Zion National Park

We left the solitude of Toroweap and drove the short distance to Zion National Park, the noise and crowdedness in sharp contrast to what we had just experienced. There were people everywhere! We typically find national parks to be comparable to zoos: a ton of people crowded into one spot to see nature's best and most amazing features, somewhat spoiled by the sheer number of people enjoying it with you. Oh well, Zion was worth it, as it is astoundingly beautiful, and you could experience a quieter version if you got onto the less popular trails.

The hiking trails in Zion are the most incredible I've ever seen in regards to engineering. We wondered who had the idea to put these trails in and how difficult it must've been; unfortunately, there was no information about the history of the trail building. Many of the trails are literally carved out of rock faces and, often, they have been 'paved' with concrete for miles upon miles. 

Kye liked the view, 

although he looks a little grumpy here actually.

"Angel's Landing" trail goes along the rock spine you see here...

some serious exposure.

The last .5 miles of "Angel's Landing" are a slab scramble,

so the chain is really important

as a fall off either side of the narrow trail would be fatal.

You can somewhat see what I mean by 'exposure'.

I am sitting in the safest spot on the trail (i.e. the middle),

and you can see how far away the valley floor is below.

Brandon & Kye- 

this part of the trail was not as scary as the end but just as impressive

in regards to trail-building.

Kye, flying amongst the fall colors.

The colors were stunning this time of year...

if only I were a better photographer.

We found fewer people on the Observation Point trail,

which was actually more beautiful than "Angel's Landing" 

but a bit longer and less hyped.

 This trail had serious exposure too, 

although you at least had the rock face to grab on one side.

Kye did an awesome job of napping for most of this hike.

Here, he enjoys the view, the reward for his efforts (napping). :)

 On the way down...

A cool canyon the trail went through.