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Post by starwalker on Apr 22, 2016 13:15:37 GMT -8
Zion's paved trails are to prevent erosion and were constructed by WPA in the 30's.
I found that I could always get away from the crowds by going beyond Angel's Landing and by getting into the backcountry. I hiked the West Rim as a day hike and saw one hiker until I got to Scout's Lookout. I hiked East Rim as a day hike and saw no one until I got to the intersection to Observation Point. I hiked the desert trails in the Southwest and saw no one. One of the best spectacular views is off Deertrap Mountain, again no one.
I'd like to work there again if only to hike the Park again.
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 22, 2016 13:56:51 GMT -8
I'm sure what you say is true and I"ll keep it in mind. Unfortunately, I only had a few days in the park and Angel's Landing has kind of been a life list goal for me. Now it's done, I can explore other areas of the park. I do understand the need for paving trails as heavily used a sAngel's Landing, I just wasn't expecting it as I wasn't expecting the crowds. Thanks for your comments.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Apr 22, 2016 14:25:20 GMT -8
Oh my, I'd have to take valium or something to deal with that many people. Even if you think you are mentally prepared for hordes of people, it can still have a negative impact on the hiking experience. As I get older I have less and less tolerance for large crowds. What she said.
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 22, 2016 14:26:29 GMT -8
Good point. Next time I'll be sure take some with me.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 22, 2016 19:24:53 GMT -8
Yes, I can't deny the temptation. I'll have to aim for early winter if the trail is clear of snow and ice. You can have it pretty empty even at peak season if you catch the first bus. We've never been in the park except during the season--spring break or early summer--and have made a practice of catching the first bus up the canyon, and being back down lying about in the river by the time the crowds hit. Another option is to bring a bike--which will allow you to start as early as you are willing. The ride up the canyon is easy and beautiful. You do notice you are climbing, but it's very gradual. We also have a tendency to take the last bus back down--a bit of a dicier prospect, since it would be a long walk if one missed it! Going up the Narrows at the crack of down: The same spot a couple of hours later:
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 22, 2016 19:26:36 GMT -8
I will also second the opinion that you can dodge the crowds by going beyond the obvious and popular trails.
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VAN
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Post by VAN on Apr 24, 2016 14:03:05 GMT -8
The top of Angel's Landing felt like what the top of Everest must be like. I too was anxious with all the people and more nervous about crossing over others who were going slowly. It was beautiful. Can't believe that was 8 years ago already!
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tarol
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Post by tarol on Apr 29, 2016 13:18:35 GMT -8
My best friend and I hiked it back in March 2004 and it was perfect - we went late in the afternoon and only saw one other person at the top. NP's have exploded in popularity in the past 5-10 years - best to go in the off season and during the week, or go to neighboring BLM/FS land that's not so crowded if you want more peace/quiet.
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 29, 2016 14:30:47 GMT -8
best to go in the off season and during the week, or go to neighboring BLM/FS land that's not so crowded if you want more peace/quiet. True. Still, there is only one Angel's Landing and I guess I just wanted to do it at least once.
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tarol
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Post by tarol on Apr 30, 2016 1:53:42 GMT -8
Of course, so that's when careful timing comes into play if you don't want to deal with crowds.
Or maybe they'll do dayhike permitting soon, like they did with Half Dome, to keep the crowding at bay.
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 30, 2016 7:58:25 GMT -8
Or maybe they'll do dayhike permitting soon, like they did with Half Dome, to keep the crowding at bay. I'm thinking that perhaps that's the only way to go to protect the area and the experience. Too bad, but probably necessary if we are to protect it from ourselves.
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tarol
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Post by tarol on Apr 30, 2016 8:39:20 GMT -8
Just hope they put it on recreation.gov - running a permitting process can be a time-consuming nightmare otherwise.
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Post by Campfires&Concierges on May 2, 2016 9:43:50 GMT -8
Zion may be my all-time favorite National Park, even with the crowds! I've been there twice, both in September - the first time I turned around on Angel's Landing - about 1/2 way up the chains - because of the crowds. I felt like I was going to get knocked off the chains. This past September, I went back, got up before dawn, and caught the first shuttle bus in the park, so I was at the trailhead by 7am and on top by 9/9:30. I passed tons of hikers coming up as I was going down, and was so happy I'd gotten an early start! Not to mention, I had the rest of the day free: www.campfiresandconcierges.com/zion-national-park/
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on May 2, 2016 9:59:59 GMT -8
The last time I was in Zion we only went to the kolob canyons area in the northwest part of the park. We maybe saw 5 people the whole time and 2 were rangers.
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Post by hikerjer on May 2, 2016 12:22:01 GMT -8
we only went to the kolob canyons I've got that on my list for next time. How was it?
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