Zion National Park

Coming from the Grand Canyon, our eyes were used to looking along the horizon line, gazing downward.  Until we entered Zion.  The way Zion is, you drive that scrapes the bottom of the canyon.  Looking up at giant walls of sandstone formations, 2000+ft tall.

We started driving along the Virgin River inside the canyon.  Took the Riverside walk up into the start of The Narrows.  The temptation took us, the boots and socks came off as we waded through the river, upstream for a few hundred yards.  The canyon walls of this gorge are sheer faces and they enclose fast, soon you find yourself enclosed by very steep walls and in a river.  As our feet were beginning to freeze, we found a warm water spring and warmed up for the trek back.  Next time visiting Zion, I plan on hike the 16 mile trail which is 90% 'in river' walking.

One hike that's a must in Zion is up Angels Landing.  It's an easy go of switch backs until you reach the last .5 mile of climb.  Thats when the signs saying "not for children or those scared of heights."  There you must use a chain to pull yourself up and around rocks.  Adrenaline practically seeps out of your body as your knuckles turn white from grasping the chain, looking down on both sides of the narrow rock that your standing on.  Below is over 1,200 feet.  Cars become tiny.  Life becomes a little more real.

View from atop Angels Landing

You walk along and up this skinny ridge line, carefully placing every foot, reminding yourself that 9 people have died along this trail and the number seems small.  One of my favorite day hikes EVER.