Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hidden Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

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The pictures below were from our hike to Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park, UT thanksgiving 2009 which I failed to share in this site. I can't believe almost a year had passed since we were in this place. The pictures may look very similar to Angel's Landing which we did the hike spring of 2009.
near the trailhead
The parking lot for the Hidden Canyon trailhead shares the same parking for Weeping Rock and Observation Point trailhead. The parking area is so small for the three popular trails that it can easily get packed. In the summer, there is no problem in parking because there is a free shuttle inside the park. However, during thanksgiving, everyone has to drive inside the canyon because the free shuttle is during weekends only. Thus, it took us a while to get parking and start the hike. But no complains, since the scenery closer to the Virgin River is just as awesome.
taking pictures here and there while waiting for parking space
This is a short hike, but very steep. Only about 2.5 miles round trip hike, but the climb is over 1000 ft. Like Angels landing, it has several exposed sections on slickrock, some parts of the trail have chains attached to the wall to help navigate through the dangerous parts. However, unlike Angels Landing, the vertical drop-off is only in one side of the trail, unlike the last half mile to Angels Landing where you look at the vertical drop-off both sides (left and right).
trail to Hidden Canyon
the cars below from the trail looks very tiny, like pecks of dusts
Looking Down at Angels Landing ( somehow, Angels Landing looks smaller and not as scary
from Hidden Canyon Trail )
However, at the mouth of Hidden Canyon, the trail becomes wider and gentler, and the vertical drop-off disappears.
Hidden Canyon Wall
However, as one goes deeper and deeper into the canyon, the trail becomes narrower with a some rock scrambling. Since the view does not really change much anymore, we decided not to climb the pile of rocks that blocks the canyon, turned around and went to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for another sight seeing adventure.

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27 comments:

  1. Hidden Canyon looks beautiful in the fall. I've never been to Zion NP. I'm so grateful to enjoy the scenery through your gorgeous photos!

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  2. it's great to be transported to an awesome place when all you need to do is have a relaxing Sunday! you are such a blessing to many people Beth. your photos are always inspiring and breathtaking!

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  3. These rocks need so many nostrils for breathing.

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  4. I love the way that wall look in the last picture, so smooth. Wonderful scenery and fantastic shots, Betchai..

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  5. Betchai those first two pictures are amazing in their clarity and beauty. I am always amazed by the pictures you share with all of us.

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  6. I love Rainfield's comment. These are magnificent shots and a beautiful canyon. I would love to experience them in person.

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  7. Although steep, the scenery at the end was worth the trip. The river looks so tranquil I wonder how the openings in that canyon wall came about.

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  8. The Hidden Canyon looks spectacular. I am very surprise that the weather looks beautiful towards the end of November. I wish to visit this place. Your photos are making me urge to go...right now!

    It was hot yesterday, and I was a little tired so we left early, although we were one of the first to get in. I enjoyed the park, though.

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  9. the cars really look so tiny up there wonderwoman...the river does look so inviting and i would not mind staying long there waiting for parking space...funny i kept thinking of Khai each time i read Angels Landing in the post hehehehe, awesome as always you left me out of breath...

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  10. I really like this Hidden Canyon place, it is so colorful and such wonders to see.

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  11. this is such an eye opener. no way a man made structure can compare to natural art .. refer to the stone sculpture. all the pics r great

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  12. wow! looks like an unearthly place, thats a magnificent view.

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  13. Being there in person must be an awesome experience.

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  14. Betchai, you really get to some breathtakingly beautiful places. I could never do that kind of hike anymore. My balance is so bad these days and, of course, having to use a walker rules out all that. I am so glad I can live vicariously through you!

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  15. Your photos always take me to another world, and shows how beautiful this earth really is!

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  16. These photos are gorgeous! It must have been an amazing trip :)

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  17. It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Awesome! I didn't notice the tiny cars until i read the caption. lol!

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  19. I do love Zion's. It is so uniquely beautiful.

    Sorry I haven't been around for a while! I've missed you.

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  20. What can I say?

    WOW. The pictures are stunning! So beautiful!

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  21. Another site to behold! Gandaaaaaa! I love the last photo, Ms. Betchai :)

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  22. The photos are beautiful. It is especially pleasing because they look warm and I am a little chilly right now.

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  23. Good job here! All photos are beautiful!

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  24. it's no longer hidden =P

    thanks for sharing such beautiful pics

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  25. I really love reading about your travels to different places. It always make me want to see those places myself. and your photos... they transport me to them. love them.

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!