We tackled the West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing on Friday and I’m happy to report we all survived – I was “iffy” but, I did well! It is a strenuous 2.5 mile climb up about 1400 feet elevation to Scout Lookout. Then if you have the stamina and the NERVE you can climb the remaining half mile up a very steep cliff, across a 3 foot wide cliff – with a 1200 foot drop on one side and an 800 foot drop on the other side – then up another steep cliff to the top of Angel’s Landing! There are chains to hold on to but it was definitely scary! Megan really wanted to do it but Roger & I let the voice of reason convince us and Carlos had a knee brace on his left knee so he wasn’t real thrilled about trying it either – so, we convinced Megan not to go alone. Thank goodness, because I could not have watched and waited for her! We were resting on our way up and this couple stopped to talk with us – he told us they were climbing it the second time because last Thanksgiving when they got to the top a women had fallen and died and they closed the trail! Why he felt the need to tell us I don’t know but, I could have done without that story!
The trail begins at the Virgin River and climbs up one of the big peaks – many switchbacks! – and then you enter a beautiful canyon where the trail flattens out and the shade cools you - and then you get to the “Wiggles” a series of 22 steep switchbacks that take you to Scouts Lookout. We ate our lunch up on top and then began our descent. It was difficult but Roger & I took our time and rested frequently – we actually completed the round trip in the average time of 4 hours.
We are excited that we did it! The big question is “will we be able to get out of bed in the morning?”
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