Veteran’s Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tuesday was our last morning in Zion before we had to drive back home and we decided to hike to the top of Angel’s Landing before leaving. After checking out of our hotel, we drove into the park one last time and were one of the first vehicles at The Grotto trailhead. We grabbed our backpacks and started the hike to the top. Although I had my camera with me (as I always do), photography wasn’t really the main objective for this short hike on a clear day like today. I just used it to take a few snapshots along the way.
The morning light strikes the stop of Mount Majestic and Lady Mountain high above the trail.
Zion Canyon Morning by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
We passed this little butterfly along the trail It was still pretty cold out, so it wasn’t moving much.
Butterfly Along the Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Climbing the first set of switchbacks up to Refrigerator Canyon.
Switchbacks by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Diane coming up Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 short switchbacks up to Scout Lookout.
Coming Up by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The view from Scout Lookout towards the Temple of Sinawava.
Scout Lookout by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
From this point to the top of Angel’s Landing the trail gets narrower and steeper with significant drop-offs on both sides. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it to the top, but my fear of heights seems to be getting better all the time and I had no issues at all the whole way up or down. It was a fun hike!
Warning sign.
Warning Sign by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Diane coming up the trail on an exposed ledge. The National Park Service has installed chains along much of this part of the trail to hold onto, but I really didn’t find them that necessary.
On the Edge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Follow the chain towards the top. While I didn’t find this hike difficult or scary, I’m glad we did it on a morning when there weren’t many people here. I’m not sure I would have liked it as much if there were a line of people going up and coming down…
To the Top by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
View up the canyon from the top.
Up Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Diane at the top.
Diane & Zion Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
View down Zion Canyon towards Bridge Mountain and The Watchman.
Zion Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Looking down on Scout Lookout. The trail follows that thin strip of rock starting near the middle of the photo down to the lower left.
Angel’s Landing Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Diane poses in front of the nice reflected light in Refrigerator Canyon on our way back down.
Refrigerator Canyon Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
A shot of Angel’s Landing from below as we hiked back to the trailhead.
Angel’s Landing by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr