How tough are Zion Hikes?

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is horribly
hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I am a
little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more so about
the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains before.
Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but just how
dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop off;
I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like that again.

"Toller" wrote...

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is horribly
hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I am
a little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more so
about the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains
before. Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but
just how dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop
off; I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like that
again.

I was over 50 and was (and am) a mid-level or lower speed and not any sort
of an endurance hiker when I went to Zion with instructions to hike Angels
Landing as long as I wasn't afraid of height. Take your time and the length
and vertical gain of the hike shouldn't be an issue. Without doubt, it was
the most memorable hike I've done.

I have never done a hike with chain assistance, either, but it wasn't an
issue for me. I've forgotten the vertical drop from the chain area and
Landing but it is a BIG drop. I'm pretty sure that there were a few areas
where you can look Down both sides of the ridge but it's not like a 10" wide
ledge that you have no wish to do again. It does get a bit more interesting
when you meet someone going the other way on the chains--there are places to
safely pass each other. But look at the bright side--unlike some Zion hikes,
you have no chance of a flash flood sweeping you to your death on Angels
Landing. Ah, from a map, it looks like you may be able to look straight down
a good 800-1200' or so...as I said, the most memorable hike I've done.

Let us know what you decide, either now or after returning from the trip.
I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Craig

PS: from a web search:

In August 2006, a 29 year old Las Vegas woman fell 1,000 feet to her death
from near the top of the trail, the 5th fatality here since 1983.

Pix: http://www.zionnational-park.com/ima...m2/index10.htm

"Craig" wrote in message
...

"Toller" wrote...

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is horribly
hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I am
a little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more so
about the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains
before. Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but
just how dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop
off; I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like that
again.

I was over 50 and was (and am) a mid-level or lower speed and not any
sort of an endurance hiker when I went to Zion with instructions to hike
Angels Landing as long as I wasn't afraid of height. Take your time and
the length and vertical gain of the hike shouldn't be an issue. Without
doubt, it was the most memorable hike I've done.

I have never done a hike with chain assistance, either, but it wasn't an
issue for me. I've forgotten the vertical drop from the chain area and
Landing but it is a BIG drop. I'm pretty sure that there were a few areas
where you can look Down both sides of the ridge but it's not like a 10"
wide ledge that you have no wish to do again. It does get a bit more
interesting when you meet someone going the other way on the chains--there
are places to safely pass each other. But look at the bright side--unlike
some Zion hikes, you have no chance of a flash flood sweeping you to your
death on Angels Landing. Ah, from a map, it looks like you may be able to
look straight down a good 800-1200' or so...as I said, the most memorable
hike I've done.

Let us know what you decide, either now or after returning from the trip.
I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Craig

PS: from a web search:

In August 2006, a 29 year old Las Vegas woman fell 1,000 feet to her death
from near the top of the trail, the 5th fatality here since 1983.

Pix: http://www.zionnational-park.com/ima...m2/index10.htm

Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't know if I
could do that.
I have climbed a 5 pitch 750' climb in Yosemite, but had a rope.

In article ,
Toller wrote:
Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't
know if I could do that.

Well, you can get near to Angel's Landing without doing anything
scary, and then decide if you want to go farther. You'll be able
to see it and talk to people who are coming back. There's a lookout
where you can stop before the "scary" part out to Angel's Landing.
If you aren't afraid of heights, it's not a big deal to go to Angel's
Landing (it's not very technical). If you are, don't go, but do
go up to the lookout.

It's a big climb, but the footing is fine. Just take your time.
The longest climb is up something called "Walter's Wiggles." The
nice thing about this is, in the morning, it'll be in the shade.

Observation Point is similar to the pre-Landing hike. There's
nothing scary in that. Just take your time (and bring plenty of
water) if you're unsure.

"Todd Michel McComb" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Toller wrote:
Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't
know if I could do that.

Well, you can get near to Angel's Landing without doing anything
scary, and then decide if you want to go farther. You'll be able
to see it and talk to people who are coming back. There's a lookout
where you can stop before the "scary" part out to Angel's Landing.
If you aren't afraid of heights, it's not a big deal to go to Angel's
Landing (it's not very technical). If you are, don't go, but do
go up to the lookout.

Sadly, I am rather afraid of heights. Last year I had to have a friend go
up on my roof and fix a piece of trim cause I couldn't; very embarressing.

Is there any reason I couldn't wear a climbing harness and loop a rope over
the chain? Safely tied in I become very bold again. It looks like an
incredible hike and I would like to do it.

In article ,
Toller wrote:
Is there any reason I couldn't wear a climbing harness and loop a
rope over the chain?

I suggest asking the Park Service about something so specific. I
could only guess what their opinion would be. The concern, if any,
would be the other hikers; it's a crowded hike.

