So it was my birthday two weeks ago, and for a birthday present, I decided to do a trip by myself to anywhere that could fit my schedule. First choice was Seattle but available flights won't let me go back to NYC in my preferred time. So, started to think about the National parks that I really wanted to visit and one of them is Zion.
Getting to the chase, flew in to Las Vegas then drove up to Utah.
The views to my destination is distracting that my drive usually take longer than expected because of the stops I make.
Arrived to Springdale, Utah. Closest town around Zion
Zion National Park offers a lot of hiking trails, but for this trip, I chose Angel's Landing.
I won't go into details about the names of the trail to get to Angel's landing, I followed this website which gave me a good information about the hike. The first three quarters of the hike is somehow misleading. From afar, it looked very easy because it is paved, but don't be fooled, it has a quick elevation that may tire you easy.
Angel's landing
About 2-3 hours later, I finally saw Angel's landing. LOOK AT THAT BEAUTY! Gave myself a little rest and ate my snack. Also met a few people during my break.
I guess I've been warned.
Getting to the peak involves a lot of rock scrambling and trying to depend on the chains to pull yourself up. Ice and snow made this part 100x more difficult and dangerous. It is only about 5000ft drop if you fall. It took me probably another 1 1/2 to get to the top. At this point I learned that I have to buy traction if I'm planning to do another winter hike. Hiking boots just don't cut it.
View at the peak.
Speechless and in awe the moment I saw this view. It was all for myself for a good half hour before other hikers start coming in. But damn it was the best thing my eyes laid upon.
A guy having his moment. :P
Turn 180 degrees and you'll see The Big Bend and The Organ(lower right)
Going back down is the real challenge. That's where I really needed more traction. A lot of sliding moments wherein I almost fell at one point and made me decide to keep my camera and phone in my bag so I can safe.
Like I said before, a 5000ft drop is awaiting you if you dont hang on to that chain. Anyway, I continued my descent after this shot. Couple hours later, I reached my rental car again and went back to my Airbnb.
Self portrait I'll take home. Planning to print this and put above my headboard.
As much I didn't want to leave, I had to! Will definitely come back and visit the other trails in this National park. I read that The Narrows is another adventure. Well, til' next time.
P.S. Obviously new at blogging and it's still experimental. I apologize for my poor writing skills.