Angels Landing, Utah

This place is amazing. A great getaway dayhike. The next time you're in Vegas, drive up to Zion National Park in Utah. It's less than 3 hours! Spend two days here, and one in Vegas. Above is one of two extreme switchbacks. Very picturesque, no? This is a nice view of the "Landing" from the approach trail below. Spring and fall are probably a better time to do this hike. This was early in September, and the weather was almost perfect! This section, the first steep section, has a nice overhang to provide shade. Plan on stopping a couple of times to catch your breath. The overhang offers a nice refuge from the sun as your heart rate increases.... Also note how the trail pavement is grooved, providing great traction. Just past the overhang section, the trail cuts back into a nice canyon. It also transitions into another switchback section, and you begin the climb up to the gap. You pass through a nice, lightly forrested section in the canyon, catch your breath here. It quickly becomes another steep switchback! When you reach this gap, the real views begin! There are lots of chains placed along the way here for handholds. Otherwise, this would be a somewhat technical climb. There are places where it drops off quickly on both sides. The next few photos need no caption! I would certainly recommend some lightweight leather gloves. Just a cheap pair of work gloves will do fine. It's helpfull for running you hand along the chains and grabbing the rocks as well! Below are my first attempts at adding video to my blog. We'll see how it works out!



Here's a second video spot:


And, in closing, a few shots from the top!