“Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all costs of tedium and distaste. The gain in self-confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor is immense.” Thomas A. Bennett
The first time I climbed Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, the five-mile round-trip hike felt like little more than a walk in the park. I noted, on returning, that I had done the trip in about half the time the trail guide said to allow.
Angel's Landing as seen from near the start of the trail. -- Photo by Pat Bean
My last hike to the top two years ago took quite a bit longer than allowed, but the feeling of looking out on the magnificent view of the landscape below, as always, gave me energy I needed for whatever the year ahead might bring.
Perhaps that is why I keep returning and returning, over 30 times now, to repeat this scramble to the top of this Zion Canyon landmark. Actually, one does have to scramble but only the last half mile. The first two miles of steps are taken on a steep, but non-threatening trail.
The slower pace I set these days as I go up the path – with its hairpin turns from one mountain to a second mountain with a short canyon cool-off walk in between – have allowed me to better see and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounties: Bright red Indian paintbrush growing from rock cracks, a bird’s view of the Virgin River below, color variations in the sandstone walls, and the peregrine falcons that return to nest each year near the top of the landing.
Looking down from the top of Angel's Landing. -- Photo by Pat Bean
Guide books warn that this hike is not for those who fear heights. A warning not to be taken lightly as several people have fallen to their deaths while hiking it. I find this hard to believe. I’ve never feared falling on this trail — but then I respect the cliff edges and always hold to the chains when crossing narrow junctures.
I’ve hiked to the top of this special place in scorching hot weather, in high winds, in rain, once in a snow flurry and once with a knee wrapped in support bandages. I’ve done the trip alone and with friends and once with three young granddaughters in tow.
Angel’s Landing is a part of me. I have no better words to describe it, even though I fear only readers who have their own special place will understand.
This morning, as I sit here and write with the chill of a Central Texas winter still lingering outside my RV, I hear Angel’s Landing calling me.
I’ll see you in April, I reply. And I’ll sit on top of you once again no matter how long it take me to get up there.
Journeys
Beautiful & inspiring. Love Zion myself.
Pat, I can just imagine the view – thanks for another beautiful post.
Looks fantastic Pat, I’ve been going between UK and France for the last two weeks moving furniture, so I’m just catching up.
There are so many places to see. My list keeps growing. My personal favourite is Mount Snowdon in Wales, I went there earlier this year to walk in the snow with two very good friends. It was the best I have seen it. My blog picture was taken that day.
Locally in France I keep going back to the Chaudefour Valley. A protected space now so no dogs, bikes cars etc. Most people stay in the valley and try the natural spring with its red sparkling water or head up to see the Cascade du Biche. But I love to climb the gullies to get the perspective of height, and away from the crowds.
One of the great places in the world.
Jim
This is so inspiring, Pat. From both your writing and your photos it sounds like a wonderful place. I can see how it would energize you.
I do have a fear of heights. More like a fear of falling after having had a bad fall in Scotland (where I feared no heights or climbs at all until that happened). Going up doesn’t bother me in the least but coming down does, especially if it is steep. The problem is that I assess trails going up in terms of coming down (or falling down if there are cliff edges without some boundaries that give that false sense of “I can’t fall over this”). I’ve been known to freeze in fear, but have discovered that if I wait a bit, then take out the camera and start taking photos, the photography part of me kicks in (it’s a Zen thing at times) and I relax enough to move again with the mantra “put one foot in front of the other.”
Just fabulous ! Wish I lived west so that I could try this hike. Check out my blog for Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah. Nothing nearly as high as Angel’s Landing, but just as fun with boulder scrambling.
What a beautiful place.
Thanks Tilly. It is indeed.
You’re right, this is truly a great hike!
Stunning views – I am so hooked on hiking now…
My favorite place in the whole world
Wow this was really great pictures!
And thanks for the follow 🙂
Today, inspiration found me through this post. Thank you.
Zion’s my very special place. Glad it inspired you.
Very happy that our paths crossed. Your blog is terrific and your journeys inspiring! I’ve added you to my travel blog list: http://theopensuitcase.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/this-ones-for-the-wanderers/
This is a great hike, but arduous! We were in Zion a few weeks ago. Love your blog!
Cindy
Thanks Cindy for the kind comments and for following my journey.
Pat-
Same to you. We go to lots of the same places!
Cheers,
Cindy