Angel's Landing at Zion National Park 03.09.2011

Zion National Park in Utah

Here we go. This is the challenging hike we have wanted to complete since 2002. The first time we hiked this one, we were not "hikers" as we are now. We got very scared at the last 1/2 mile to the summit point and turned around. All these years, we've done many hikes and have been polishing our hiking skills. Finally we are back here, DETERMINED to the top of the Angel's Landing!!!

Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing trail is 5 miles, about 4 hours round trip hike. It is NOT a good idea to hike at this time of the year (winter). This is definitely a summer hiking spot. Zion is cooler during the summer time compared to any other neighboring desert climate states. So hiking up to the summit of 5875 feet supposed to be a very refreshing one. Unfortunately, we were here when snow has turned to ICE! and it was BY FAR, the scariest hike we've ever done (both with ice and height).

Hiking path is well maintained and mostly paved. For the first 2 miles, the path is gradual climb with a couple of steep switchbacks, gaining elevation pretty quickly. When we stopped to take a rest and turned around to see where we hiked up to, the view took our breath away.

Once we got to the first flat part, it was actually in between canyon. Walking through it was cool and comfortable with no direct sun. Now this path is taking us back side of the Angel's Landing hill. Ok. Stop. Here is the famous switchback, which is paved, but really steep and narrow.

Notice, the surrounding mountains still sits slightly higher than where we stand. Can you tell? Up the wiggles, we are at the first platform where many people can call it quit, making it their finish line.  It is because after this point on, you will be climbing with chains on narrower ridge for another 1/2 mile till the real summit. 

Huffing and puffing, stopping and being scared, getting ready to chicken out but our ego says to keep moving. After lots of debates in our minds, we kept climbing. I was hesitant to go forward because of unsureness If I could make it back down with slippery ice as our footing. Since there is no platform where I could fell onto, I could be straight down from the cliff if i slip on ice. 

After being scared over and over again, we finally reached the top!! Thinking back of the journey to the summit this time,  we had to praise ourselves how hard we tried without totally giving up!

We were going to have lunch at the summit. But both side of us is just straight down cliff to the bottom. I think I was really nervous that I wanted to go to bathroom all of a sudden, which is 1/2 mile back at the platform. Before descending, we took some pictures and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment! We did it! The view, as you can see, is SPECTACULAR!