Angel’s Landing Hike – Zion NP

I started out fairly early on the trail, being chased by two tracked monsters.

 

No, it was not an new species of wildlife, but the Zion trail crew heading up the trail for a day of sidewalk construction.

This trail starts out wide and flat, and although it gets very steep in a few spots, it is still basically a sidewalk.  And it is pretty amazing just how high on the mountain this sidewalk goes and some of the terrain it traverses. Pretty soon it is cut into, and hanging on the edge of the cliff, but still wide and smooth.  Steep areas have rough surfaces for traction, and all the water bars, etc are built right into the concrete. The trail finally goes back through the ‘refrigerator’ section along a small creek in a deep slot, climbs Walter’s Wiggles, and emerges at a col where there are outhouses and room to look around and relax.  From there, the trail gets interesting, and many turn back when they first see the posts and chains along the next section.  No sidewalk here.  It is all natural sloping rock here, but many steps have been carved out of the sandstone.

The trail follows that narrow ridge ahead.

  Some places there are chains.

Some places, there are not.

Then it gets steep.

Looking back at the ridge we have just traversed.

And finally, the summit ridge, which is somewhat gentler.

Looking down at the road far below.

And the surrounding mountains in all directions. Bus stop and parking lot.

This is the narrow spot.  The terrain drops off about 1000’ on either side.  Just you and the side wind here!

Walter’s Wiggles, the famous set of switchbacks leading from the refrigerator to the col.   Once back down to the road, I took advantage of the bike racks on the shuttle buses and caught a ride up to the ‘Temple of Sinawava’ and took the leisurely ride down the valley.  Other than the tour buses (one every 10 minutes), and a few other cyclists, this is a remarkably quiet way to see a very busy section of the park.

While in the valley bottom, I also stopped in to visit Mike, one of the campground hosts, and fellow blogger (LightCurve on the Road) and Datastorm user.

Here is his official US government transportation.I had some video to include, but Live Writer refuses to deal with it, so you will have to do without for now!