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by Astrid Sieger 

In an ongoing effort to provide options for folks looking for an amazing winter national park vacation we are letting our visitors know about National Parks that are open year round; especially those specifically geared toward winter recreation.

Thinking about national parks I’ve enjoyed hiking the most my thoughts take me back about 8 years to Zion National Park.  Zion is an amazingly beautiful national park found in southwestern Utah.  Within the park are many hiking trails and natural wonders that can literally take your breath away.  On a particular trip to Zion National Park in July several years ago my friend and I embarked on the 5 hour hike that is Angel’s Landing.

 

Over the years Angel’s Landing has become Zion’s pride and joy.  The trail that moves up this towering monolith runs along a narrow rock fin with dizzying drop-offs on both sides. Climbers scale its big wall; hikers pull themselves up by chains — CHAINS mind you, while practically hanging off the side thousands of feet above the ground. 

I love hiking, I used to love climbing but with time have developed an irrational fear of heights completely out of my control.  So it is no surprise that I didn’t make it all the way to the lofty perch that is a vigilant hikers reward at the end of this trail.  My friend continued the last 1/2 mile or so across the narrow sandstone ridge and to the steep rock wall that leads to, what I hear, are magnificient views.  As I sat waiting for her to return many fellow hikers passed me on their way to the top.  One man brought his little daughter who couldn’t have been more than 9 years old.  When I asked them if they were okay with the steepness of the hike he replied that hiking these trails was one of their favorite pastimes…

Angel’s Landing is about 5 miles long.  I made it probably about 1/2 way but this, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Southwest, is hiked my hundred’s of people every year.  Like I said, we went in July, possibly a mistake because of the extreme heat of the region.  Zion National Park is open year round and the best time to hike Angel’s Landing is between October and March.  The trail is always open unless snow and ice are present. So lace up those hiking boots, fill your water bottles and head out to Zion National Park for a true “winter” adventure.