Angels Landing - a moment of hesitation.

Can I do it? Zoe considers the final section.

Today was all about Angels Landing. I came across it while reading up about Zion National Park and somehow it became the main objective of our visit there.

It just looked like a challenge that had to be taken on.

So following the general advice to avoid the midday heat (and the many other hikers who would be on the climb later) we were up at 5:30am to catch the first shuttle bus up the valley at 6am. Everyone on the shuttle clearly had the same intention.

We got off and set off on the trail still in the dark for the first half hour or so. Before we knew it we had climbed up a series of switchback climbs called the wiggles to Scout Lookout - the point where it gets serious!

The next section is pretty hairy - a narrow slick rock path curving around a steep incline that steeply slopes away to a sheer drop off of what must be 1000ft or more. I can see Zoe gripping the safety chains with both hands and the adrenaline kicks in.

We get through that challenging section only to be presented with a view of the final climb. It looks even more intimidating - almost vertical with a narrow approach that is only a few feet wide with sheer drop offs on either side - Zoe is definitely having second thoughts but after a few minutes to recompose, she steels herself for the challenge and we go on.

After another half hour of what felt like some serious climbing, we are there.

A great feeling and an amazing almost 360 degree view all around the valley from the top - it is only a narrow plateau with sheer drops all around. (See extras)

Going down seemed so much less stressful and before we knew it we were back at the lodge enjoying a celebratory beer.

Mission accomplished - it was scarier than anticipated and we were both so happy to have completed the hike.