On our first full day in Zion, we got up early(around 0630 am) and caught the shuttle to the park. I believe the first shuttle leaves Springdale at 0530 am. From visiting the visitor center the evening before, we decided on Hidden Canyon being our first official hike in Zion. So, when we got to the park, we took the park shuttle to Weeping Rock stop; the trail head for three hikes: Weeping Rock, Hidden canyon , and Observation Point trails.
The photos and videos of Weeping Rock displayed in the visitor center, showed a big,round rock with spring water dripping from it like rain, or tears, and hence the name. Unfortunately, we never got to take the half a mile trail to get to see it, as there had been a rock slide a day or two before we got there, and the trail was closed the whole time we were there. Already a reason for another trip to magical Zion!
To get to Hidden Canyon, we ascended the paved path(common to both Hidden Canyon and Observation Point trails),the views of the East Rim of Zion were breathtaking. After about half a mile of paved path, the trail split in two directions: right to Hidden Canyon, left to Observation Point.
We turned right, and after a short walk, the trail was getting rockier, narrower and steeper. There were chains attached to the canyon walls to help the hiker stay balanced in the most dangerous(narrowest) parts. The views were spectacular! Both at eye level, and down below! Although, there were parts that I tried hard not to look down the sheer drop-offs for fear reasons,of course!( Not realizing then, that this hike was a piece of cake compared to Angles Landing sheer cliffs passages.)
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After 1.1 miles of hiking at the edge of the wall(and ascending 1000 feet), the trail became open again: we made it to Hidden Canyon!
We learned that Hidden Canyon is a" water-carved gorge" between Cable Mountain and The Great White Throne( one of the largest monoliths in the world).The views to get to Hidden Canyon were fabulous, which made the canyon seem a little,too plain. Although the Hidden Canyon was not all I expected it to be, it was a beautiful, peaceful place to eat breakfast!
It took us about one hour to get to Hidden Canyon, on the way down, we decided we were not done hiking for the morning, and instead of taking a left an the fork to get back to the shuttle stop, we continued towards Observation Point, and that was a magical experience that will stay with me for a long,long time. I will write about it in a future post.
For more information on hiking Zion and Hidden Canyon Trail, check the park's trails information.
Comments (9)
Hi Candi, wonderful photos. It sounds like a great hike. I'm looking forward to your next entry on your hike to the Observation Point.
Have a great Friday and Weekend!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | October 16, 2009 5:56 AM
Posted on October 16, 2009 05:56
Wow, what an amazing place. Love those steep rock stairs.
Posted by Annie | October 17, 2009 6:08 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 06:08
Wow, I'mm speechless at the beauty of this place! The rock formations and stairs and gorgeous colours are just stunning.
Too bad about the rock slide, but as you say, on the bright side - you'll just have to return! Excuse my pitiful knowledge of US geography - is this in the Grand Canyon?
Posted by Anne | October 17, 2009 7:31 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 07:31
thanks for this! We're at the thinking stage about a hiking trip to Zion in the Spring.
Posted by amy | October 17, 2009 7:35 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 07:35
Thanks all for the comments.
Anne,Zion National Park is a different entity from the GC, it is actually in southern Utah. Sorry, I should have made more clear.
Amy, you will love it! I have descriptions of more hikes comping up!
Posted by candi | October 17, 2009 7:48 AM
Posted on October 17, 2009 07:48
Looks like a great hike. Loved the photos. How was the weather? Chilly in the morning?
Posted by girasoli | October 18, 2009 4:23 PM
Posted on October 18, 2009 16:23
girasoli, it was a bit chilly in the early morning before the sun was fully up, but you know how fast the dry desert gets as soon as the sun goes up! Because we were hiking, we loved the little chill while it lasted:)
Posted by candi | October 18, 2009 9:02 PM
Posted on October 18, 2009 21:02
It is breathtaking! Love the colors and those rock stairs are very cool.
Posted by María I. | October 19, 2009 3:36 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 15:36
Hi Candi, these are stunning photos. I had always heard that Zion was a beautiful park, but this is spectacular!
Posted by sandrac | October 20, 2009 1:02 PM
Posted on October 20, 2009 13:02