After a fairly laid back day we headed into Zion Canyon for a hike up to Scout’s Lookout (on the way to Angel’s Landing). Parking was a hassle. Most of the visitor center parking was out of service for renovation so after dropping the crew off at the visitor center we headed back into Springdale to park. Luckily, we were not too late in the morning so we found parking relatively close to the park entrance. Then we waited in line for a shuttle bus. It was packed—standing room only.
The trail up to Scout’s Lookout (and Angel’s Landing) seemed to be a solid line of people. It was more crowded than any other time I have been there. We got up the initial switchbacks that were getting a bit warm, through Refrigerator Canyon, and started up Walter’s Wiggles (more switchbacks) when we were stopped by a ranger. They were 3-D scanning the trail in order to make a digital 3-D model. After a 10-minute halt, during which we conversed with the ranger, we hiked on up in the midst of the stampede. We ate our lunch at Scout’s Lookout, looked over the side, and marveled at the huge number of ill-prepared hikers struggling to pass each other on the route up Angel’s Landing.
If I had a desire to go up there (I don’t), I still would not have gone. Those people were not trustable, nor prepared, and their mistake might put me in peril.
I didn’t take any photos, but here’s a shot of the canyon taken May 16, 2013 from Scout’s Lookout. All those trees that look so green were just beginning to bud this year in early April.
Canyon floor from Scout Lookout, May 16, 2013
A few years ago we stopped to talk with a ranger who had set up a spotting scope at Big Bend aimed at the cliff wall below Scout’s Lookout. He said there was a condor nest there, but we never saw one. I asked our ‘captive’ ranger about the condor population and he said unfortunately they had lost eight of them last year to lead poisoning. They still have a breeding pair that hatched a chick last year, but it didn’t survive.
We hiked back down and caught a very crowded shuttle to Zion Lodge where Mark and Cortnie were waiting. Mark wanted to take Chase up to the Emerald Pools, so while the rest stayed at the Lodge, I accompanied them to the three pools (lower, middle, and upper). I have never been to the upper pool. The waterfall was dry and the pool area was as packed as a Disneyland ride.
Upper Emerald Pool was packed
We stayed a bit for Chase to play in the pool’s sand, and then headed back.
Mark and Chase
The shuttles back to the visitor center were so crowded. I think we had to let three go by because there was no space, and the one we got on must have been a special because it arrived empty.
Links:
—St. George 2015 photo gallery
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