Friday morning, we left Red Canyon RV park for Zion.
We entered Zion from Hwy 89 which means we get to drive through the tunnel. They charge all RV's 15 bucks to get through the tunnel which is 1.1 miles long. We all thought the experience was worth the price of admission. Wow what a feat of engineering and what a spectacular drive.
Since we were both driving - no pictures :)
After we got set up in Watchman Campground, we went over to the Visitors Center to figure out what we wanted to do. Catherine and I decided to do the Angels Landing hike. The ranger advised us to be on the first shuttle - 6:00 AM. At first I thought that was because of the heat but now I think it was because of the crowds. We were on the trail by 6:30....
It is a two mile hike up the mountain. An easy trail except for the "up" part. There are some pretty steep parts but the trail is paved and easy to traverse.
There were about twenty people who started with us. Most hiked faster than us and we had the trail to ourselves for much of the hike to Scouts Landing. The portion through Refrigerator Canyon was just beautiful. We get to Scouts Landing - now things get fun!
In order to summit Angels Landing you have to crawl up the rock and pull yourself along by chains. The sandstone is really easy to climb because it is not slick like granite. We go up the first part shown in the picture. After we get up to a level spot, Catherine decided not to continue. She is not a fan of heights.
I pressed on. This is the first landing.
Now to cross the canyon wall-the trail narrows to about 4 feet in places but there are these handy chains to help keep you on the wall. Ok, here we go.....
I made it across the canyon wall but I did not make the summit. This is the view of the canyon wall from the road below. I went up the base of Angels Landing about 20 feet. Because we were slow going up, the crowds started to really build behind us. You have to go back the same way you come up - more traffic issues - lots of waiting, and I did not want to leave Catherine cooling her heals so long at Scouts Landing. I went far enough to "earn" the T-shirt and that is exactly what I bought when we got down. The last pic is for Sherri - this is a chipmunk - see the stripes on his little face :)
We met up with our friends, had a great lunch at the
Zion Lodge and now we are relaxing in our cool rig.
I even got Sharon to reach outside her comfort zone as we hiked a place with a few chain rails and even a small ladder... not sure she would do that one though!
ReplyDeleteCatherine is a wise woman. Jo Beth, I have my doubts about you. :)
ReplyDeleteSyl
Way to go Jo Beth. Both David and I did it and had lunch up top. I forget what time of year but the crowds weren't bad. I do know I'd have had trouble with some of the "steps" without someone to give me a boost. Not a trail for the short!
ReplyDeleteI had that same problem. I had to haul myself up by one chain because my legs were too short to make the step up.
DeleteCongrats... Life is just one BIG adventure;o)))
ReplyDeleteWhat a spectacular picture of you at the first landing. You couldn't have asked for a better backdrop.
ReplyDeleteJo-Beth, you should get a medal of some kind for traipsing along that wall - it sure looked narrow to be just hanging on to a chain. Spectacular photos. Glad you made it back safely.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a dare devil, standing that close to the edge! I'm with Catherine on heights. That's why I joined the Coast Guard, I always was at sea level... ;c)
ReplyDeleteI would have hung back and kept Catherine company, but congrats to you on your feat. Gorgeous picture of you at the first landing.
ReplyDelete