They day was not over, as scribbling left behind on a hotel note pad lead us to another driving adventure. Photo by Donna Mae.

Trailhead

We drove to the little town of Toquerville to begin our 4WD down the extremely rough road.

Smith Plateau

Going down the bumpy road with the flat sandstone topped mountains in the distance, was infinitely preferably than what we had just experienced on our bone chilling hike.

Hurricane Cliffs

The waterfalls soon appeared in the middle of the desert, surrounded by sagebrush and cottonwood trees.

Toquerville Falls

Checking out the swimming hole. Looks inviting, but I’ll pass. Besides, I’m overdressed. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

Toquerville Falls

Donna sitting next to the 20′ drop. A metal ladder was secured nearby for climbing back up. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

Toquerville Falls

Standing in front of the cascading falls that are fed by the La Verkin Creek. Photo by Donna Mae.

Toquerville Falls

Top of the falls, where I understand 4WD vehicles can cross if the water conditions permit for further exploration. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Toquerville Falls

The view from the other side.

Toquerville Falls

Danny climbing out of the swimming hole.

Toquerville Falls

Watching the flow of water cascading down to the sandstone table and spilling down into the swimming hole at 3,750′ elevation. Photo by Edgar Gamiao

Toquerville Falls

Looking down as the creek meets up with the Virgin River further downstream. Photo by Donna Mae.

Toquerville Falls

Donna overlooking the falls. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

Toquerville Falls

Cathy enjoying her perched view.

Toquerville Falls

The professional photographer behind the scene. The bushes was behind him. Photo by Donna Mae.

Toquerville Falls

Group photo left to right: myself, Jasmin, Donna, Edgar, Cathy and Danny.

All pau

We let the person that drove for a living take us back up the 5.8 mile road. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse, where the prime rib and clam chowder were out, the two things that I was salivating about and looking forward to polishing it off the dinner plate and bowl. Much mahalos to Cathy, Danny, Donna and Edgar for allowing us to join their company on so many fun filled adventures this past week.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Our final day in Zion National Park was a far cry from where only angels can land. Mahalo to Danny and Edgar for suggesting to grab the trifecta combo of waterproof socks, boots and hiking stick from Zion Outfitter. Saved our feet and balance.

Temple of Sinawava

We got off the last stop on the shuttle line and headed towards the amphitheater that marks the start of the canyon.

Riverside Walk

Following the paved path for a mile to the rocky beachhead. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Virgin River

Taking the cold plunge into the North Fork. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Mystery Falls

Not much water was rolling down the walls, just enough to give it a shiny sheen.

The Narrows

Rounding one of multiple bends that slowly unfolded the grand scenery that painted the entire canyon’s length.

The Narrows

Jasmin picking her path on the riverbed littered with assorted rocks the size of bowling balls and then some.

Narrows Alcove

Walking on the shore as we passed underneath the overhanging walls.

The Narrows

Following the river which was the trail, as it passed through multi-colored striped rocks.

The Narrows

The canyon started closing in on us as we made our way upstream.

Junction

Keeping left to stay in the river and enter the area known as Wall Street for its towering cliff walls.

Floating Rock

Going around the rock that has been rubbed smooth by the river for thousands of years.

Wall Street

The river became deeper as the walls closed in and the banks disappeared. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Boulder Pair

The confined corridor soon opened back up to allow the sun to illuminate the canyon.

USGS

Today’s flow rate was under 50 cfs(cubic feet per second), which made our hike easier in terms of water depth and currents. To put it into perspective, when the flow rate exceeds 150 cfs, the National Park Service will shut down the trail.

Big Springs?

I was not sure if we had reached the turn around point for bottom up hikers as no signs of visible water were gushing out from the canyon walls. But this was a good spot as any to dry out and bask in the sun for a bit. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno

The Narrows

Most hikers seemed to turn around at this point as they claimed the water went above your head. After some discussion; we also decided to stop here, take pictures and turn around as well. I will have to come back and do this hike from the top down to experience the complete canyon.

The Narrows

We jumped back into the cold and clear river to make our way back.

The Narrows

Hugging the canyon walls to keep our feet somewhat soggy.

High Ground

Jasmin avoiding the chest deep water on our way back.

The Narrows

Back in the water. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Hiccup Springs

Can you hear it? Water gurgling behind the sandstone walls.

The Narrows

The golden hour was upon us as the sunlight streamed through the narrow walls.

The Narrows

Jasmin passing by the scalloped cliff walls.

Orderville Canyon

Detouring into the tributary creek.

Orderville Canyon

We had to do more scrambling over slippery boulders and small runoffs, but did not make it to the veiled falls.

Orderville Canyon

Leaving the taller, darker and narrower canyon to join back up with the main trail.

