Just got back from 10 days in the national parks of the southwest of the USA, we've been there before but never had time for any walking, so we always promised ourselves that we would go back and do some hiking.
First stop was at Zion National Park Utah. Arrived about lunch time so decided on a short walk up to the Hidden Canyon to get the legs going again after many hours flying, and what felt like even more hours crammed into a very snug mini-bus.
The hike up to the entrance of the hidden canyon is only a couple of miles or so there-and-back from the Weeping Rock bus stop (Zion Canyon shuttle bus).
Not a particularly arduous walk but quite exciting, if like me you happen to suffer from slight vertigo!
Mrs PAG on the way back from Hidden Canyon
Next day up before dawn for the hike up to Angels Landing.
Starting from the Grotto Trailhead bus stop it's a well maintained (mostly concrete) 'hiking trail' up through the arch into Refrigerator Canyon and then up "Walters Wiggles" to arrive at Scout Lookout.
Now for the final breath-taking but also butt-clenching 1/2 mile and 500 ft climb across the narrow spine to Angels Landing itself, with its 1500 ft shear drop into Zion Canyon on one side and a mere 800 ft drop into Refrigerator Canyon on the other. Even though there are chains to assist you on the worst sections, if you are like me and have a fear of heights/falling it can still be pretty intimidating.
Still taken from cheap and cheerful mini camcorder clipped to my rucksack strap. Camera was stowed safely away as I needed all available limbs for myself!.
Wide angle camcorder lens makes it look slightly worse than it really is - but not much.
.
Finally - The view of Zion from Angels Landing.
More to follow...................................................................