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Kamis, 05 Mei 2011

Walking the USA: Angels Landing


For those who love walking, USA holidays are absolutely ideal. There are so many fantastic places to explore all over the country, not least in the excellent national parks, that you will be spoilt for choice. One of the most famous hikes that you can experience for yourself is Angels Landing in the Zion National Park in Utah. Here is a brief guide to the hike.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a massive rock formation standing 368 metres high. This impressive and imposing natural monument has attracted walkers for decades, and in 1926 a trail was cut into the rock to allow people to go up to the top to experience the great views for themselves.
The trail is 2.4 miles long, and is beautiful, thrilling, and can also be challenging. It is not generally considered to be suitable for children, and if you've got a fear of heights then stay well away! The path can be intimidating in places, with sheer drop-offs on each side, so take care when you set off walking. USA authorities always recommend taking suitable hiking gear and being very vigilant at all times.
The Hike
For walking enthusiasts who visit Angels Landing to go walking, USA park authorities state that you will probably need about four or five hours on average to go up and down. The whole trip is about five miles, which doesn't seem very long until you consider that most of it is quite strenuous, even though the trail is well maintained.
From where you start at Grotto Picnic Area, the first two miles are paved and well maintained, but the last half a mile is a narrow sandstone ridge with sheer drops - some sections have support chains to offer assistance. Make sure you set off fairly early in the day to ensure that you complete the trail by nightfall.
You'll experience some lovely woodland in the early stages, and although most of the walk is exposed to the sun you'll find shade at Refrigerator Canyon. One of the trickiest parts is Walter's Wiggles, where you will have to zig-zag to Scout Lookout, and from here you will be greeted with incredible views over Zion Canyon.
You will then head along Angels Landing Trail, with sheer cliffs on both sides, until you reach the summit. From here you will experience some truly incredible panoramic views across every direction.
Enjoy a Magnificent Hiking Experience
Angels Landing is one of the most famous and exciting hikes in the USA, and definitely one to challenge yourself with if you are an avid lover of walking. USA hiking experiences are known for their combination of beautiful landscapes and diversity of hikes, and Angels Landing is certainly worth considering on your next walking holiday.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join our walking USA tours to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.


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