The Narrows

Following the river as it twisted around the sandstone cliffs and boulders.

The Narrows

Eye candy all around us for our viewing pleasure.

The Narrows

Criss-crossing the river.

“The Eiger Sanction”

Let’s run back like Clint and George who shot some of their scenes in the canyon. Perhaps not. We are not actors.

Mystery Falls

We saw canyoneers making their way down the tricking cliff face.

The Narrows

Making our way back to the amusement park version of Disneyland.

All pau

Our 10.57 mile wading hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon was filled with close up views of Mother Nature’s craftmanship and chilly waters. Post hike meal at China Buffet. If it’s cheap, why go anywhere else?

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Met up with Cathy, Donna and Edgar from Hawaii to experience what many consider to be one of the classic day hikes in the country.

Deer Crossing

Sharing the road with a family of hoofed ruminant mammals as we got off the shuttle and walked over to the Grotto Trailhead.

Virgin River

I wonder how many were sacrificed when they built this bridge?

West Rim Trail

Getting our feet all sandy as we headed towards the fin shaped rock. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

West Rim Trail

The fine granular trail soon gave way to a paved path that hugged the base of the cliffs. Photo by Donna Mae.

West Rim Trail

Edgar steadily climbing up the trail underneath a rock overhang. Photo by Donna Mae.

West Rim Trail

The trail soon coiled into switch backs that ate up the elevation. Photo by Donna Mae.

West Rim Trail

Looking back into the picturesque valley. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

West Rim Trail

Jasmin crossing over a short bridge after the rapid elevation gain. Rapid being relative. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

Refrigerator Canyon

Reducing our sun exposure and cardio tempo for a short stretch that was lined with maple trees.

Refrigerator Canyon

View from the canyon trail. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

West Rim Trail

Looking back at the orange-red canyons textured with green pine trees. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Walters Wiggles

Putting our heads down and going up the 21 short, steep and sharp switchbacks. Photo by Donna Mae.

Walters Wiggles

Catching my breath at the top.

Scouts Lookout

Last chance to use the bathroom and now is the time to turn around if one suffers from a severe case of acrophobia. Nobody wants to be #10. Photo by Cathy Gamiao.

Hogsback

Chains and whips. One is literal and the other figurative. Photo by Donna Mae.

Hogsback

Donna and Edgar making their way up.

Traffic Jam

Patience is a virtue. Repeat. Bite tongue. Repeat.

Hogsback

The chained climb soon took on more of a horizontal pitch but the drop offs remained.

Hogsback

Making our approach to the fin shaped rock that sticks out into the valley. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Hogsback

Edgar crossing over the constantly eroding ridge.

Hogsback

Scrambling our way up the irregular and uneven sandstone steps. Photo by Donna Mae.

Hogsback

Edgar passing through the interrupted chained trail.

Hogsback

Chasing the sun over the exposed trail. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Hogsback

Edgar enjoying the last shaded section of the trail.

Hogsback

Passing underneath the arched pine tree. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Angels Landing

Standing a little higher than the 5,790′ summit. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Lemmings

What may seem like suicidal shuffling down the cliff was simply us getting away from the crowded summit. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Angels Landing

Lot of elbow room down here. Photo by Donna Mae.

Squirrel

People = Handouts. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Zion Canyon

Donna looking into the 270 million year old canyon that dates back to the Triassic period. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Angels Landing

“Never follow the crowd. Go where it’s empty.” Austrian Oak.

Angels Landing

Group photo left to right: Jasmin, myself, Cathy, Donna and Edgar.

The Organ

Enjoying the photogenic views all around us.

Hogsback

Time to stand in line to go back down. Pays to be an early bird on this trail.

Hogsback

“Keep your hands on the chains and keep searching for the views.” Paraphrasing Casey Kasem.

Hogsback

The afternoon sun had chased away the morning chill. Photo by Donna Mae.

Hogsback

Passing one of many bottlenecks on the trail coming down.

Hogsback

Leaving the hiker congested rocky spine behind us.

Hogsback

I can’t help but think that if these chains were removed, would the crowds correspondingly drop? Photo by Donna Mae.

Scouts Lookout

Where do we pick up our “I’ve been to Angel’s Landing Certificate?”

Refrigerator Canyon

Cooling off in the shaded corridor from the mid-day heat.

West Rim Trail

Looking down into the valley of refuge. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

West Rim Trail

Going back down the switch backs was definitely easier on the lungs and legs.

All pau

Our 4.35 mile hike on the most famous attraction in Zion National Park was filled with climbs, views and good company. Post hike meal at China Buffet. Everybody’s favorite place to eat on a budget. Mahalo to Edgar for picking up the check. Photo by Edgar Gamiao.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.