Today was a non riding day. From our hotel we caught the shuttle up to the visitor’s center where we caught the ‘other’ shuttle that took us up to where we start the hike up for Angels Landing.
What is Angels Landing?
See the very tip top of this peak? That’s where we were heading.
Before I go into that – let me say, this is the BEST Holiday Inn Express you will EVER stay in. By Far!
One more note. If you are in Zion and sleeping in you are doing it wrong. Zion is magical at sunrise and sunset. (Those are Tomm’s feet, not mine.)
Ok, back to the hike…
From where the shuttle drops you off you start hiking towards the peak on groomed trails. As you get closer you’ll see that there people climbing up a series of switchbacks cut into the face of the mountain.
Switchbacks. This was a Tuesday, not a weekend and I couldn’t believe how crowded it was. This is a seriously popular trail.
That said, it’s totally worth braving the crowds as long as you can handle the hike and the heights.
They are not kidding about the heights. There are two parts to the climb.
The first section most anyone can walk up, and we certainly saw a wide variety of people. The second section heads up the spine of this ridge.
You are already up and pretty exposed.
From there, it’s on to the second section and the ‘exposure’ rating goes way up!
If you look close – there are people climbing up the spine of that ridge.
Every person who passes you will tell you that the effort and climbing are totally worth it.
Here’s 30 minutes worth of video from Abi’s point of view.
Tomorrow: It’s a ride through the park on the bikes and then a hike through The Narrows.
He's an avid hockey fan, rides a mountain bike, sometimes rides a road bike, has a few motorcycles (he had a really fast one, had a big cool orange one, rode a really slow one, and is currently building a perfect "BDR Weapon"). If that isn't enough, he makes cheese and sourdough bread, loves strong beer and good red wine, and poorly plays the Mandolin.
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