|
Base Camp
Up
| |
- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: May 19, 2001
- Miles Hiked: 5.00
- Elevation Gain: 1,488'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
- Although these next two hikes occur on the same day, I have decided to
separate them due to the fact that they were definitely two separate
hikes.
- This steep trail climbs the
famous Walter's Wiggles past dramatic views at Scout's Lookout, and on
to the high point of Angel's Landing with spectacular views up and down
Zion Canyon. Warning! Steep Cliffs. Not for anyone
fearful of heights.
- That was the official
description of the Angel's Landing hike, and I would have to agree with
it. I had three days of training scheduled in Las Vegas, so I
talked Becky into letting me stay the weekend to go hiking. Friday
afternoon, I rented a car in Las Vegas and drove up to St. George, UT,
which is about 40 minutes away from Zion National Park.
- I got to Zion Canyon early
Saturday morning and missed the 7:00 shuttle bus by just a few
minutes. I wandered around the visitor center and caught the
second bus to the trailhead of Angel's Landing. Two years ago, the
park implemented the shuttle bus system because of the dramatic increase
in visitors and vehicles to the park. Now the only way to enter
the park is
by the shuttle buses.
- Anyway, this is the most popular
hike in Zion National Park and I made it to the top of Angel's Landing
in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It was a fun hike that was relatively
easy until you reached Walter's Wiggles. This is a series of short
and steep switchbacks that climbs up to Scout's Lookout. From here
the trail splits north or south. The north trail leads to the
backcountry of Zion and the south to a narrow ridge and the top of
Angel's Landing.
- From Scout's Lookout to the
south, there were several chains installed in order to assist with
climbing. I am certain that without the chains, much fewer people
would attempt the ridge and it would probably be a class 3
scramble. After making it to the top, I spent over an hour taking
in the scenery and enjoying southwestern Utah. After descending,
it was back on the shuttle to the next trailhead.
- Maps:
- Here is the park map of the area
I hiked in. To the north the canyon ends and is only wide enough
for the Virgin River, which is where the "Narrows" hike
begins. To the south is the park entrance.
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
| |
www.
just
hiking
.com
|
