ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT
Ok, maybe hiking isn't cancelled after all!
Hiking Angels Landing is an epic experience, but seeing Angel's Landing from above at Observation Point is a site beyond compare.
Thank you to Kathy O-P for the brilliant suggestion!
The trailhead for this hike starts on the east side of Zion National Park. The final stretch of the road is reserved for SUVs because the ruts in the road are very deep and require clearance. The Highlander once again comes through!
This is an out-and-back trail, 7 miles total, with limited elevation gain. The first part is flat, walking through brushy landscape. A couple miles in, you start to see peeks of scenery off to the side through the trees.
Pretty spectacular, right? And you know how I've been raving about the blue sky? Well, the only thing prettier than the blue sky out here is the blue sky dotted with magnificent white clouds. đ
Love how the white rock contrasts with the red ...
Just as Kathy O-P predicted, there were very few people on the trail, so it made for nice easy hiking.
And then, you reach the end of the trail and emerge from the trees and brush to THIS. I mean, is this place even REAL?! Even the sky was epic that day ...
In the photo above, I am standing on the red rock, looking down over Angels Landing. See the shark fin ridge in the foreground? That's it! Scout's Landing (the last stopping point before the chains) is on the ridge, all the way to the right in the photo.
I have a million pictures from this spot, all the same, just a little different. It took a lot of restraint to not post them all here. You're welcome, haha.
Total miles = 7.13
Elevation gain = 722'
That last photo is stunning - more so than many you have posted that were merely awesome.