In November of 2013, Karen and I were itching to get outdoors but it wasn't quite snow season yet. Camping season was done and hiking was winding down, but we wanted one more adventure. We tried to invite a certain member of the family along in an attempt to show support and be a positive influence in their life, but sadly, they declined. We can't help but wonder if the outcome of today might be different with one decision altered.
We decided to take a day trip to Zion and knock out another Zion classic, Observation Point. Having already done Angel's Landing a few years ago, Observation Point was overdue.
We left around 4:30 in the morning for the two and a half hour drive, liking the idea of getting on the trail early. It was cool to get ready in the parking lot while the big-wall, sport, and trad climbers got ready at the same time. Zion is a world-class climbing spot and sharing the bus with the climbers was fun.
The trail starts low, climbs through canyons carved deep and dramatically by water, reaches the rim of the park, then runs out to Observation Point. It was fun to try to find the right mix of clothing to keep us warm, but not uncomfortably hot, in the shade of the canyon.
We shared the top with a healthy portion of other hikers, but there was still enough rim to sit and enjoy lunch in front of the some of the best views of any hike, anywhere. Looking down on Angel's Landing, where we'd been a few years earlier, was fun.
There are still plenty of Zion classics to go. The Narrows and the Subway spring immediately to mind, and I can't get Lady Mountain out of my mind, either.
This was the first time we've driven several hours out of town only to hike and drive home the same day and it was a nice getaway from the city. Karen has requested a repeat already and I foresee this being a very real idea again in fall 2014 to stave off our snow dreams.
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