Today by the Numbers:
Elevation Gained Hiking: 1,827 feet
Steps Recorded: 16,282
Average Slope of Hike: 8%
Bucket List Hikes:
✔ Angels Landing in Zion National Park
As planned, we got an early start on today’s hike. We secured our permit for Angels Landing back in January and were at the trailhead, with many other people, at 9am. Today’s trivia question #1: How many permits per day are issued for Angels Landing? You’ll have to read to the end for the answer!
The hike, which is mostly on the West Rim Trail, boasts an elevation gain of 1,827 feet from the trailhead to the top of Angels Landing. It took us about 90 minutes to hike up steep switchbacks to the junction where you can continue on the West Rim Trail or make the crazy decision to climb to Angels Landing.
What makes it crazy is that the last half mile or so (per the All Trails description) is almost entirely on skinny “trails” with steep drop-offs on either side. There are chains in some sections to help steady yourself and to help hoist yourself up the slick sandstone. Reading other people’s experiences did not quite prepare us for the steep and narrow terrain. It was quite crowded, so we often waited for groups travelling in the opposite direction to pass by…that is how narrow the trail is! This portion of the hike took us about an hour. But once at the top, the spectacular views were part of the reward for going the distance. The other part was the euphoric, emotional feeling of accomplishing such a tough hike.
We spent about 45 minutes at the top taking the obligatory selfies and panoramas. We had a quick snack and set off down the pinnacle. The downhill of this portion of the hike was “easier”, in our opinion. The key was to get low and do some boot scootin’ on the steep parts 😊. Once off the pinnacle, the downhill on the switchbacks was tough on the knees and quads. In total, it took us about an hour and 40 minutes to make it down whereas it took us 2.5 hours to go up!
We took the shuttle back to the Visitor’s Center and did a quick change of shoes at the car before heading to the Zion Canyon Brew Pub. We each ordered a beer and shared some fries. While enjoying our beer, we noticed that both of our beers (as well as all beers on tap) had a 5% ABV. Trivia question #2: Why do all the beers have 5% ABV? Again, read to the end for the answer!
Once back at camp, we did some quick clean up and we both vegged on the bed for about two hours. Dinner was improvised as the wind here in Hurricane, UT has been off the hook for the past two days and put a damper on our BBQ’ing plans. Some left over pasta and veggies was a good fill in along with a tasty Old Fashioned. Early to bed, but tomorrow will be a much more relaxed day.
Trivia Answers:
#1 – The National Park Service allows 800 permits to be issued per day for the Angels Landing Hike. They are available from Recreation.gov via a lottery system on a quarterly basis and then again the day before.
#2 – Per Utah state law, draft beer served at restaurants, bars, and taverns may not be more than 5% ABV.
