Zion National Park
Zion National Park is defined by its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and the steady presence of the Virgin River carving its way through the landscape. The scale is immediate and vertical, with massive red and cream walls rising straight from the canyon floor, making hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing feel both intimate and dramatic.
Hiking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park offers one of the most varied and rewarding experiences in the park. The full trail stretches roughly 19 miles one way, starting at Lava Point, and descending into Zion Canyon. That is the route I took, covering about 4,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, depending on direction. As the icing on the cake, once I reached Scout Lookout I added a detour and hiked Angels Landing, finishing the day with one of Zion’s most iconic and exposed climbs. This was back when no permit was required, and access felt spontaneous.
Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most iconic and adrenaline-filled hikes, known for its narrow spine of rock and steep drop-offs on both sides. The final section follows a sandstone ridge with chains bolted into the rock, where hikers pull themselves along exposed ledges high above Zion Canyon. Every step demands focus, but the views stretch endlessly across the canyon, making the tension part of the experience. What makes Angels Landing especially memorable is the contrast. You begin on a well-graded trail through cool canyon shade, then suddenly emerge into open sky, wind, and vertical space. Reaching the summit feels like standing on the edge of the landscape itself. I was lucky to hike Angels Landing three times before permits were required, and, interestingly, the older I got, the more intimidating the hike felt. Go figure.
Observation Point offers one of the most expansive views in all of Zion, looking straight down onto Angels Landing and deep into Zion Canyon. Traditionally, the hike starts from the Weeping Rock trailhead on the canyon floor, climbing steeply via a series of switchbacks carved into the canyon walls. From this route, the hike is about 8 miles round trip with roughly 2,100 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the park’s more strenuous day hikes.