ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After hiking the Narrows, I boarded the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawa and headed back to The Grotto, where the trailhead for Angel’s Landing is located. My boots, socks and shorts were soaked. I felt sorry for whoever sat in my seat immediately after me.
The trail to Angel’s Landing is five miles roundtrip and ascends 1700′ through a beautiful slot canyon, up a series of tight switchbacks called “The Wiggles,” and continues along a very, very narrow spine to the top. There are many chains to hold onto during the final approach, with a sheer vertical drop on either side into the Virgin River valley. I think the vertigo induced an extra surge of adrenaline in my body, which had me exhausted by the time I reached the top. It had been a long day.
And a hot one. In the 90 degree heat, the wetness in my clothing had reversed. As the river water from my shorts and boots dried away, my once dry shirt and hat became soaked with sweat. All of it was worth it, however, as I had the top of Angel’s Landing to myself for nearly half an hour. I enjoyed the amazing views around me. Thunderstorm clouds emerged on the horizon and the low sun cast wonderful shadows on the majestic mountains framing the valley.
The trail to Angel’s Landing is five miles roundtrip and ascends 1700′ through a beautiful slot canyon, up a series of tight switchbacks called “The Wiggles,” and continues along a very, very narrow spine to the top. There are many chains to hold onto during the final approach, with a sheer vertical drop on either side into the Virgin River valley. I think the vertigo induced an extra surge of adrenaline in my body, which had me exhausted by the time I reached the top. It had been a long day.
And a hot one. In the 90 degree heat, the wetness in my clothing had reversed. As the river water from my shorts and boots dried away, my once dry shirt and hat became soaked with sweat. All of it was worth it, however, as I had the top of Angel’s Landing to myself for nearly half an hour. I enjoyed the amazing views around me. Thunderstorm clouds emerged on the horizon and the low sun cast wonderful shadows on the majestic mountains framing the valley.
