Together, a group of eight hikers made their way to the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, 1.9 million acres of wilderness reaching from the town of Escalante in northeast Utah to Kanab in southwest Utah. To get to Coyote Gulch, the group drove 36 miles south of U.S. 12, off Escalante Grand Staircase’s Hole in the Rock Role and entered the canyon via “Crack in the Wall”.

The first two miles were easy, until the group reached the rim of the canyon. This is where the real adventure began. They then had to climb down the “crack” in the wall to make it to the canyon floor, lowering themselves one-by-one by a rope. Once they were all safely transported down to the canyon bottom, they made their way to Stevens Arch, a 225-foot wide and 160-foot tall just a short distance away from the Crack in the Wall.

After spending the night camping near Stevens Arch, the group continued their trek upstream, the opposite direction of the Escalante River. Next notable rock formation on this list: Coyote Natural Bridge, a small arch with a stream that runs beneath it.

By late afternoon, the group reached Jacob Hamblin Arch, which is where the ascent back up to the trailhead begins. They opted to stay the night before hiking to Hurricane Wash and completing their journey.

Jacob Hamblin Arch

Ed Doran, a photographer who accompanied the group on the journey, described the journey as,

“Magical rock formations, geologic wonders full of color, texture, and spellbinding beauty inhabit the area. One becomes acutely aware of just how small and insignificant we all are against the backdrop and solitude of the area. Endless slot canyons and crevices beckon you, each with its own unique perspective and hidden secrets.”

For a much more detailed explanation of backpacking Coyote Gulch, check out the full blog post on Southwest Discoveries, a travel company that specializes in providing unique itineraries with expert guides by your side for adventures in the Southwest.

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Angels Landing is the most popular hike in Zion National Park despite its difficulty, and for good reason. If you don’t have a fear of heights, Angels Landing is the perfect trail for seasoned hikers to challenge themselves. The trail takes between 3-6 hours to complete, but the views from the top make it worth the time and energy.

From the Visitors Center, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the 6th stop for the Grotto Trailhead. From the shuttle stop, cross the street and cross the bridge over the Virgin River. The paved trail takes you up the west side of the canyon through a series of steep switchbacks. These 21 constructed switchbacks are named Walter’s Wiggles after Zion’s first superintendent, Walter Ruesch.

At the top of the switchbacks you’ll come to a sandy area. This area is known as Scout’s Lookout—a nice place to stop for those afraid of heights. Here you can still get great views of the main canyon below without having to climb the cables. However, if you are feeling up to the challenge the last 0.5 miles of the trail require grasping onto chain cables and walking on the narrow spine of the mountain. There are parts of this section where you will be able to look down both sides of the canyon—both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

Chains, carved steps, and a brave heart will help you conquer the final 500 feet of elevation gain to Angels Landing. From the top you’ll see quite a few of Zion’s landmarks including the Virgin River, Big Bend, the Organ, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, and Cable Mountain. The views of both sides of the canyon are truly spectacular and one can only fully understand the beauty by seeing it in person. Once you’ve taken your fair share of photos, re-trace your steps back downhill to the trailhead. In my experience the way back down was far less intimidating than heading up.

Warning: Angels Landing is not only a strenuous trail but also dangerous. Inexperienced hikers, those afraid of heights, or people who experience altitude sickness should not partake in this hike. Since 2004, a half a dozen hikers have died on this hike. Angels Landing is no joke!

Angels Landing Tips

Tip #1: This hike is not for those who are afraid of heights. The last 0.5 miles of this trail require grasping cables to get to the top of Angels Landing with posted signs warning of deaths that have taken place here.

Tip #2: Due to the technicality of this hike, children should not be brought on this hike for their safety.

Tip #3: Start this hike early. Not only will less people be on the trail but you will also allow yourself more time to take pictures and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Tip #4: Wear appropriate attire. The majority of this trail is exposed with little shade. Wear sunscreen, light layers, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Tip #5: Be mindful of other hikers, especially on the cables. One wrong step and you could lead to a serious injury or death.

Tip #6: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times of day to capture truly stunning pictures on this hike. Just pay mind to not go too late to ensure you get down the cable portion of the trail before it gets dark.

Tip #7: You’ll see plenty of squirrels and chipmunks along this trail. Although they are cute you should not feed these animals as it is not good for their digestive system and you can get slapped with a $100 fee.

Driving Directions to Zion National Park

From the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to Zion’s east entrance.

From Arizona: Travel US-89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab, Utah. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet

Total Distance: 5 miles

Trailhead address: SR 9, Springdale, UT 84767

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The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a quick 1.2-mile hike along a paved walkway accessible enough for people in wheelchairs and children in strollers, allowing anyone to be able to enjoy the views. It can be extended to reach the Middle (2-miles roundtrip) and the Upper (3-miles roundtrip). The Lower trail leads hikers along the canyon bottom to the Lower Emerald Pool, where two small streams fall along the cliff face and trickle into pools.

From the Zion Lodge shuttle stop, walk toward the Zion Lodge. You’ll begin to see signs directing you toward the Emerald Pool Trails. The Trailhead for the Lower Emerald Pools Trail begins across the highway from the Zion Lodge. Cross the wooden footbridge and follow the trail to the right (north) that runs alongside the Virgin River. Once the trail takes you away from the Virgin River, you’ll be greeted by lush vegetation as you meander beneath the green canopy of tree leaves. At 0.5 miles you will reach an alcove where two waterfalls from the middle pools drip down into the pools below. For elderly or those with baby strollers, this is a good point to turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

For those that have a bit more time to spare, or are looking for something a bit more strenuous, you can continue onward to the middle and upper emerald pool. If you choose to continue onwards, the trail takes you on a loop back to the lodge.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail Tips

Tip #1: This trail can also be accessed at the Grotto bus stop via the less-traveled Kayenta Trail.

Tip #2: Because this hike is non-strenuous, the trail can get packed during summer months. If you want to beat the crowds, try to hit this hike as early as possible.

Tip #3: Though you were once able to take a dip in the pools in the past, hikers can no longer play in the water. Guardrails and signs will be posted to encourage this.

Tip #4: A spur trail near Lady Mountain is now closed after rainstorms and floods that took place in December 2010.

Tip #5: The waterfalls at the Emerald Pools are stronger in spring months. Other times of year do not expect to see anything similar to the waterfalls found at Yosemite.

Driving Directions to Zion National Park

From the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to Zion’s east entrance.

From Arizona: Travel US-89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab, Utah. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance.

Elevation Gain: 70 feet

Trailhead Coordinates: 37.249766, -112.957328

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 1.2 Miles

Trailhead Address: SR 9, Springdale, UT 84767

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