Hey all, after going to Zion National Park a few weeks ago, I went out of town to build a fence with my brother and had to do lots of other things, but I finally have my Zion photos up:
That first "Trail to Angel's Landing" shot is scary, I can't believe you hiked across that. I LOVE "Maidenhair Fern" and that cute bug-eyed snake.
It was a real thrill going across that narrow "bridge!" The hike was almost all uphill and steep; it climbs 1500 feet in about 2 miles. But it was shady when I went, so was not unpleasant at all as long as I kept hydrated. As for the snake, it was sooo still, but then took off. I understand that they do NOT like to be held and have bitten many a hiker who has tried to hold them. Whip snakes are not poisonous, but they do have tiny, razor sharp teeth! This one was about 5 feet long as I recall.I was aable to get my camera within half an inch of him!
Hey, how 'bout a DPC meet in Zion? There's a few of us in Utah and it's not too far for AZ, CO, NV and CA folks. Certainly pleanty of photo-ops there....
Those are some awesome shots. Ever since I've heard of the Angel's Landing trail, I've wanted to hike it. It looks freaky.
I just have to say (he said, proudly polishing his fingernails on his lapel), I was following a couple of guys on this hike, and about half way up that final narrow fin, they couldn't take it and turned back! With 2000 feet down on either side, and while scrambling up boulders and sandstone, it IS freaky. But that's what makes it so fun!
Angel's landing takes you up 2000 feet. Subway takes you down 1000 feet! Subway is fun; it requires some light rapelling (no big deal, just bring 50 feet of rope), and some swimming, so go on a hot day. The Subway is a popular hike, so you'll need to get the ranger station the day before to reserve a spot; they only let in a few groups per day. It's a really exciting hike. At one point in the trail, which follows a small stream, there is a geological feature called the Subway (apt name!) in which the water has carved a rounded tunnel through the rock--it really does look like a subway. There are even grooves on the stream bed that look like tracks!
