Nevada– Utah 2: Zion National Park
Palindromes and Road Trips
Road Trip Tally
This Trip
2,500 MILES
1000 PHOTOS CATALOGED
Cumulative
Larry Has Gone: 26,000 Miles
Cataloged 12,650 photos
11 NEW LIFE LIST Bird Species
Angel’s Landing
This was a bucket-list hike, and one that is basically 4 miles of scaling a cliff via switchbacks. The final few hundred yards requires a permit that is awarded by lottery. I didn’t land a permit, but the experience was nonetheless 100% satisfying! I would definitely do it a second time! I didn’t take tons of photographs here as I really wanted to stay present in the moment, and I knew that photographs wouldn’t capture the immensity or spiritual essence of the scene.
Angel’s Landing Trail in Zion National Park, Utah, spans approximately 5.4 miles round trip and ascends over 1,800 feet in elevation. Beginning at the Grotto Trailhead, it follows the West Rim Trail before veering off onto its namesake route. The trail presents a strenuous but well-maintained path, featuring steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The final half-mile section, notorious for its narrow spine and sheer drop-offs, is secured by anchored chains for safety. Hikers must exercise caution, especially in adverse weather conditions. At the summit, located 1,488 feet above the canyon floor, breathtaking vistas of Zion Canyon and surrounding peaks await, rewarding the intrepid with unparalleled views. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced adventurers (AllTrails).
The permit section begins at #6. This is where climbers scale the narrow pinnacle assisted by chains and rails. The drop on either side is over a thousand feet in some places.
You may have to look closely to see the hikers in the photo above. At the very bottom you can see the ranger standing next to a sign. He is checking permits required to continue up the cliff to the pinnacle. I didn’t win a permit, maybe next time. I ate my snacks on that big rock just to the left of the ranger and watched 50 or so people start up the last few hundred yards. I then hiked a side trail that allowed me to get this photo.
Bird Species This Trip–Eleven Lifers!
I actually dedicated a significant time to finding new bird species in Utah, resulting in eleven species* added to my life list!
Species List
| American Robin |
| *Ash-throated Flycatcher |
| Black-billed Magpie |
| *Black-throated Gray Warbler |
| *Black-throated Sparrow |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher |
| Canada Goose |
| Canyon Wren |
| *Cassin’s Finch |
| Common Raven |
| Dark-eyed Junco |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove |
| European Starling |
| *Gambel’s Quail |
| Great-tailed Grackle |
| House Finch |
| House Sparrow |
| House Wren |
| *Juniper Titmouse |
| *Lazuli Bunting |
| Lesser Goldfinch |
| Mallard |
| Mourning Dove |
| Northern Flicker |
| Northern Mockingbird |
| Osprey |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) |
| Rock Wren |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
| Say’s Phoebe |
| Song Sparrow |
| Spotted Towhee |
| Turkey Vulture |
| *Violet-green Swallow |
| *Virginia’s Warbler |
| Western Bluebird |
| Western Kingbird |
| Western Meadowlark |
| White-crowned Sparrow |
| *White-throated Swift |
| *Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay |
| Yellow Warbler |
Larry Goes 