UTAZ Day 5: Zion NP - Angel's Landing & Kolob Canyons Rappelling

So I know I went on and on about how Day 4 was full of magic, and it WAS, but really, Day 5 was pretty magical too.

Basically, Zion National Park is just incredible and I feel so lucky that we were able to be there and complete two of its most famous hikes.

Because after checking off The Narrows, we moved right on to scratching off my second bucket-list-hike (and the alleged “scariest hike in America”) - Angel’s Landing!

I’m not sure it’s really the scariest, but it certainly is spectacular.

Our rappelling expedition was rescheduled for 2 p.m. that afternoon, so we headed out a little earlier than we did the day before to be sure we'd be back on time. We made our breakfast in the kitchen, packed our lunches, and walked over to the Visitor's Center and shuttle stop. The day was cool and clear, just perfect for embarking on another hike I'd obsessed over, and one we hadn't yet decided if we'd like the kids complete.

While we mulled that over, we rode the shuttle to stop 6, The Grotto. We told the kids this would be a steep hike and that we'd pause near the top before the infamous "spine" section to talk about the last push and whether they wanted to do it (and the rules they'd have to follow if they did). We assured them that the hike would be fun and beautiful regardless and we'd just play it by ear.

The hike begins in the canyon where it was cool and almost cold. Then you begin the switchbacks to climb up the 1500 vertical feet it takes to reach the top and they are INTENSE. The 15% incline on the treadmills at Orangetheory have nothing on these steep paths.

By the time we got to a particularly crazy section called Walters Wiggles, the sweat was just pouring down my back and my hamstrings didn't know why I was being so mean.

"Cora, get back on the trail!"

We made it to Scout Lookout near the top, the last section before the chains and had our chat with the kids, right under the sign that tells you how many people have died on this hike over the years. They all emphatically wanted to continue, so we told them they had to stay in order with absolutely no jockeying for position (Landon-me-Claire-Cora-James), that they had to keep one hand on the chains at all times, and that we were trusting them to take this hike seriously. And they absolutely did.

The next mile was one of the most exhilerating of my life.

The Narrows is stunning in its soothing water and the high walls above.

Angel's Landing is stunning in its soaring views and the sheer cliffs below.

As you walked the spine to the very tip of the narrow cliff, you really do feel like you're walking on the seam of the world.

Our kids got lots of shout outs and compliments from other hikers and they did incredible. I was honestly never scared for them (nor were they the slightest bit nervous).

They were awed but firmly grounded, enthusiastic but serious, and they kept a hand on those chains.

We made it to the very top, legs shaking and faces smiling, and spent a long while soaking in the views.

Then we had a snack while giant California Condors soared high in the sky, right at about our current eye level.

And then we did hiked all the way back down.

It was an incredible morning.

The whole hike only took us about 3 hours for 5 miles and 3000 total vertical feet. We were drenched in sweat and my legs were still shaking from the declines as we rode the shuttle back to the visitor's center, walked to our hotel, and then soaked up a whole 45 minutes of rest before it was time to leave for our rappelling adventure! Time I used to sit on our bed and eat candy while James squeezed in a swim practice using stretch cords because opposites attract.

We had booked our canyoneering trip through Zion Guru months ago and were very grateful to them for rescheduling us at the last minute, but I must admit it was a bit hard to imagine hiking anywhere to do anything at all, particularly in the now-105 degree heat. But we re-filled our water packs, put back on our shoes, and ventured out to the shop in town where we met our guide Richard.

He drove us about 45 minutes out to the east section of Zion, where only about 2% of visitors go, and then into Kolob Canyon where only 1% venture. After all the crowds in the main canyon, we didn’t see a single person for the next 5 hours and that was pretty amazing.

First we geared up and hiked up the canyon. Apparently you have to go up to go down.

Our guide showed us a tiny a little slot challenge that he’d only had 4 people complete and after James, Claire, and a very determined Cora were forced to turn back, Landon became the 5th!!

He had to use his fingers and feet in nearly invisible holds to climb up to get through, and he was drenched in sweat when he finally did, but he made it and he was adorably proud.

Then we harnessed up for our first of 3 rappels.

Cora got a little scared but my heart grew to hear her siblings down below coaching her through and she was SO PROUD to triumphantly yell “OFF ROPE!” at the bottom.

We did a 70 foot rappel and then a 55 foot rappel that you had to squeeze through a fissure to begin.

It was so fun and different and Landon declared it the best part of the trip so far.

Both girls fell asleep on the drive back but somehow everyone was in the pool before a late dinner back in the room followed by a VERY deep sleep for all.

The next morning we packed up and headed back towards Escalante through Bryce Canyon. The adventures continued, but Zion, you were made of magic and we’ll never forget you.