Today I'm heading to Zion National Park to hopefully hike to Scout's Landing - it's, for people like me, who refuse to hike a narrow edge of Angel's Landing. Having chains are does not matter. I say hopefully because the Zion buses are not yet running so there could be a parking issue. But it's a Friday, it's not Spring Break yet and many foreign visitors are not allowed into this country because of the Covid virus. It should be empty ... but it's Zion National Park after the Big 5 campaign so it's a zoo.
To mitigate, I leave my home a bit after 5am and should get there are 9:30. Fingers crossed.
The drive was uneventful. Lots of cows with newborns and horses along the way.
I arrive at the park just before 9:30. Not many cars lined up at the gate yet so my hope for a parking spot is getting higher.
I stop at the Visitor's Center for a potty break and I see my 1st butterfly of 2020; a Mourning Cloak! Yea!
From there I head down the park road past the Lodge to the Grotto; the parking for Angel's Landing. Shoot! Crap, there are no spots and people parked along the road. Grrr! I head back to the Lodge - hey, there are a few deer in the woods!
At the lodge, surprise, I find a spot. Shoot! It's 20 minute parking only for guest registration. So my big fear is happening :(
I head out south thinking of alternatives but across from the Lodge is Emerald Pools parking. The Lower Pools and this lot closed except 6 spots. Yes, I have parking!!
The downside is I have a 1/2 mile walk down the Grotto Trail to get to the Angels Landing trail head but that's OK, I get to hike up to Scout's Lookout!! (The trail is 2 miles with a 1000 ft gain.)
The trail starts by crossing a bridge over the Virgin River; it's a bit low today but probably normal for this time of year.
The trail is pretty flat and a bit sandy. Then it's starts up the hill along some long switchbacks. The going is not really hard for a while and then the grade gets steeper.
I find one flower in bloom - Wallflower, both white and purple vetch and a few flowering shrubs.
Up, up, I go.
Just when I fading, I cross bridge
and thankfully the trail flattens as it passes between 2 rocks walls (Refrigerator Canyon). Pretty views in here.
I actually think the end is near and then the cruel realization, I heading back uphill along a series of steep switchbacks named "Walter's Wiggles" - 21 switchbacks!
It feels like a lifetime but I finally reach Scout's Landing and my 1st views of the Angels Landing.
I head up a bit higher up a trail to a viewpoint and this is where I stop for a rest. (The guy on the left under to tall pine tree is where I was standing minutes earlier.)
After a bit, I head back to Scout's Lookout
and then closer the Angel's Landing. Seeing it up close confirms the fact that I have no interest is climbing it.
I stop to talk to a volunteer about the CA Condors at Zion. They had one mated pair last year and they had a successful chick! Yea #1000 chick in the US!!!
Well, it's time to head back down. Lots of folks coming up and I have no idea where all these people are parking.
Nothing exciting on the return except when I'm about back at the bridge over the Virgin River, I see a beautiful tiny Southwestern Orangetip!!! (The first of many today!)
I stop at the bridge for some river briefly and then head back down the Grotto Trail to the Lodge. I find about 6 deer on the return!
At the Lodge, I stop for lunch in the Cafe. Pretty darn good cheeseburger!!! (And some very much needed energy.)
When I get to my car, it's just after 1pm. I still have plenty of time, so let's hike the Watchman. It's only 3.3 miles (350+ft) I hope I have the energy. :)
So it's back to the Visitor's Center and I start the Watchman Trail. Hey, I find my 1st lizard of the day as I head along the river.
The trail crosses a road and then starts uphill.
I'm seeing more Orangetips along the way. And Beckers Whites; I thought they were Marbles until one landed and I got a closer look.
I also find several Paintbrush only in one area of the trail.
I'm definitely tired and struggling even though it's only 350ft climb. But pushing along.
A Mourning Cloak and a Comma sighting keeps me moving along to the final viewpoint.
When I get to the top, I find a shady spot on the rocks and take a rest. Great view!
Lots of Orangetips and Whites flying up here. In fact, a Becker's White and Orangetip got into a fight and the Orangetip landed feet from me! Lucky me!
Time to head down. Not far from the start of the tree, there is a small herd of deer that I pass.
And I stop briefly at the River and then start my way to St George.
Awesome day!
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