Hike # 49 - Hidden Canyon, Zion National Park, UT

From Observation Point Paul and I spotted people (through binoculars) hiking along the narrow ridge that leads to Hidden Canyon.  The trail looked narrow and scary on the side of the cliff.  As we came down the Observation Point trail we decided to hike into Hidden Canyon.  We hiked about 1 mile (RT) of this 2.2 mile (RT) hike.  The trail is secreted between Cable Mountain and the backside of the Great White Throne.  We clinged to chains for support as we walked on the slippery sandstone trail.

Hike #48 - Observation Point, Zion National Park, UT

This 2,000' ascent strenuous hike takes you to a spectacular vista where you can see nearly every major attraction in Zion Canyon.  The trail is 8 miles round trip and has short sections that are very steep and other sections that are more level through beautiful Echo Canyon.  We did not pass very many people hiking this trail.  At the Observation Point you get a nice view of Angel's Landing.  We could see people on the trail and on top through binoculars.  We also noticed the Hidden Canyon Trail in the distance which we decided to took a detour on the way down to hike.

Hike #47 - Emerald Pools, Zion National Park, UT

There are three Emerald Pools at Zion National Park, Lower, Middle and Upper.  The Lower Pool is 1.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 70'.  This area is lush with greenery, cottonwood trees and leads into a gorgeous canyon with pools of water.  Emerald would not be a color I would use to describe them but nevertheless they are nice.  We hiked to the middle and upper pools on a separate hike.  The distance was 1.5 miles round trip.

Hike #46 - The Narrows, Zion National Park, UT

The same day we hiked Angel's Landing (July 15, 2012) Paul and I hiked The Narrows at Zion National Park.  This was my first visit to the park and I fell in love with it.  The Narrows trail is a water hike in The Virgin River.  In some places the water went to our waist.  We had our water shoes and hiking poles to balance as we walked along the slippery rock river bottom.  The water was brown and you could not see how big the rocks/boulders were in front of you so you had to be very careful not to stub your toe or lose your balance. Often there are flash flood warnings so luckily we were there on an afternoon when it did not rain which is common for this time of year. It was a refreshing cool hike for a warm July day.  The canyon is absolutely beautiful with many photo opportunities!

 

Hike #45 - Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, UT

In my travels I have done some scary things like swim with piranha in the Amazon River or ride Space Mountain at Disney World but nothing got my attention like hiking the last half mile of the Angel’s Landing trail!  I had watched videos of other hikers and read others various accounts but until you actually hike this it is hard to put into words. It was a cloudy day and we had an earlly start around 6:30 am.  We were advised to get there early to avoid crowds since the top section is very narrow.  This was a great time to go and we did miss the crowd.  The first 2 miles was paved and not difficult. There are lots of switchbacks that make it easier to climb.  Scout Lookout is where a lot of people turn around.  There are also restrooms there.This is one of the most popular hikes at the park and you don’t have to hike the last half mile especially if you have any fear of heights.  The trail is 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,488’.  In many places there are 1500' sheer drop offs while you are cling to a large chain bolted into the rock face and try not to look down!
“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. Rarely is such an intimidating path so frequented by hikers. One would think that this narrow ridge with deep chasms on each of its flanks would allure only the most intrepid of hikers. Climbers scale its big wall; hikers pull themselves up by chains and sightseers stand in awe at its stunning nobility. The towering monolith is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Southwest. “http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-angels-landing-trail.htm