Zion was the genesis of this whole trip - and it did not disappoint. The first day I hiked up to the top of Angel's landing, which the book describes as a tiny sliver of cake left standing. This hike pretty much ruined my legs and knees for the rest of the trip. But I made it dammit. I wasn't sure if I wanted to ascend the final way to the summit along the chains--as I was beyond exhaustion and all the book could talk about was how dangerous the last part was. But as I got close a group of 20 or so 10 year olds and their chaperones came bounding down. Can't really wuss out after that.

I feel the same way about Zion as I do about Yosemite - that it's a truly special place where I think it would be impossible to have a bad time. (Unless you fell off a cliff or got hit by a falling rock or something.)

Click a picture to see a larger view.