I went to Zion Nationwide Park after a marriage in Vegas final 12 months and remembered that it was not too far of a drive from Las Vegas so I made a decision to return. However only for a couple of hours, then I’d have to show round and get again to Vegas to catch my flight again residence. If I had time I wished to hike to Angel’s Touchdown once more.
My automobile of selection? Silvercar, clearly (full disclosure: I might like it if Silvercar gave me free leases in trade for talking about them so glowingly in my posts however I pay full worth each time).
Audi A4 at Monument Valley
I landed in Vegas, picked up my Silvercar, and pointed it’s pretty silver bonnet in direction of I-15. A brief 2.5 hours later I arrived at Zion Nationwide Park in Utah. Wanting on the time, I used to be pretty sure I’d have sufficient time to make it to Angel’s Touchdown, however I’d need to go sooner than the 12 months earlier than. Thankfully I’ve been consuming higher and CrossFitting extra typically, so the hike was a lot simpler this time.
The trailhead is reverse of the Grotto cease on the Zion shuttle system. You cross over the Virgin River after which the enjoyable begins!
Virgin River, practically similar to the image I took final 12 months too!
The path is lengthy and gradual at first, however in a short time you look forward of you and see Angel’s Touchdown method up excessive on high of a mountain and understand you’re going to need to stroll all the way in which up there. It’s as motivating as it’s intimidating.
Taking a look at Angel’s Touchdown
However the hike isn’t too dangerous at first, simply lengthy gradual ascents slowly transferring you away from the riverbank and nearer to the partitions of Zion Canyon itself. It’s not that strenuous however it would be best to cease and take loads of photos.
All of a sudden the trail beneath your toes will change from filth to concrete as you encounter the primary set of steep inclines minimize out of the canyon wall.
Canyon Wall Path
This a part of the hike will get slightly extra strenuous, particularly in your calves, however there are many locations alongside the way in which to cease get slightly relaxation whereas having fun with the views. On the high of this part you’ll cross a bridge that takes you right into a slender mini-canyon between the canyon wall and the Angel’s Touchdown massif itself. The mini-canyon is beneath virtually fixed shade within the afternoon which creates a quick respite from the warmth and in addition has pretty stage terrain to offer your calves a break.
Bridge to mini-canyon
Big tree between canyon partitions
As soon as the flat portion ends you’ll begin strolling up a collection of switchbacks carved out of the aspect of the Angel’s Touchdown massif. These switchbacks vary from Not Unhealthy to Ow My Calves, however then there’s a sudden proper flip and also you encounter: The Wiggles.
The Wiggles
The Wiggles are a collection of 21 quick and steep switchbacks that take you up the aspect of the massif. They’re strenuous and unrelenting, however there are many issues to take a look at when you’re inevitably resting.
Wanting in direction of a canyon wall however hey look a tree department!
Close to the highest of The Wiggles the solar made a brilliant and triumphant return.
Oh hey solar
(and for those who’re asking “so did you simply take photos of random folks as they have been mountaineering?” the reply is sure.)
On the high of The Wiggles you’ve lastly made it!……to Scout’s Observatory.
Scout’s Observatory
Scout’s Observatory is a metaphorical midway level on the Angel’s Touchdown hike. There’s one other path to the western rim that begins there, however many individuals are confronted with a call at Scout’s Observatory: ought to I am going on or flip round right here? Why would somebody flip round? As a result of the path is about to get slightly…um…harmful, as you’ll see from the image under, taken throughout my Angel’s Touchdown hike final 12 months.
Scary Ridge
Sure, that actually is a 1200-foot drop on one aspect and a 1600-foot drop on the opposite aspect. Distance-wise you’re about 75% to Angel’s Touchdown once you arrive at Scout’s Observatory however effort-wise you’re solely about 25% there. I ended for a drink of water in some shade after which received transferring once more. It’s not that I’m not afraid of heights however I kind of simply deal with placing one foot in entrance of the opposite, which someway prevents me from screaming in terror when crossing ridges just like the above.
The primary large incline leaving Scout’s Observatory isn’t too tough, it’s steep but additionally good and extensive, with the chains there to seize onto if vital.
Leaving Scout’s Observatory
(Somewhat tip: don’t rely upon the chains. They’re there to complement strong footing. There are a couple of areas the place you’ll more than likely want a series to tug you up, however aside from these locations be certain your toes are locked in and prepared earlier than taking the next move. Though there can be loads of folks making the hike, go solely as quick as security will permit and ask for assist for those who want it.)
You finally will get to the highest of that hill, stroll across the aspect of it (sure, that’s a 1000+ foot drop off the aspect), after which your eyes can be handled to an incredible view, however your legs would possibly tremble a bit.
Strolling across the aspect of the hill
The Ridge
It’s such an incredible view proper? Sadly although (you’ll discover the folks within the backside proper) you need to scale the whole thing of that stunning ridge with the intention to make it to Angel’s Touchdown. The climb will get slightly dicey right here. No bones about it, for those who lose respect for the path you possibly can fall and die. Take it gradual, hold transferring, and don’t look down!
The final push
There are many hills the place it appears such as you’ll be on the high solely to be greeted by a slight flip and one other hill you couldn’t see earlier than, so attempt to not play the “virtually there” sport! For those who really feel as much as it, look off to the left, you’ll see an incredible view of the Virgin River horseshoeing round a small massif.
Bend within the Virgin River
Lastly, you’ll come to a touchdown and spot there aren’t any extra chains. You have got made it to Angel’s Touchdown! Calm down and benefit from the views! You additionally get pretty respectable cellphone reception on the high, so social media away! And sure, there are Pokemon to catch at Angel’s Touchdown (I don’t play Pokemon Go however loads of folks on the summit with me did).
Angel’s Touchdown is without doubt one of the most well-known hikes within the southwestern USA. Why? Nicely, this view of Zion Canyon for starters.
Zion Canyon from Angel’s Touchdown
I relaxed for slightly bit on the summit and went over to get some photos of some rock stacks some folks had made over time.
Rock stacks at Angel’s Touchdown
After a quick keep on the summit I noticed I wanted to make my method again to Las Vegas to show in my rental automotive earlier than Silvercar closed, so the digital camera went again into its backpack and I made my method down the path. I personally discovered happening to be a lot a lot simpler than going up, however loads of folks consider the precise reverse to be true. I took the Zion shuttle again to the Customer’s Heart and a short while later was on the highway heading again towards Las Vegas.
As I used to be driving I seen some large clouds beginning to roll in and managed to seize an image of a reasonably superb sundown simply outdoors of the park!
Zion Sundown
The remainder of the drive was uneventful, as was my flight again to Dallas. Solely 24 hours after reserving the ticket I arrived again at DFW Airport with sore calves and fantastic photos!
I hope you loved my little recap of mountaineering as much as Angel’s Touchdown, let me know if in case you have any questions!
