Hiking in Zion National Park, Utah, USA

My sister and I visited the park in early August 2010. Below is a description of the trails we hiked, along with other bits of information you might find helpful if you're planning a trip there.

First, there's a lot of great information on various websites...I'm not going to get into that – Google handles that fine.  However, there's often trail or road closures due to construction, weather, etc, so be sure to check this site for this information as part of your planning:

http://www.nps.gov/zion/

The park has a great shuttle system (at least during peak season – it was not running when I was there in the winter, but may not have been in place yet). I would recommend taking advantage of the shuttles – they run frequently, are easy to use, and go to some places not accessible by private car.

The park can get quite hot in summer making it difficult to hike midday. Consider this when picking a campsite as well – you will want shade (the Watchman has shady sites but you should reserve in advance). There are also no showers at the campsites (apparently in none of the National Parks we stayed in) – this was unexpected for us.

Watchman Trail

WATCHMAN TRAIL (day 1)

When we arrived, it was later afternoon and we didn't have time for a big hike so decided to do the Watchman. It's technically easy to moderate and relatively short so can be done if you're on a time budget. It takes you up to a terrific viewpoint of the Watchman campground and surrounding valley. The view was great in late afternoon because the sun was setting along the rim across the valley.

ANGELS LANDING TRAIL (day 2)

If you didn't catch my previous blog talking about my Angels Landing experiences, just know that this trail is somewhat technical and particularly challenging if you have a fear of heights. You can get a long way before it gets difficult, but to get to the great views you will have to complete at least a few sections that are sheer enough that chains were installed. There is what I call a pre-landing landing (Scout Landing) with great views which requires short sections of chains which I was told is as difficult as it gets, but seemed at least psychologically easier than the final section (which I did not complete).

The trail offers 360-degree panoramic views that are awe-inspiring! It is a good half-day hike which includes a lot of up-up-up, then down-down-down so can be a real “knee grinder”.

Hidden Canyon Trail

HIDDEN CANYON TRAIL (day 2)

Did I say no more chains after Angels Landing? Well, to my surprise, this trail also had chains, but it was much easier to navigate and the cliffs weren't as sheer so it was not a problem. This was a great hike to do in the afternoon because it was a HOT day but there is plenty of shade back in the canyon and a bit of a cool breeze.

HANGING GARDEN (day 2)

At the Hidden Canyon trail-head, there is also a walkway to get to the Hanging Garden. Our feet were pretty dogged after 2 hikes so I was happy it was just a short walk to get there. I hate to say it wasn't impressive, but the park is so grand the competition is tough. One of the nice things was the mists and trickling water to help cool you down on a hot day.

Lower Emerald Pool

EMERALD POOLS TRAILS (day 3)

We had time for a morning hike before heading out and chose the Emerald Pools because of the different trail length options and “easy” rating (my knees had enough hill work). The upper pool was supposed to be the most impressive, but my favorite was the lower pool – maybe because there were too many people at the upper pool, or maybe because the lower pool had dripping water to cool off under. Either way, it was an unexpected gem – enjoyable trail with lots of variety in terrain and views.

One trail we didn't get a chance to do, which will be on the top of my list when I return, is the Narrows Trail - we heard really great things about this hike.  All in all, Zion is one of the best places to hike anywhere, let alone in the US, and I will likely return...again and again.

No harnesses, carabiners, screws...oh, and no chains

I recently took a road trip across the US with my sister and we hit several National Parks.  One of my main reasons for starting this blog was to write down impressions of these places before they are lost in my "melting pot" of a memory.

Zion National Park

The favorite stop for both of us was Zion National Park, Utah - an appropriately named place for sure.  The best way I can describe this place is Nature's Grandiosity...meant purely as a compliment.  It it the kind of place with such spectacular panoramic views that you cannot come close to capturing it in a picture (though you can see I tried).  There are diverse trails that can satisfy the gamet of hikers - steep mountain ridges, narrow canyon ways, river beds, short looping "scenic views", and flat strolling paths.

I initially meant to cover some of these great trails and maybe provide information for those planning a trip there, but this is a blog about everything and the first word that came to mind for me was "chains".  Let me elaborate...

Angels Landing

Several years ago I was at Zion in the winter (loved it then too), and attempted a trail called "Angels Landing".  The last portion of the trail required that you hang on to permanently anchored chains while making your way along narrow/non-existent paths with sheer cliffs.  It wasn't a hiking trip and I wasn't prepared so had to turn back before making it to the end.  I vowed to return one day when there was no snow and ice so I could complete the trail - I was not going to be beat by some little park trail open to the general public!

On this last trip I excitedly led my sister up the trail and we made it by the first set of chains to a pre-Angels Landing-landing where I had also made it to in winter.  I think my mistake was looking at the next leg (seen left) - I might have done it had I kept my head down and kept moving forward.  But no - one look and my legs went to jello.  I couldn't do it...but children, seniors, couch-potato-likes and other sandal clad people plowed by and made there way to the end.  Had there not been a clan of us no-gos sitting there head-hung and mouths agape, I might have felt ashamed.  But there it is.  I'm afraid of heights.  I am not alone.

That day, I added one more thing to the list of apparatus that should not be required on any hike I do.  No harnesses, carabiners, screws, ropes, pick-axes, and now no chains.

Happy safe trails,
Charlotte

What in the world is this blog spot for?

Seems only appropriate my first blog (that is, first blog ever) should explain what this blog is going to be about.  Maybe, stealing an idea from Seinfeld, it's a blog about nothing?...Which really makes it a blog about everything, doesn't it?

Sand sea?

Those who know me know I'm a big traveler, or possibly more appropriate, a modern day adventurer?  That makes me sound, well, adventurous, when really all I do is a lot of moving around.  So I'm often told I should write my experiences down, post my pictures....blog.  They were probably just being kind, trying to sound interested (who wants to see my picture of Niagra Falls?), but we've all been warned about being careful of what we ask for...

So if you're interested (or personally obliged), I will be blogging on my adventures and all the quirky life experiences that happen along the way, complete with color pictures.

-Charlotte

PS - Happy Birthday Mom!