Zion | Learning to Trust Myself

Zion has been top of my list for awhile now. The stunning views, amazing hikes, and the crazy walk through the narrows. 

My mouth dropped open when I saw the canyon walls that make up this National Park. After the parks in the Sierras, I wasn’t expecting how compact Zion is. Zion Canyon is 15 miles long park, but man, it’s jam packed.

Let’s just say I was not prepared, in some good ways and some bad! I arrived as the sun was setting so pretty much just set up camp and caught up with some friends on the phone in my tent. I watched a stunning sunrise from the comfort of my sleeping bag in the morning - then began to prepare for my day’s hike to Angel’s Landing. IT WAS VERY INTENSE. Steep inclines and switchbacks on the way up. Then after a rest at Scout’s Landing where a chipmunk ran over my leg trying to steal my sandwich...I started the ascent up. 

For this portion of the hike, you are climbing the side of a gigantic canyon while holding onto chains. I made it about halfway up to another resting area before I decided to turn back. I was not mentally prepared and felt uncomfortable. I know myself and going down is what gets me, so gazing up at the next stage...not ready. 

I met an awesome couple on the way down, who became my cheerleaders as I moved slowly to each foothold while holding the chains. As I went, I became more and more comfortable and happy with my choice NOT to climb hire. I quickly realized that my cheerleader couple were actually my camping neighbors AND from Reno! 

I met two other girls that were planning to walk to the Emerald Pools, so joined them for some hiking buddies. After chatting, we learned we were planning the same route through a few more Utah parks! I’m telling you, it’s a small world.

The next day became the day I learned that a walking stick is my best friend. I set out to Zion Adventure Company to rent dry pants, neoprene socks, and canyon socks. I’ve wanted to hike the Narrows since I learned they existed and cold water was not going to stop me!

My shoes instantly filled with water and I felt a weird sensation of water logged shoes but my feet not being cold. The gift of neoprene. I cannot imagine people doing this hike in sandals during the summertime. My hiking stick steadied me as I stumbled over slippery rocks and through rushing water. I absolutely loved the colors of the rocks and water, the sounds of the river, and soaring canyon walls that surrounded me on both sides. 

I hiked for about 2.5 hours in before turning back. I did not expect that walking with these shoes would essentially be like wearing ankle weights. By the end, I was ready to take everything off and put my Chaco’s back on. My feet might have been cold, but man were they comfortable!

Zion tested my limits for sure. I learned to trust my instincts and not go into an experience just to say I’ve done it, but rather get what I want out of the experience and be confident with my choices. I loved the Angel’s Landing hike even though I didn’t make it to the top. I spent more money than I wanted to hike the Narrows but I was able to spend specifically more time in the water with the right equipment. Until next time Zion!