The Observation Point Hike, Zion Park

Another early start, another beautiful morning.  Here's a tip for you newbies.  The morning temperature in St George was 64ish each day. With humidity at 10%, felt like 50 degrees.  At the park, a degree or two cooler, you may want to pack light gloves and for sure, a long sleeve T shirt that you can remove to a base layer cause once the sun comes out of the shadows, it makes all the difference.

Previously, I suggested that you position yourself so you can sit, rather than stand on the shuttle.  The above image is why as you see great views rather than the back of someone's head when standing.  We arrive at stop #7, "Weeping Rock" and start on the "East Rim Trail" before the option to "Observation Point" presents itself.

We begin the 8 mile, round trip hike.  I was jacked up and motivated so set a pace I thought I could maintain for the first 3 miles, almost all of it climbing.  

I hit numerous kind of steep switchbacks through this section.  None are as steep as the steepest on the "Angel's Landing" hike but still, no walk at the beach.  

My legs feel pretty good as I look down on the Virgin River coursing through the canyon.  At last, I reach.....

….the drainage through Echo Canyon where the trail moderates somewhat. 

Sand lightly covers the slick rock and quickly I reach....

….this semi tunnel before emerging to cross a short bridge and....

….of course great views before......

….ugh, more steepness.  Some people describe this long section of switchbacks as harrowing but....

….the trail is wide enough that I was not aware of the exposure.  At mile 2.25 I began to run out of gas as I leg pain began to creep in.  My breathing was ok but obviously semi-panting.  I kept plugging away though and at reached.....

….a point at mile 3 where now the trail is flat to undulating as it makes its way to Observation Point.  What a relief as I enjoyed the views. I wondered how my effort would be rewarded and later discovered....

….7th from bottom to the Point out of 1400 people.  For other segments farther down canyon I did as well as 4th out of 2400.  I was really happy after the Angel's Landing performance.

A nice, sandy approach.  The average grade for the entire hike is 10% but that is skewed down by the final flatish one mile.  For the climbing, 3 mile section I guess it is closer to 14% for an average.

At last!  What a view and someone asks if I want my pic taken so....

….ok.  I waited for my wife and she too was pleased with making it.  An agonizing descent as the down climb muscles ached so after catching the shuttle to the lodge I....

...toasted myself with a beer.  Hard to say which of the two main hikes I enjoyed the most but probably Angels Landing.  That final 3.4 mile along the ridge is a bunch of fun.