Zion: Day 3- Canyon Overlook//Angels Landing//The Watchman
Moonrise—to —Moonrise
Zion- She welcomed us in Blue, then showered us in Gold.
Our morning began around 5am…. Coffee… PB on Sourdough toast… a quick shower, layering up against another desert 32 degree start—- popping on those already dusty hiking shoes, packing up water and snacks, checking All Trails one last time—- Ready To GO!
Driving into the Park is Other Worldly. I can’t even describe it—- cruising through the winding roads from the West entrance, it is impossible NOT to have your face smashed against the windshield, trying to take in the splendor of your surroundings. The colors changing through the rock as the Sun welcomes the day—- a dusty, cool indigo transforming slowly into hazy warmth…
We started at my #1 Spot I wanted to peep, Canyon Overlook.
Luckily, we arrived early—- only 3 cars in the 10 spots available to the trail (otherwise you have to find some pull offs down the road) Its a short, easy hike from the road, around and through the sandstone… When you get to the View, its, just, B A N A N A S.
We had this, ALMOST, to ourselves… just a few couples straggling around, waiting for the Sun to Rise…. So, total win! An introduction like this, to start out our Day 3, was un-real…. Such excitement to see what all would be in store, yet a pull to never, ever want to leave. There is a tangible spirit here, something that I havent felt anywhere else in the world.
Once we were ready to warm our fingers back up to feeling again, we hit the road- driving down into the Canyon we just viewed from above… Yup, just as incredible.
From here, we were heading to the Visitor Center- to board the tram- and make it over to our highlight hike of the day—- Angel’s Landing.
Yes, we played the lotto for a few days to do the Peak—- I can honestly say, I’m relieved we didn’t win. It looked terrifying—- My 25 year old self may have said “woohoo! Lets go!” but I have so many kids, and a right mind, and just, NO. Not that one.
HOWEVER, if you do this hike- here are my suggestions…. don’t just stop at the landing zone, go left! There is so much more elevation and hiking and overlooks with amazing views! AND better yet, it was quiet! We were up there with only a local, older gentleman we talked to a bit, and a German Hiker who took a few photos for us!
It was a perfect moment, without the dragons backbone, clutter of people, and me peeing my pants with fear!
I mean, come on… this is insane……
We finished Angel’s with plenty of the day to spare… so back on the tram, back to the visitor center, grabbed some snacks, and hit another trek.
This was The Watchman, and would be by far the hottest of our jaunts…..
Set behind the East Entrance, it was exposed, it was peak heat, it was a bit brutal for me… But I’m still stoked we did it. My feet ached as we reached the trails end, but the terrain and atmosphere changed up yet again, surprising me and reminding me, I am still strong, and I can still do hard things….
Our day wrapped up with grabbing some dinner—- I mean, we ugly scarfed down food!!! And a surprise heard of Buffalo right along the road… There must have been 30 of them.
We hit our tent, showered in our galvanized tub, lit a fire and enjoyed wine in our sweats under a twinkling sky.
Mini-mooning at its finest… Again, our way <3
Up next- Day four… and having to say farewell to this BEYOND special place. Till then- xoxo