Observation Point was the first hike on the list. It's a 5 hour hike I was hoping to do in 3. It starts a shuttle stop after the entrance for Angles Landing. It's on the strenuous list only because of the distance and consistent vertical grade all the way up but the trail is sometimes paved but always large and flat. This hike up was amazing. You go along the East Rim Trail which takes you back and forth behind the peaks up where there is more tree growth. I got there early enough so I was almost alone. The trail cuts through a massive canal and then you come up and see nothing but cliffs and red rock, so epic. I was hauling it up the trail, got to the summit, and then it's another half mile to the point, made it up in 1.75 hours. The views from observation point are amazing. You are another 1000? Feet higher than Angels Landing, looking down on it and through the valley. The top is 6500 feet. Took a break, had a snack, took some pics and then headed back down. Cruised down as well, made it in 45 minutes. The people were starting to come up, you know those people you see towards the bottom that are already struggling, and you know how much more they have to do, sometimes I just want to sit them down and tell them what's in store, but I don't and feel bad, they'll figure it out.
I wanted to see all of Zion so I took the shuttle to all the stops, had lunch at the Temple of Sinawava which is a natural amphitheater and the entrance to the Narrows which is the most popular hike in the park. Next time when it doesn't rain I will go. Stopped at the Big Bend and Court of Patriarchs which were gorgeous.
I wanted to do an easy and quick hike in the afternoon so I decided to do Emerald Pools. I wish I did a different harder one cause there were so many damn people! And the pools were just ok I thought, we have cooler swimming holes in VT with a quarter of the people. Don't get me wrong it's very cool there's an oasis and lots of green in this rocky desert. Just when you're hot and sweaty and you have to wait for other hotter and sweater people to move in front of you it gets old. And there should be a class on proper hiking etiquette and all the niños should take it before they are allowed to hike. Decent views and a quick hike if you are in a hurry but I recommend something else if you can.
Shuttled a little more around the park and got back to the campsite around 430. Took a dip in the river which was the best feeling after a hot day in the sun. Had a couple brewskis, prepped dinner, fed my neighbors who got all there stuff messed up in the flood, nice peoples, cleaned up, went to bed. Woke up at 12am cause my sister, Reshydawg!, told me there was a meteor shower. I saw 5 shooting stars and the Milky Way was looking great. I miss the stars.
Day 3 in the books as one of the best. Tomorrow off to see the Danny Bones Bonesaw Werneyyyyyyyy!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment