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