Where Angels Dare to Tread

It has been asked of old "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" Good question. I came closer to answering it in Zion National Park.

Not too long ago, I finally made the trip to Angels Landing, a very adventuresome hike in Zion National Park. The trail is famous for it goes pretty much straight up for 4.5 miles, and at one point, it is about 2 feet wide, with drop offs of over 2000 feet on either side. The climb is through amazing sandstone cliffs, spires and amazing scenery.

It is a lovely and exhausting hike, but I had plenty of water, and I drank often so it wasn't that bad. The exciting part came when the trail narrowed and we came to the saddle between the canyon wall and a large sandstone fin that projected itself into the middle of the valley.



It is here that the trail grows narrower and narrower. Just beyond that pine tree, the trail narrows to about 2 feet wide, with a 2000 foot fall on either side. About half of all hikers do not make it past this point.



Once you do get past it, however, the trail goes right up the edge of the fin. Chains have been installed to assist hikers in their climb. It was here that I passed several buff guys, who were in tears because they made the mistake of looking down. Actually, I looked down, too, but it didn't bother me. The guys were heading back and did not make it to the top. Their tears left small watery marks on the sandstone.



Finally, Angels Landing! This is a marvelous place, though quite small. It was large enough, however, that the other hiker who arrived here after I did was able to find herself a nice bit of solitude despite my presence.



Here is the view from Angels Landing to the east, where the valley ends. Where the canyon walls converge is where the famous Narrows hikes begin.



This is Zion Canyon proper--the view from the other side of Angels Landing.

It was truly one of the great hikes I have ever been on--a real adventure! Next time you go to Zion, let me know and I'll meet you and take you there personally!