"Toller" wrote:

Sadly, I am rather afraid of heights. Last year I had to have a friend go
up on my roof and fix a piece of trim cause I couldn't; very embarressing.
Is there any reason I couldn't wear a climbing harness and loop a rope over
the chain? Safely tied in I become very bold again.

The problem with this idea is that there are vertical posts along the
chained sections they would require unclips and re-clips, plus
sections with no chains. For most people, one's arms and handgrips can
provide all the tie-in that is really required to do this route. If
you really can't negotiate an exposed Class 3 section without being
roped-up, don't do this route.

And BTW you have no idea just how embarrassing it would be to do this
non-technical route with technical climbing gear, while dozens of kids
and geezers scamper around you -- pointing at you and snickering.


Caveat

Toller wrote:
"Craig" wrote in message
...
"Toller" wrote...

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is horribly
hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I am
a little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more so
about the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains
before. Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but
just how dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop
off; I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like that
again.
PS: from a web search:

In August 2006, a 29 year old Las Vegas woman fell 1,000 feet to her death
from near the top of the trail, the 5th fatality here since 1983.

Pix: http://www.zionnational-park.com/ima...m2/index10.htm

Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't know if I
could do that.
I have climbed a 5 pitch 750' climb in Yosemite, but had a rope.


Hi Toller,

I did both Angels Landing and Observation Point. From the point of view
of hight anxiety Observation Point is not exposed, whereas only the last
300' of Angels Landing is (where the chains are). In the pictures it
looks pretty nasty, but in the real world it is not as scary, since
there ale always a lot of fellow hikers to help/assist. The view from
Observation Point is breathtaking too, since you look down on Angels
Landing!

Best regards and enjoy!

Jjan

"jjan" wrote in message
...
Toller wrote:
"Craig" wrote in message
...
"Toller" wrote...

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is
horribly hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I
am a little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more
so about the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains
before. Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but
just how dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop
off; I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like
that again.
PS: from a web search:

In August 2006, a 29 year old Las Vegas woman fell 1,000 feet to her
death from near the top of the trail, the 5th fatality here since 1983.

Pix: http://www.zionnational-park.com/ima...m2/index10.htm

Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't know if
I could do that.
I have climbed a 5 pitch 750' climb in Yosemite, but had a rope.
Hi Toller,

I did both Angels Landing and Observation Point. From the point of view
of hight anxiety Observation Point is not exposed, whereas only the last
300' of Angels Landing is (where the chains are). In the pictures it looks
pretty nasty, but in the real world it is not as scary, since there ale
always a lot of fellow hikers to help/assist. The view from
Observation Point is breathtaking too, since you look down on Angels
Landing!

The pictures do look nasty, thanks.
Ignoring exposure, which is the better hike? The canyon on Observation
Point looked pretty cool, but it is a longer more difficult hike.

On May 9, 7:43 am, "Toller" wrote:
"jjan" wrote in message

...



Toller wrote:
"Craig" wrote in message
...
"Toller" wrote...

I am planning on visiting Zion in late July. Yes, I know it is
horribly hot, but that is when I will be there.
I am thinking of doing either Angel's Landing or Observation Point. I
am a little concerned about the strenuous nature of the them, but more
so about the chains. Can't say I have ever been on a trail with chains
before. Presumably no one falls off them or they wouldn't be open, but
just how dangerous and difficult are they?
Last year I did a 25' traverse across a 10" wide ledge with a 50' drop
off; I didn't much enjoy it and wouldn't want to face anything like
that again.
PS: from a web search:

In August 2006, a 29 year old Las Vegas woman fell 1,000 feet to her
death from near the top of the trail, the 5th fatality here since 1983.

Pix:http://www.zionnational-park.com/ima...m2/index10.htm

Oh my God! Thanks for the link, it looks incredible; but I don't know if
I could do that.
I have climbed a 5 pitch 750' climb in Yosemite, but had a rope.
Hi Toller,

I did both Angels Landing and Observation Point. From the point of view
of hight anxiety Observation Point is not exposed, whereas only the last
300' of Angels Landing is (where the chains are). In the pictures it looks
pretty nasty, but in the real world it is not as scary, since there ale
always a lot of fellow hikers to help/assist. The view from
Observation Point is breathtaking too, since you look down on Angels
Landing!

The pictures do look nasty, thanks.
Ignoring exposure, which is the better hike? The canyon on Observation
Point looked pretty cool, but it is a longer more difficult hike.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

As noted above, Angel's Landing looks scarier in photos than it is in
real life. The chains are a reassurance, but even if there were no
chains, I would not consider it a particularly dangerous hike.

I think it might sort of be like comparing Yosemite's Half Dome and
Cloud's Rest hikes. Half Dome has the chains and it's undoubtedly
steeper, more popular, etc. But from Cloud's Rest, you get to look
down on Half Dome. Same with Angel's Landing v. Observation Point.