of the premier hiking destinations in the United States - -Southwest Utah. In particular, we spent several days in Zion National Park and hiked many trails throughout the park and region.

Angel's Landing is one of the more popular trails in Zion National Park -- and for good reason. And in spite of the reality that it makes a lot of lists for most dangerous hiking trails, and the park's warnings about its dangers, adventure seekers are eager to take this trail for it's adrenaline rush and amazing views of Zion Canyon

The trail starts at The Grotto Trailhead. Automobile traffic is no longer allowed in Zion Canyon throughout most of the year, so you'll need to take one of the park's shuttle buses that run continuously throughout the day. I found the shuttles to be very efficient, and we never had to wait more than 10 minutes for one so I found the shuttles to be a great service and the lack of auto traffic added to the serenity of the area.

From the Grotto, you cross the road and then immediately over a bridge over the Virgin River and then the trail turns right along the river.

The trail is a gradual uphill grade at first -- and your destination, Angel's Landing looms in the distance. The valley here is beautiful and enjoy the peaceful stroll.

I'll also note that unlike many other Western national parks, Zion doesn't show the same density of wildlife as other places, but we did see a fair amount of deer, turkeys, mountain goats, and other wildlife in the park --plus, we got to see this tarantula on our route.

Gradually the grade starts getting steeper as the trail starts its accent to the top of the mountain. In total, the trail has a 1488 foot elevation change over the course of just 2.7 miles -- so it is steep, and rugged. Take your time, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the views of the valley that exist at virtually every turn. Also, I recommend getting on this trail early in the morning (by around 9:30 or so) as the sun pops out around the mountains by late morning and hiking up the mountain in the heat of the sun isn't something I'd wish to do.

If you look closely at the picture above, you'll see glimpses of people on the trails above. Again, just take your time, takes some breaks, and enjoy the view of the valley that gets deeper and deeper below.

Eventually, you'll get to the canyon that separates the mountains and the trail heads up through the canyon with a little stream one one side and steep stone walls on both sides. This area is called Refrigerator Canyon and you'll enjoy the cooling effect after the steep climb.

As you get to the end of the canyon, the trail turns back right and heads UP Walters Wiggles -- a series of steep switchbacks that head up the mountain. At the top of Walters Wiggles is Scouts Landing. Scouts Landing has amazing views of the valley and is a nice resting spot before continuing on the climb.

At this point, the majority of the distance of the trail is behind you -- but much of the elevation gain is yet to come. Beyond here is a lot of climbing, narrow paths and steep drop offs. Scouts Landing becomes a really good spot for those in your group that choose to not make the final climb to wait while the rest of the group goes further. I don't recommend that elderly, young kids, anyone who is afraid of heights, anyone who gets vertigo, or anyone who is terribly clumsy to go further.

Disclaimers aside, I found the hike up to be a little less intimidating than I expected, and the help of chains made it a comfortable climb. Just take your time, and be patient with people ahead of you, and be smart about passing people going the opposite direction. Surprising few people unintentionally fall off of Angel's Landing, so you don't want join the list of those.

I will note though, that if you do make a slip, there are no second chances. So stay safe -- and if you aren't comfortable with your ability to remain safe, then by all means, turn back.

After a little less than a 1/2 mile, and 500 feet of climbing from Scouts Landing, you'll reach the top of Angel's Landing. The surface gets flat and walkable, and a little wider to your heartbeat can slow down a little. From here, you will have a 270 degree view of Zion Canyon - and it is.....Amazing.

I highly recommend taking a lunch and/or some snacks and just sitting and joying the beauty of the area around you. THIS is why people flock to this trail, and it's worth really soaking in.

Once you've enjoyed the area, it is time to head back the way you came. I also found that taking pictures of the trail heading back down worked better than taking them on the way up.

Again, just take your time. And watch your step.

And as you get to Scouts Landing, be sure to look back and appreciate what you accomplished.

As we wound our way back down the mountain it was really fun getting to see the excitement and anticipation of others who were making the trek up. By this point, the sun was on the full side of the mountain and I was definitely glad we were heading down and not up!

At the bottom of the trail, a look back up the Virgin River Valley and Angel's Landing in the background made for a wonderful way to reflect on how we spent a remarkable day and appreciate why this is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the US.