Day 63 – 5/15/16
~7.9 map / 11.6 GPS miles
934.9 / 1013.5 miles total
Our spirits were a bit low this morning, so annoyed by all the chaos and logistical hassle Zion and our finish had turned into. After breakfast and grocery shopping, we got out on the street to hitch with a sign for “Zion”. We figured it would probably take hours. But within 5 minutes a guy stopped for us and we had our ride all the way to the park entrance.
Sunday at noon was somehow less than half as crowded as Saturday afternoon. We sprawled on the grass eating lunches we’d packed out and got some ice cream before heading back into the park. While sitting there we met fellow thru hikers Games and Reason (PCT ’13) who gave us some beers for the trail!
We got seats on the first shuttle bus without having to wait in line (yesterday the buses were so crowded you had to wait for multiple buses to pass through before you could cram on).
We road walked the mile or so from Weeping Rock to the trailhead for the west rim, which is also the route to Angel’s Landing, a very popular and rather strenuous hike. We flew up the switchbacks and dropped our packs for a quick out and back to Angel’s Landing. The trail is steep and over slickrock with what normal people would consider dangerous exposure.
The park has installed chains along the route for terrified visitors to hold on to. This of course creates quite a traffic jam. All three of us played the “don’t touch the chains” game; it was really quite easy after having hiked the Hayduke. Joey and I also played another game, “Find the Nic Barth alternate”, wherein we were total jerks and passed everyone we possibly could by scrambling up rock on either side of the people clutching the chains for dear life, much to their horror. I cannot express how much fun this was.
After some photos at the top, we returned, trying to be a little less jerky on the way down. But then someone was flying a drone overhead, which really pissed me off. They are noisy and most certainly not allowed in the park. I voiced my disapproval very very loudly with some not so carefully selected words.
We picked up our packs, only a little nibbled on by squirrels in our absence, and continued on the West Rim trail. Just like yesterday’s junction with Observation Point, the traffic instantly disappeared. Back to bliss.
The scenery the rest of the day was beautiful and peaceful. So lovely to be out hiking this bonus section!
Love the paintbrush picture! What beautiful views!
Great pictures!
I know it is hard, but remember you do want those annoying but terrified people to get to see a bit of what we have left of lands that are mostly open and untouched, as they probably pay taxes too.
I am guessing that when all the screens started invading the remote places there were thru hikers who saw them in an unfavorable light, as you saw those chains that opened an area up to lesser beings. But those screens made things more convenient in terms of safety, access and communication.
I am no hiker but am grateful I got to see the Grand Canyon long ago when it was so quiet, no mobs of people, no helicopters, peaceful..
You are all brave and fit enough to go way beyond the reach of them for the most part, and I do love being along for the ride and really I do get why you would be annoyed.
Oh, I want all people to be able to access and enjoy our parks. And I get that without the chains a lot of people would not be able to visit Angel’s Landing. It’s just a shock to be out in such desolate land for so long and then suddenly meet up with such huge crowds. Not trying to sound elitist when comparing our scrambling up to visitors using chains, though I know it sounds that way. We have such a different perspective from many people – it really was just fun to run up that thing! I wasn’t even particularly annoyed with the slowness of the lines through the chains – I totally understand it. The drone though, that made me made – just like helicopters in the Grand Canyon!
Awesome photos. I used to fly remote control planes over a decade ago so I understand your dislike; nobody should be flying anything out there that creates noise pollution.
Loved the sunset pictures. I would be one of those people gripping the chain if I got on the trail at all. Prefer walking it with you.
Gorgeous camp site.
The last time I was in Zion, I found Angels Rest terrifying. Gabriel and I were both nerved out and didn’t go to the top. There were so many people and not every appreciating the consequences of the exposure.
I may play on 4th class and climb, but that trail… better without the conga line.