Canyon views, big horn sheep and Angel's Landing

Zion is divided in half by the Virgin River. For a photographer, this is important because if you want to take pictures of the western side, you need to take photos in morning for the best light. East side- the afternoon and early evening. With that in mind, we drove into the park and headed east. Switchback roads took us to the top and then thru the longest tunnel in the US. 1.1 miles completed in 1931. Once out of the tunnel, we  parked the car and headed for the Canyon Overlook trail. The one mile trail hugged the sides. Handrails and fencing made it quite safe. We hiked past large weather rock formations, hoodoos, cave-like formation  and gazed at a large arch. At the end- expansive canyon vistas. I am amazed at what wind and water can do and has done. Upon returning to our car, we looked up into the rocks and bushes and there they were! Desert big horn sheep. I quickly put on the zoom lens and began shooting. One sheep decided to stand on a rock and pose. Across the highway was a mom with her twins and 2 more that bedded down on a rock. We saw  14 in all.
Back to our place for breakfast, change clothes and prepare for today's big event.
Angel's Landing was our goal for today. This trail was established in 1926 and is one of the signature hike in the park even though it is one of the most challenging. It was a great hike to Scout Lookout. We hikes along the sunny side up several switchbacks. Then the path entered a tall, narrow canyon that provided welcomed shade. It gave us time to cool off and get refreshed. The final ascent of 21 switchbacks called Walter's Wiggles took us to the lookout.
 After that, everything changed. The trail becomes an uneven route across sheer cliffs, with chains bolted into the rock face to serve as handrails. At times, you are moving laterally across the rocks and then it changes to steep steps and scrambling rock holds. At one point, I wondered if I could go on. It was scary and thrilling at the same time. The biggest obstacle was finding space to wait as others went by you in the opposite direction. At the top, 360 degree views were magnificent. Six people have died since 2004. I was surprised that climbing back down was actually better than going up. The sheer drop-offs were intense.
We continued all the way down, still not believing that we survived and accomplished this great feat. Felt rather proud of ourselves. Many people attempt and never finish.










Hopped on the shuttle to return to our place.

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