Angels Landing Hike - Zion NP

Starting on the trail at about 11.45 MDT, I at first thought we wouldn't encounter many other hikers.  Only a few folks got off the shuttle bus and only two other folks started up the trail with us. 

As we got further up the trail, though, I realized that there would be plenty of other folks with us.  By the time we reached the summit, there were hundreds of other folks on the trail.  Fairly surprising for a random Thursday in late October. 

The trail itself is fairly easy for the first two miles. It's paved in concrete almost the whole way.  There is a 1000 foot altitude gain but the going is fast due to the trail condition.  The only slow downs were for other hikers.  The view is excellent nearly the whole time, whether of the sides of the canyon, a panorama of the whole canyon, or up to Angel's Landing itself.

Once we arrived a the saddle, about half of the crowds of other hikers stopped there and the rest continued on for the last 1/2 mile to the summit.  The last half mile includes sections of rock scrambles both with and without chains that the NPS has installed.  All-in-all, I found that part to be the best and the view from the summit was excellent. 

The descent is super-fast (about an hour) and I was able to pass up most of the other hikers on the way down.  All in all a great, classic Utah hike!

Contact hike organizer for location details but we'll meet up at the Zion NP Shuttle Base in Springdale, UT at around 10.30am.  Carpooling from Las Vegas earlier that morning may also be possible.  We should be finished by 3.30 or 4.00pm.  Please note that this hike is on a Thursday (not the weekend)!

The hike itself is a 5 mile / 4 hour roundtrip hike up to one of the most famous spots in Utah.  Due to the 1500 foot elevation gain, the trail is rate strenuous although the trail is fairly wide and well maintained until the last 1/2 mile.  During the final 1/2 mile, the trail follows a narrow sandstone ridge with steep dropoffs, although the Park has installed chains in some places.  The reward at the summit is the fine view of Zion NP in all directions. 

Participants should bring lunch, plenty of water, and whatever snacks they would like.  Although it's possible to do the trail with sneakers, hiking boots are recommended. Of course, dress for the weather by checking on www.weather.gov for springdale, ut.