Observation Point, Zion

August 10

Zion Canyon from Observation Point

Click here for today's pics.

Since 2000, cars aren't permitted on Zion's Scenic Loop, which is how you get to most of the hot spots along the most substantial part of the canyon.  We took the shuttle from the hotel to the Visitor Center, then to Weeping Rock to hike to Observation Point. The shuttle wasn't too bad. We only had to wait for a few minutes. It was pretty crowded; many had to stand. It probably took thirty minutes for what would have been ten by car.

Observation Point is on the East Rim on the north end of the Scenic Road.  It affords an amazing view of the valley from the north end, and looks down upon Angel's Landing.  The hike is strenuous - eight miles roundtrip and up up up!  Not counting our diversion to Hidden Canyon on the way down, it took us six hours round trip, with three up, one at the top and would have been two back down.  It's a great hike.  The start gets you up the initial steep part with many switch backs and gorgeous views immediately as you rise above the main canyon floor.  Then you go along a cool side canyon, which must qualify as a "slot."  We saw guys with canyoneering gear walking along the bottom.  The hike actually would be well worth doing even if we'd stopped here (about 1.5 hours in).  The canyon is cool and the views on the initial switchbacks are significant. The next phase is a bit more harrowing, with a trail maybe a little wider than a sidewalk with no railing to discourage you from plummeting hundreds of feet down.  It was emotionally taxing for Karen. "Brady, stick to the inside, go slower, be in control, watch your feet ..." for a couple hours.  Many parts she insisted on holding his hand, with him on the inside lane.  The Mom stress factor was high!  The final twenty minutes is a walk along a plateau on a sandy trail with low bushes that could just as well be Cape Cod.  We saw many torched trees up on the rim that we're assuming had been struck by lightening.  The whole hike was exposed with constant fantastic views, and Observation Point itself was spectacular looking out onto the valley floor, with the river below.

Trouble at the top - Brady climbed into the shade of a scrub tree to eat his sandwich, and sat on a pear cactus.  Karen spent fifteen minutes extracting teeny tiny needles from his skin and clothing.  He wasn't hurt, just the needles are irritating.  <Insert comment here.>  Poor B, but all three kids thought it was funny to be at the top of the mountain with Karen having pulled his pants down for some needle extraction.

On our way down, we took a quick (Scott's word) one mile one hour round-trip detour to Hidden Canyon, which required traversing some ledges with chains cemented into the rock.  Really?!  Again, Mom stress.  Where are the easy no risk hikes in this park?!  It was cool, but we were weary by that point, and maybe didn't appreciate it fully.  Also compared to our Wire Pass Slot Canyon tour yesterday, this slot was not really as impressive.

Oh, and the weather was gorgeous again!  High 70's when we started, although up to 90 by afternoon, but nice breeze and some parts of hike were shaded.

Anyway, another great day, and the kids were again completely on-board with a big hike.  In fact, there were grumblings in the morning when we were considering just a mild park tour with only short hikes.

We're loving Zion, and the pool and hot tub back here at our beautiful hotel provide an excellent finish to the day.

Quotes

(Background: When Brady was young, Miles posted a sign on Brady's door proclaiming him a maniac.  But he spelled it "manyak," so henceforth he's been "Man Yak".)

Scott, paraphrasing the shuttle's audio loop: "Angel's Landing is not recommended for small children or Man Yaks."

Brady: "I'm Man Yak #1.  I'm not a man yak, I'm The Man Yak."

Karen, while traversing a paved but dangerous portion of trail: "Brady please walk in the middle of the sidewalk."

Brady: "Walk in the middle?  Then why do they call it a sidewalk?"

We were talking about what the kids might be/do when they grow up.  

Callie: "Brady, someday when I own my own company, you'll be one of my best paid employees."

Angel's Landing from Observation Point