Angel's Landing - Zion National Park - Utah

Utah has so many great places to explore inside and outside of the national parks.  Incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs make the Zion area special.  We last visited Zion National Park 4 years ago during spring break.  This early in the year you can travel throughout the park in your vehicle.  During the busy summer months, most of the Zion Canyon area of the park is only accessible using the free shuttle system.

The hike up to Angel's Landing is labeled as a "Strenuous Hike" by the brochures and signage in the park.  Gauging from other hikes we've done in Utah's national parks that were categorized as strenuous (Delicate Arch) I was undaunted.  I even contemplated carrying my son on my shoulders up as I did at Arches.  I would have had to turn back at 'Scouts Outlook' if I did.  The trail is not particularly technical - there are chains to hold on to in the steep area... but a fear of heights will turn you back.  From the Scouts Lookout, you see the final stage of the hike - a steep narrow spine with a thousand foot drop off either side.  A scene  out of "The Lord of the Rings".

The view from the top is great - a 360 degree panorama of Zion Canyon from a 1200 foot precipice in the middle.