Photos: Zion National Park
Since the Narrows was still closed (the river was too high and, umm, about 48 degrees F), we decided to do the Angel’s Landing hike on our first full day in Zion.
Looking back, it was a gnarly hike, and I almost can’t believe I did it. The first two miles up are a fairly steep climb, and the last half mile is literally spent scrambling (or “gollum-ing,” as a friend put it) along a narrow spine of rock, with sheer drop-offs on either side. I think about 10 people die on that part of the trail each year.
But it was worth it. The views from the top were amazing, and to sit and eat lunch, looking out over the entirety of the Zion canyon, including the point where we started the hike, was one of the best half-hours I’ve ever experienced.

(lunchtime view)
(Big Bend, as seen from the top of Angel’s Landing)

(bottom of Angel’s Landing trail)
I swear I got a cold headache just from putting my feet in the water. It felt good after a more than full day of hiking.