Sunday, 26th September 2010
After driving to Zion National Park we were deposited at Zion Lodge, our starting point. We walked initially along the Grotto Trail then crossed the Virgin River to pick up the West Rim Trail. Before long we were tackling the first set of zig-zags on our way to Refrigerator Canyon. Here we welcomed the relief of some shade and a gently undulating path. All too soon we reached the next switchback section known as Walter's Wiggles named after the first superintendent of Zion who helped engineer the steep zig-zagging section. Climbing quickly we soon reached Scout Lookout which gave a great view down to Big Bend where we could see the Virgin River many feet below us - and we still hadn't reached our objective, Angel's Landing. The Angel's Landing Trail navigates along a narrow sandstone isthmus with sheer cliffs on both sides, with drops of 1200' on one side and 800' on the other. We were thankful for the fixed chains that helped us on the steeper and more exposed sections of this almost 500' ascent to the narrow spine that is the summit.
Zion canyon was formed over centuries of erosion caused by tributaries of the Virgin River which left behind the beautiful eroded canyon walls and monoliths. In Zion Canyon, mighty walls of Navajo sandstone soar half a mile above the groves of box elders and cottonwoods that line the loping North Fork of the Virgin River. The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in the national park system. Zion's pride and joy runs along a narrow rock fin with dizzying drop-offs on both sides. The trail culminates at a lofty perch, boasting magnificent views in every direction.
John and Eunice take it easy at Zion Lodge
The Grotto Trail alongside the Virgin River . . .
with views of our objective, Angel's Landing
A lizard enjoys . . .
a spot of sunlight
Looking back down the river . . .
before we cross the bridge . . .
for another view
Only 2.5 miles - but a long way up . . .
as we draw closer to Angel's Landing
The sloping line across the rock in the centre . . .
shows where our route goes
Marie . . .
and I take a break . . .
as Duncan and Sheila follow us up the zig-zags
The shade of Refrigerator Canyon gives us a welcome break from the sun and the climb . . .
and is the home to . . .
a friendly chipmunk
who shows off his stripes
From Scout's Lookout . . .
we have a good view of the canyon floor . . .
and of the start of the climb . . .
which heads quickly upwards . . .
sometimes with the help of fixed chains
Half-way up and time for a photo back down the valley . . .
and in the opposite direction
before tackling the last climb
Continuing onwards . . .
and upwards . . .
we finally reach the summit . . .
for a photo or two . . .
and a third looking up the valley
Heading across the summit . . .
to start on the route back down . . .
with another photo at the half-way point . . .
for both of us
Looks pretty steep down Walter's Wiggles . . .
and back along Refrigerator Canyon . . .
where we spot another lizard
More zig-zags take us back to the valley floor . . .
where we spot a tarantula . . .
on the way back to the bridge - and a shuttle bus to the visitor centre