Seeing as we walked so many trails during the national parkathon, it feels only right to document in more detail our collective favourite hikes.

So here follows a short countdown of our hiking highlights…

8, Ooh Ahh Point, Grand Canyon
It´s only fair to mention our first successful hike. This was a short 1.5 hour round trip which hugged the steep sides of the eastern portion of the grand canyon. We learned quicky not to walk too fast up these trails, especially in the incredile heat. Ohh Ahh point looks like this…

7, Hidden Canyon, Zion
This was a short but steep trail which led sharply upwards from the Weeping rock (A constantly flowing waterfall comes flowing right out of a huge rock) towards a small canyon out of sight from the valley floor. The climb was pretty uninteresting but once near the top having to navigate large boulders and steep drop offs the fun started.

A sign which greeted you at te entrance to the Hidden canyon indicated… ”Scrambling required” !! More fun! This was more akin to an assaut course in here, each large set of rocks in the way posed challenges to hurdle, but most had routes which allowed “scramblers” to pass. Finally my progress wat halted after about 40 minutes in the canyon at this tricky obstacle. Scrambling = fun!

6, Observation Point, Zion

This is one of the longest day hikes in Zion with a multitude of different scenic views all the way to the top of the point. It starts off as a daunting steep zig zag up a hill which slowly enters between a narrow canyon. The path follows on into the canyon, gradually getting higher and hotter. the higher you go the steeper it gets with uneven paths and sheer drops. The higher you go, the more amazing the views. Eventually, at the top of this great hill, it´s feels like you are in another world where there´s a variety of vegiatation and wildlife that doesn´t seem to exist in the rest of the park. As you walk through this mini ecosystem, you reach the end of the trail where I was rewarded with a beautiful view of Zion Canyon.

5, Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon
This was not a challenging trail, more of a gentle stroll but the scenery walking in between the vast hoodoo´s of bryce canyon was amazing. The sculpted switchbacks were fun to decend and walking amongst the trees was a new experiance after the red rockyness of all trails which we had completed before this.

4, Half Dome (Nevada Falls), Yosemite
After completing all other trails in our paths, we decided to take on the toughest of them all. Half Dome plateau is a staggering 8000ft ascent and we gave it our full attention leaving on the first bus for the trailhead to start this 14 mile / 12 Hour hike. We followed the Mist trail which included a few impressive sights on en-route, the first being the mega steep steps up to the Vernall falls.

Out of season the waterfall was only a shadow of its raging self but the trail to the top was hard and strenuous, making the view from the top more special. Beyond some scenic emerald pools and yet another steep climb we reached the next checkpoint on the trail. Nevada falls is equally as impressive as Vernall but the view of Yosemite valley from its rim is far more spectacular.

Full of confidence we struck off on a flatter section towards half dome´s summit. This confidence was soon to be extinguished as word of mouth has spread rumours of a trail closure. Sure enough we were stopped in our tracks by a ranger and told to turn back. A forest fire was blocking our way and the fire crews were busy at work trying to contain the inferno. Saddened at the news we somberly skulked down back to the valley floor disappointed You cannot win them all!

3, The Narrows
This was a tremendous difference from all trails which come before it. The Narrows trail follows the virgin river upstream through ever decreasing widths of canyons & ever increasing velocity of water. Sure footing and balance were required as you planted each step on the extremely cold riverbed. One wrong move could have easily sent one for an unscheduled swim! Thankfully nobody fell, I was however rescued few times by my trusty walking pole/branch.

This hike was extremely long and we decided not to tackle it all, but the scenery in the narrow canyons with the raging river and various waterfals throughout the watery world was great.

2, Bright Angel
This is the first trail we tackled which was a 12 mile round trip hike all the way to the hot and desolote Plateau Point. It was a nice relaxing walk all the way down passing through the a few resting stations adaptely named “A Mile and a Half Resthouse” and ”Three Mile Resthouse”. The scenery quite spectacular nearr the rim where you can see miles into the deep canyon. There was a few wild life such as condors and lizzards and some cactus plants dotted along the trail. It was all different when we reached the last major resting point called “Indian Garden” where there was lots of vegetation and a river that run through. This resting point marked the 4.5 miles from the rim and it was onlt a further 1.5 miles to Plateau Point. However, the last 1.5 miles had no cover from the canyon cliffs or trees. it was pretty flat and the sun was pounding on our backs. We survived this part and was greeted with a nice and close view of the Colorado River.

By now we wasn´t that tired or worn out and ready for the trek back up. This was certainly the hardest part. It was pretty much a very steep 5 mile hike back up in the blistering heat. The resthouses didn´t matter so much on the way down, but they sure did on the way back up.  In summary, you get an outstanding views of the canyons from a distance and close up. But be prepared for the enduring walk back up.

1, Angels Landing

One of Zion´s best day hikes in the park that´s challenging, thirilling and palm sweating. It starts off with a nice stroll up which progressively gets steeper. Nearer the top of the trail we get the steep paths that zig zag all the way to a point called Scout´s lookout where you find most people stop. It´s only a short hike to the summit, but involves narrow paths with sheer drops either side.

Hike is the wrong for the last bit of this trail. It is defintely more of a climb. There is a chain provided along side parts of the final climb that provides some support in surpassing the paths the barely exist.

Once at the top, the view is amazing. It is a good spot to catch a tan, but was fairly small and got easily crowded. The climb down from the top of Angel´s landing is just as exilerating if not more of a rush than climbing up due to the fact you have the sheer drop and images of death constantly in view. All in all, although a short hike in comparision to other trails, but one of our favourites.