Our destination: Angels Landing
We have a tradition, a new one, that dictates we try climb the staggering Angels Landing at least
once a year. Why we feel this way is a mystery. Perhaps it might be that a few years ago, we were both
afraid of heights. Each time we attempt it, it seems easier, as do most things in life. However, we are
very cautious. There are positions that are unforgiving. In places, very narrow ledges, sometimes two
feet wide, are all that supports one from the 1,500 feet trip to ground level.
Some color in Zion, a view from the top. Virgin River trickling and road wending
Editor goofs off at Angels Landing peak
Final third of the hike, the near vertical climb, a 'little intimidating'
'Hanging' around with Jenni
Briefly, there is a steep 2-miles hike to Scout’s Lookout. As one reaches this base, one confronts
the tall slab. The first time we observed the slab, we thought nothing of it. It was a mountain to be
looked at and admired. We had reached the end of the trail and gazed upwards. When we saw some people
hanging on by their finger nails, we realized the hike was not yet over. In fact, it hadn’t even begun.
Suffice to say, we completed our fifth climb of this exciting slab on Wednesday afternoon, arriving back
at ground level in the dark. The idea was to observe a sunset. However, the mountains dominated and blocked
the sun too well. Nevertheless, we did watch the sun set but less dramatically than in other regions.
We intend trying this again for sunrise on Sunday—seems appropriate, Sunrise on Sunday. Hmm.
Trail guide makes a point: 'Life is very narrow bridge. The main thing is not to fear.'
My 'Golden Girl' at golden Zion—the summit of Angels
Don't look down—oops, too late but worth it for the fall colors
We were the only people on the slab once we passed the last couple as we began our ascent. It was
incredible as always; having the mountain to ourselves was a bonus. Earlier, we met a younger couple than
ourselves (aren't most, these days?) at Scout’s landing, the base before the mountain climbing. They were
a real mixed couple—he being German, she a mixture of Spanish and Korean, brought up in Germany. They
mentioned they had recently hiked in Peru, the tougher neighbor of the Machu Picchu Trail. We listened
with interest as we had intended visiting in October. Anyway, they set off ahead of us and negotiated
the first slab after telling us that the climb thus far was nothing like the tough Peru challenge. We
reached them as they stood overlooking the narrow rock bridge that links to the beginning of the tougher
second ascent. We waited for them to advance but when they didn’t, we passed by and headed to the peak.
When we looked back, we noticed them standing still and looking at the imposing slab. That’s the last time we saw them.
That's rather a long way down—the ever inquiring mind
'Fish eye' lens looks down canyon
Fast fading sun hits the wall
Fall (autumn) from the top overlooking the Virgin River and the canyon road
Wallflowers, a decorated slab
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Some extras; there were so many left off, a beautiful place viewed from a spectacular position.
The canyon at sunset
A rather casual editor or scared as he..
Sun makes a last stand, the reason for late hike
Zion, a treasure
A fascinating butte below
Jenni contemplates the big one
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