Maybe it was Indiana Jones…or Star Wars…but for some reason I've always loved the desert. The dunes at Pink Coral Sand Dunes State Park, Utah aren't really in a desert, but they are still amazing! This was our first day-trip during our week long exploration of the Zion National Park area of Southern Utah. The dunes aren't exactly in Zion, but they are only a little over an hour away and totally worth the visit. Definitely check it out!!! P.S. - it was April, and it was chilly! Bring warm clothes!

   ~Paul, Amber, Sis

   Finally! I've edited and uploaded a short video from hiking the death-defying Angels Landing trail in Utah's Zion National Park. A few things before you watch:

*It's narrated just for you!
*After review it seems I narrated a few un-truths, mainly, part of the trail is called Scout Lookout (not Scout Landing)…I did it on purpose to keep you on your toes:)
*After further review, it seems that when I watch the video I get nauseous from the shakiness! Oh, well, it's nice to see part of the hike! I'll walk smoother next time!!!:)
   
   ~Paul   ETC

  Spend a few minutes in the Zion National Park Visitor's Center and you'll hear folks joking around about the Angels Landing hike. Browse the gift store and you'll notice many souvenirs stating:  "I survived Angels Landing". Hmmm...I want to survive Angels Landing too!

   


   My sister and I (my wife opted out due to her fear of heights:) picked a day, woke up early, and hit the park. Despite the warm-looking pics, the mid-April temps can get chilly in the morning. We layered clothing and hopped on a park shuttle, getting off at the Grotto stop to start the trail.

   Don't say they didn't warn you about the steep & narrow trail, dangerous cliffs, potential death, etc! The trail starts out easy enough but quickly climbs with turns and a few longer switchbacks. The first 2 miles are paved:)

  



 You'll have a moment to rest with some great views of Zion Canyon & the Virgin River below before you head into a smaller valley  - a great time to catch your breath before you hit a series of 21 short switchbacks known as Walter's Wiggles…yikes.  

 

 If you survive the Wiggles (it's really not that bad), you'll make it to Scout Lookout. This is enough for a lot of hikers - my sister included. The rest of the trail was all me (and Karl Malone - more on that later).

Luckily there was a few poles and a chain between me and sudden death!

I actually made it to here (pic above) and thought it was over…then I realized it keeps going to the end of the ridge…!

   Then, I made it to the end of the trail (the top at 5,790 ft)…what a view of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River below. 

   All and all, the 5 mile roundtrip Angels Landing trail wasn't that bad. It was very steep and stay away if you're afraid of heights. The average time for the hike is 5 hours but I completed it in way less (like 3). There's little shade but the trail is well maintained. Take extra of food & water!
   As I rejoined my sister at Scout Lookout we noticed that one of our fellow hikers looked familiar. We hiked down and we heard a voice from another random hiker behind us, 
"Hey, guys…do you watch the NBA?" 
I mean, I used to, like 10 years ago…
"That was Karl Malone that just passed us!" 
   Huh. He was right. At first I thought it a bit cliche, I mean, should you see Karl Malone every time you visit Utah? Surely not. But hey, what-do-you-know: Karl and I survived Angels Landing!

   ~Paul, Sis, the Mailman

P.S. Come back to the blog Thursday for some death-defying Gopro video of the hike:)