Several years ago I hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park with my friend Harry Johnson.
Angels Landing
Harry was the one who insisted that we hike Angels Landing. He had already done this trail but wanted to do it again. After hearing him describe how dangerous and steep this trail is I told him I would do it. I was at a point in my life where I needed to do something to give me more confidence and courage. This hike fit the bill!
The hike up the mountain was not too bad until we got to Scout Lookout. The last one half mile is very steep and dangerous. I remember that about half the people would turn around at this point and the other half would go on. One person I saw there was a woman who could have been someone’s grandmother decide she would do the last section. I told myself that if she can do it, I can do it!
We began the final part of the trail which is really a ridge that takes you up to Angels Landing. It has chains, hand holds and foot holds in the rock along the way. I remember this one section vividly in Zion National Park because it is extremely narrow, has a chain to help you cross and is straight down! My friend Harry was in front of me and stopped, blocking me from going forward. I had to tell him to get moving because it was too narrow for me to go around. My knees were literally shaking!
Chains to Cross Ridge to Angels Landing
When we got to the top, I remember a tree being up there and also the top was like this big flat rock that we could sit on and just look down Zion Canyon in Zion National Park. Beautiful!
Zion Canyon View From Angels Landing
Going up the trail in Zion National Park was scary and I have to say going down was just as scary because going down is much different than going up. I remember turning around and climbing down backwards at times. It is very frightening up there. If you are afraid of heights, you may not want to do this hike. The last thing you want is to freeze up in the middle of this ridge.
Going Down From Angels Landing
View From Bottom of Zion Canyon
Well I have to say that I am proud to have done this hike in Zion National Park and I remember how happy that older woman was when she finished the steep section. I did it once and once was enough. If you go to Zion National Park, do the Observation Point Trail also. I believe it is higher than Angels Landing.
View East From Observation Point
Do YOU have What It Takes to Do This Hike?
This video reminds me just how scary this hike truly is to do! It is not for people that are afraid of heights or out of shape. If you can come here and do this once-in-a-lifetime hike, I highly recommend it. Once is enough! If you can’t get here, watch the video and see it as if you were here. Enjoy!
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