In that moment, I knew my world would never be the same.
Zion National Park, I am not even sure if there are words to describe it. I've heard about the park for over a year now, and truthfully I never thought I'd go. For those that are new here, this nomadic always on a trail hiker...that isn't who I've always been. Truth be told, I used to loathe the idea of being outdoors. The idea of being in the woods surrounded by who knows what creatures...hard pass. In fact, funny story on a walk with a boyfriend at the time I literally darted out of those woods because of a noise I heard. (It was a squirrel lol). Going from that fear and hate of nature to in 1 year crossing 10 + parks, states, and over 10,000 miles of distance is quite the shocker. Now let me point out Zion wasn't the first big hike/trail I'd been on. However, it was THE hike that snowballed this passion and adventure that fuels my soul.
After seeing it pop up on IG and doing a little Google on how far away it was from Las Vegas my flight was booked. My plan was to fly into Vegas, then the next morning at a lovely 3:30 am drive to Utah to see what the hype was about. When looking at the trails Angels Landing was the top of my interests! Zion is about 2.5 hours from Vegas, and from what reviews had said I knew I wanted to be there right before 7 am. There is a shuttle bus that runs throughout the park, & due to popular demand I HIGHLY suggest you make it onto the first or second shuttle otherwise you will be engulfed by everyone and their mother. After snagging the first shuttle, the winding roads through the mountains were unlike anything I'd seen. As the sun peaked for sunrise, my excitement grew. What happened next was nothing I'd expected. With elevation kicking in, it hit me this would not only challenge my lungs but also my mindset. The steep drop offs, height, and narrowness is not for the faint of heart. & with that off I went. Shortly into the hike I met a now friend, which was not expected!
The best part about my solo travel has been that I have met the most amazing people. I never expected to meet or connect with others. & honestly I am shocked at the people the universe brings into my life out of nowhere. Meeting Jordin on this hike, made me realize life is anything I make it. This year has been a hard transition for me (I know I am not alone). & hearing her story on being in a similar job role as me, choosing herself, connecting on all things spirit was just what I needed. A trip that started as just another "check mark" on parks became the hike that let my imagination say what all am I capable of? Where do I see myself truly going in life, and all things bigger than what I thought I wanted. Another key thing is it really snowballed the ability for me to trust my intuition. See ironically, I booked the flight to go 12 hours before it left from Nashville. Originally I was going to wait another week or two, but something within me said I needed to go to Zion right then.
Tips for Zion/Angels Landing:
**Next year you will need a permit FYI**
Location: 2.5 hours from Vegas. 6 hours from Phoenix. 5 hours Moab if you did Arches or another park previously.
GET THERE EARLY. The first shuttle leaves around 7 am. Keep in mind in December the shuttle doesn't run.
Entry fee: $20 or a National Park Pass allows entry.
Print off maps, know the shuttle schedule, have a plan.
Check the weather. You do not want to do the Narrows with heavy rainfall prior, and if there is snow you need to be prepared with the right gear.
Hike total: 5 miles out and back with a 1400 elevation gain and 21 switchbacks.
Grotto Trailhead is the initial start.
WATER is needed.
Snacks are needed. I take Level 1 bars due to wanting something light for my stomach but with protein, and carbs! Which PS Peppermint Bark is a MUST.
Bathroom before you start the trail.
Know the trails you want to do. (Narrows will be wet!) & keep in mind shuttling to different trailheads does add up time wise.
Split the park into multiple days if possible. I wish I had more than one day, but with driving back to Vegas I had to be mindful.
Zion is absolutely breathtaking. If you're wanting a hike that holds views, tests your strengths mentally and physically, and leaves you reflecting this is it. Hiking Angels Landing sparked a part of me that has been hidden what feels like forever. It was after this hike that enabled me to say screw the norm, and adventure just about every weekend or week for almost 3 months now. The park is nothing I'd seen, and it left me wanting to see more of what the world has to offer. Since hiking Zion, I have gone back to hangout with Jordin. I have also checked off the solo adventure of a lifetime, and have no intention of stopping.
-Taryn
IG: Taryn_annette
Email: Taryn.shaffer@yahoo.com
FB Group for Tips: Transform With Taryn
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