Together with three friends we started to plan a 9 Day Trip to the Zion and Grand Canyon National Park, with visits to Antelope Canyon, and Arches National Park.

The planning commenced in March of 2012, with camping and backcountry reservation in the parks. We researched weather, natural dangers as snakes and such and worked out a detailed nutrition and hydration schedule. We stayed away from energy drinks and instead used dissolving isotope drink tablets, to be used in our water which we purchased at MEC as well as REI.

We worked out a detailed hiking schedule for the Grand Canyon with a maximum hiking time of 6 hours per day. Regular hydration and snack breaks and made sure that we all are aware of each others responsibility to ensure each of Us stays hydrated and nourished.

This type of planning is very important as there are restrictions in weight during our hiking activities. We made sure that we can carry for the Grand canyon at least 10 liters of water per person, per day due to expected high temperatures.

We carried one camp stove per 2 people as well as all necessary cookware.

We decided to make a great road trip out of our adventure, as we would have more flexibility.

We planned 7 hrs of driving time per day to make it in 2 days to Zion National Park. In Zion we planned to stay 3 nights, and then to drive in one day to the Grand Canyon. After 4 days in the Grand Canyon we planned to spend 1 night at Antelope Canyon and 1 night at The Arches National Park, to drive back to Calgary, AB in 2 days.

The trip was an outstanding experience: Here are some pictures to start.

At the Park gates  at Zion Nat. Park

We arrived after 2 days of driving (overnight in Grand Falls) 

Our Campsite at Watchman campground. No flys on the tent as we had 27 degrees celcius

We set up our tents at “Watchman” campground and visited the town of  Zion, purchased some groceries and enjoyed a great dinner at the local Mexican restaurant. The town of Zion is worth the visit and has a few other options for lodging then camping.

Angel’s Landing trail head. Take it serious

The next day  we took the complimentary shuttle service in the park to the Angel’s landing Trail head.

The trail is completely paved until the first view-point, where most tourist hikers stop their voyage.

The paved trail

From there it goes up a step trail along cliffs, equipped with chains.

The harder part of the trail along a rock face with steep terrain

This is the part of the trail which is a little harder.

This trail is mostly paved until the first view-point. The harder part of the trail along a rock face with steep terrain

This beautiful tree welcomed us at the end of the trail.

It was a great hike up with a reward of amazing views. And of course, how else to celebrate this, then Jumping in the air..

I had to have some fun on the Top view-point

A soul tree at the Top of Angel landing

And here is the rewarding view, down to the Zion valley:

The view down to the canyon floor.

This is the view to north from Angels landing.

The view from highpoint on Angel’s landing

We ended our day with a easy stroll back to the Visitor centre, spent some time to get some more information about the next days excursion: The Narrows in Zion National Park.

watch my next block for another tale….