*This post is part 2 of our Bryce Canyon trip*
After enjoying our morning in our Airbnb in Orderville, we headed out to Zion! On the way there was a farm of Buffalo.
Since we were entering from the East Entrance we went through the Zion – Mt. Carmel Tunnel and were able to see great views of the canyon.
Our first stop was Zion Canyon Visitor Center. We were there on a Friday around 11am and the parking lots were packed. We ended up parking at the campsite overflow parking and walking over to the visitor center. Keep in mind, the visitor center is where you pick up the shuttle and it is located near the South Entrance of the park. To get to any of the hikes in Zion, you have to take the shuttle. They do not allow cars up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Prepare to wait for the shuttle and plan your trip accordingly. It is a free shuttle!
If you are interested in hiking the Narrows, the rental gear store is outside of the South Entrance so you will have to get the gear, then drive to the visitor center, get the shuttle, and be dropped off at #9, Temple of Sinawava. We were interested in hiking the Narrows, but unfortunately we did not plan for renting the gear outside the South Entrance, we thought it was at the Visitor Center. We will go back one day with our kids strapped to our backs and hike the Narrows with them!
Once on the shuttle, if you’re doing Angel’s Landing, you will be dropped off at The Grotto. From here you will hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout. The hike up is all switchbacks, but it is paved. Your heart will be pumping after climbing 1,488ft in elevation with 21 switchbacks.
Yes, the people in front of us are carrying their newborn up this mountain! Once you get to Scout’s Lookout, it is 0.5 miles to Angels Landing.
As we began hiking out to Angel’s Landing, the chains started and it becomes very narrow and if you step one wrong way, you could fall… a long ways. We got past the first set of chains and I turned around to find Aaron sitting down a ways back. I went over to him and he said, “Kara I can’t do it”. Aaron is afraid of heights and this was the end of the hike for him. Thankfully, 2 girls were sitting near him and they invited me to take the trek with them.
0.5 miles isn’t far, but when you’re hiking on a ridge with chains and the grip of your hiking shoes is all that is keeping you from falling, it is pretty scary. You’re also climbing…not really hiking.
It was so much fun hiking with Sam and Amie. They’re a couple from Miami and Amie recently moved to LA. They decided to plan a trip to Zion awhile back and it timed perfectly so they could do Angels Landing without needing a permit.
The top was of course worth it.
I felt really bad for Aaron not only because of his fear of heights, but it took a lot longer to get out there and come back than either of us were expecting. We also didn’t have any cell reception so he had no way of knowing if I was ok. He also had the food and I had the sunscreen…oops.
Finally we got back safely and all hiked down together.
After taking lots of pictures, we all sat down and enjoyed some food. We then exchanged numbers and I convinced Aaron to hike Upper Emerald Pools. We saw a deer relaxing next to the trail too.
Upper Emerald Pools was very pretty, but crowded. Then we headed over for a little view of Middle Emerald Pools since it was on the way.
On our way back, we ran into a guy using hiking poles to walk on one leg. I asked if he needed help and he said no. As we took a few steps past, I remembered I had coband and an ice pack in my bag! So I hiked back and said, “Do you want me to wrap your ankle”? He said yes! So we wrapped him up with the ice pack and coband. Looked like a bad sprain, but he had a ways to go before he was done with the trail.
After that we finished the hike and I took a video where you can see where I was sitting on the big rock at the end of Angels Landing.
When Aaron saw this he was not impressed at all, but I made it back safe and sound.
So, why are they implementing a permit system? Take a wild guess… people are dumb. People are trying to hike this trail with no experience, not the correct gear, or in bad conditions such as snow or rain. In the last few years there has been an increase in deaths along with tourists. The day we went was packed with people on Angels Landing, making the trail even more narrow and difficult. 14 people have died hiking Angels Landing… falling to their death. While we were hiking there were people wearing Nike free sneakers which have zero grip. There were people doing it with no shoes at all. Some people took their kids who also were not wearing proper attire. This hike is not a, ‘I’ll just go hike it’, unless you’re an experienced hiker. There are much more strenuous and dangerous hikes out there, but since Angels Landing is in an easily accessible spot and less than 6 miles round trip, people are taking advantage of this and some don’t make it back.
I am so glad I was able to do Angels Landing and made friends along the way! It has been on my bucket list for a long time so I am happy to check it off. Will I do it again? Maybe. Next time, Aaron and I will hike the Narrows after we have kids so they can enjoy this beautiful park with us.
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