ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion National Park is one of the most unique regions I’ve been lucky enough to explore. Navajo sandstone, rich colors of reds, oranges, greens, and towering formations serve as both a beautiful landscape to admire, and a reminder of how slow time is on the geological clock. I spent around forty-eight hours in the park capturing a handful of images and have come up with some words behind them to best describe my experience in this incredible landscape.
___
Canyon Overlook Trail
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from the Canyon Overlook Trail
At just over a mile round-trip with a low elevation gain, the Canyon Overlook trail is a great start to get warmed up for more strenuous hikes, and it concludes with a phenomenal payoff. Since your vehicle will take the brunt of the distance and elevation required to get to the top, you can enjoy a brisk drive up the canyon, rather than your legs having to beg for mercy on a lengthy ascent. After a trip up and through the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and tunnel, the trailhead sits right off the side of the road across from the main parking area.
After a quick stroll over stone steps, a bridge, and marked paths, you'll find yourself at the top with an incredible view of the area, including the road that brought you up to the trail. It is here where you will take a moment to truly bask in the fact you didn't have to walk the whole way up.
During my time at the summit, I stuck around for sunset which did yield some nice color in the sky and streaking headlight trails along SR-9, though I would like to return for a chance of a sunrise photo opportunity. A morning here would fill the entire area with a wave of light, instead of leaving it in shadow, as it is pictured below. Though you really can’t go wrong with any time of the day to plan your hike, as the view alone is worth a trail ten times the distance.
___
Angel’s Landing
Angel's Landing is must-do hike during a visit (if you aren't predisposed to a fear of heights and/or vertigo). The five mile round-trip hike is accessed right across the street from the Grotto Picnic Area via either the shuttle or a mile walk from the lodge.
If you're a fan of steep, narrow, winding switchbacks, then you've got the perfect adventure ahead of you. Zigzagging through the canyon, the first half of this trail will make you regret every leg day you have ever skipped.
Angel’s Landing Trail
Once you reach the bathrooms at the scout overlook, congrats! You're halfway there. The next battle is certainly more mental -- the dreaded chain section. Without a doubt, this half of the trail is not to be taken lightly, but don't let videos of hyper-distorted fish-eye GoPro footage with intense backing music on YouTube dissuade you from attempting this section. Some parts are intimidating, but at all times you have solid footing on the stone beneath you. The chains are there as a lifeline to rely on to prevent a lengthy tumble down the beautiful sandstone Angel's Landing is made of. Being mindful of current weather conditions, wearing good shoes, and fighting away thoughts of a high altitude existential crisis will get you to the summit in no time.
I'd highly recommend getting to the trail before dawn for a few reasons. First, obviously, to beat the heat (depending on the time of year) and the crowds as the trail fills up very quickly as the morning progresses. At the summit I was joined by only a handful of wonderful folks enjoying the morning, but on the way down I easily passed sixty plus people making their way up. Second is to have an opportunity to witness the first few rays of dawn touch down on the park while you're towards the top, or at least about a quarter of your way up the trail. It's an amazing view and a good point to take a quick breather.
—
Thank you for reading my ramblings and perusing my photos of my brief stay in Zion NP. If you’ve ever had thoughts of a trip down to this beautiful area of the country, don’t hesitate. A stay in the park is worth every penny with the accommodations it provides. Or you may also choose to enjoy a stay just outside in the quaint town of Springdale which is full of local cafes, stores and various eateries. Anywhere you choose to stay in this area, there is no shortage of good food, views, trails, and people to make for an incredible time.
Words and photos by Brendan Grieble