The trail to Angel's Landing starts innocently enough, a mostly paves path switchbacking its way up the canyon wall. The trail briefly follows a slot canyon before heading up a series of very steep, stone lined switchbacks. I can't believe someone actually built this trail. There is a resting spot at Scout's Landing.
I looked out at the wall in front of me and wondered where the trail went. Surely it did not go up that tower with no discernible route. Where else could it go?
The best way to find out where the trail goes, is to follow it. I knew it couldn't go up that tower. The closer I got the more convinced I was, no way. As you have guessed, that is where it went. Poles with a chain slung between them offered all the comfort you'd get on this trail. I passed a German couple making their way down. they had been the first of the day up and declared it would be all mine. I pushed on. The path narrowed to a couple feet wide with drop offs on both sides, straight down, thousands of feet.
I ran into an icy patch in a very precarious spot. Twice I failed to make it over the ice. I sat down on the rock and tried to decide what to do. Turn back? I looked back and there at Scout's Landing was the German couple staring up at me. How could I turn back now with this international reputation on the line. I managed to get over the ice and on to the top. For the 45 to 60 minutes I was up there, 5 others managed to make it to the top. The view is one of the best in America. Not only are you looking down canyon but also up canyon. Angel's landing is stuck out in the middle of the canyon rather than a side wall.
Big drop on both sides
No comments:
Post a Comment