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.

(the hike ended on the top of that rock formation on the left)

(steepest part of the hike)

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.

(that narrow bit of rock was the trail)

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)

After lunch, we made our way down the trail, which ended up being fairly abusive to my knees – I need to get some hiking poles. But it was still fairly early in the day, so we took the shuttle bus to the River Walk trail and walked out to the start of the Narrows Trail, where we dipped our feet in the icy water.

(bottom of Angel’s Landing trail)

(water seeping from rocks)

Afterwards, we headed back to our campsite, where I’m pretty sure I passed out for awhile with my legs sticking out of my tent.

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.