Today we decided to drive up to Zion National Park and hike up to Angels Landing. The last time Mike and I hiked at Zion we were newly weds. It was incredible to bring our kids up to this wonderful place and be reminded of what we did so many years before. The car ride was a little rocky and many of us felt car sick. We were relieved to finally get out of the car and onto the trail heading up the trail to Angels Landing. The first part of the hike followed the Virgin River on a sandy path and soon became paved as the ascent become more steep. The first set of switchbacks was tough on Abby but we stopped every so often to rest with her. I think the beginning of any hike is hard because our legs are not yet warmed up. At least that is what I tell Abby every time we start a hike.
It didn't take too long to ascend the first set of switchbacks and come into the valley between Angels Landing and the Zion Canyon. This was actually one of my favorite parts of the hike. The canyon was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. It wasn't very steep through this part of the canyon. Eventually we made it to Walter's Wiggles which is a series of 21 steep switchbacks before making it to Scout Lookout. Once at Scout Lookout, grandma and grandpa gladly volunteered to stay with Abby and eat lunch while the rest of us ventured up to the summit.
The last half-mile of the trail up to the summit was strenuous and littered with sharp drop offs and narrow paths. I suppose that is why they have chains to grip onto the entire way up to the summit. We were very strict with the kids about holding onto the chains at all times and there was no fooling around of any kind while we were on such treacherous terrain. Even though we had strict rules for climbing this portion of the trail, we still giggled and had fun the entire way up. Many of the other travelers were impressed that such a young crowd was making its way up to the top. We had comments like, "I wish I had kids that would do this." I guess we do have pretty adventurous kids. They weren't born that way though. We have spent lots of time introducing our children to the outdoors. I am grateful that they have the adventurous bug and are willing to try new things.
The view from the top was amazing. We ate our well deserved lunch and then headed back down to meet up with Grandma, Grandpa and Abby. Abby made a friend while they were waiting for us. She hiked with her little friend all the way down. It was the cutest thing ever.
The view from the top was amazing. We ate our well deserved lunch and then headed back down to meet up with Grandma, Grandpa and Abby. Abby made a friend while they were waiting for us. She hiked with her little friend all the way down. It was the cutest thing ever.
