The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in the national park system. Zion's pride and joy runs along a narrow rock fin with dizzying drop-offs on both sides. The trail culminates at a lofty perch, boasting magnificent views in every direction. Rarely is such an intimidating path so frequented by hikers. One would think that this narrow ridge with deep chasms on each of its flanks would allure only the most intrepid of hikers. Climbers scale its big wall; hikers pull themselves up by chains and sightseers stand in awe at its stunning nobility. The towering monolith is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Southwest.

Due to the extreme popularity of upcoming Hike to Zion on Sunday and to help Cynthia (there may be too many folks heading to Emerald Pools) I decided to post a hike to Zion - Angels Landing for Saturday.

Check out this site for some amazing pictures:
http://www.citrusmilo...

Angels Landing is a Moderate to Strenuous hike with 1500' of elevation gain in 2.5 miles (making 5 round trip) leading to average 5 hours of hiking time. The first half of the hike is all on paved trail with a lot of switchbacks, including the most famous switchbacks in the park: Walter's Wiggles!

Once you get to the top of the Wiggles, it's decision time. Do you enjoy the view from Scout Lookout, or do you venture on where few dare out to Angels Landing? If you are scared of heights, you may want to wait here or return to an agreed meeting spot. Please don't drink alcohol on this hike.

The rest of the trail consists of climbing/scrambling on knife-edge cliffs with sheer drops of over 1000 feet. In case you're wondering, there have been deaths from falls at Angels Landing. Safety is important on this hike. You are responsible for everything you do!

If you're brave enough to get to the end of the trail, a phenomenal 360 degree panoramic view of Zion Canyon awaits!

See the link for more information on Angels's Landing:
http://www.zionnation...

After Angels's landing we will likely stop by the Weeping Rock, a very quick hike with a mangificant view! A good place to reflect and relax from the previous hike! Afterwards, If you would like to jump into the river and go for a quick swim, bring your swim stuff - we will allocate a bit of time for that!

Where do we meet?
We will meet at the Main Street Station Parking Garage on the top level at 6:45 AM. We will carpool to Zion National Park and park in the public parking area. Please bring cash to contribute for gas and for entry fee to the park. I have a federal park pass so those who I ride with, enter for free :). If you have a park pass please bring it! Let folks know so we have someone with a park pass in the car. Otherwise please be prepared to pay $25 per car (which you will split with others) or convince someone to buy a year park pass ($50 last I checked) or all federal parks year round pass for $80. You should chip in $10 per person for the gas.

What to bring?
This is a hiking trip like any other. Don't forget water (2+ Liters!), food, money, comfortable sturdy shoes with a good grip, sunscreen!, and a swimming gear (optional but recommended as I plan to getting wet or jumping into the river :). Click below for a useful list which should cover most essentials.
http://backpacking-ge...

Save my number in your phone in case you are lost. We plan to return to Vegas before 8 PM. See you there!

George "Yuri"
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