The previous post in this series is here..
On our second day at Zion National park, we left our cabin at 6:30 when it was still dark, drove 10 minutes to the visitor center and boarded the Zion shuttle to the Grotto. The entire bus was going there or past that to narrows, so it was a 20 min ride. We were on the third bus. So a large crowd had already started up ahead of us.
Our permit to go from Scouts landing to Angels landing was 8:30-9:00 AM. So we walked as fast as we could to get to that point. Then it was pretty steep and a risky climb holding on to the chains.
We did make it to Angel’s landing and enjoyed the view. More than that it was a sense of accomplishment.
This is the best photo of me going to the highest point on the landing site. The top is around 2 feet by 2 feet. Wanted to stand on top. A few people did. I wasn’t afraid but there was a lot of screaming from the ladies and had to be happy with one foot on top.
Then we made our way back to Scout’s landing. By the time we almost made it back there was a huge crowd of folks going up. We were all down within 10 minutes of each other.
Ate a packed lunch.. tamarind rice tastes really good after a long hike like that as do idli’s with milagai podi. Our return from Scout’s landing to the shuttle stop was fast.
We decided to go get something to eat at Zion lodge after the hike, and get something to drink, use the restrooms and decide what to do next.. We had made it back to Zion lodge by Noon!
Angel’s landing has been a dream come true after so many years for me. Most of the photos are of me and Sangeetha. She does not like me to post more than two pics of her in any post but this one has to be an exception. Also I took the COVID and Flu shots yesterday and my hands and shoulders are sore.. so compressing all photos to two galleries.
A landscape one ..
and a portait one
A video highlight reel of our hiking (and at places climbing)..
This place is amazing. Needs some planning to do the hike. You are better off if in good shape and can hike steep rocks. Also not having a fear of heights helps. Definitely having hiking shoes, (poles for whose who need it till Scout’s landing) etc. help.
A totally amazing experience that will stay with us for a long time. We have been asked over and over again if this is harder than Half Dome. Nope. Half Dome last part on the chain is way harder than this.. but this one is riskier especially with a relatively undisciplined crowd. Still, a fantastic experience.
Angel’s landing - Check!