In the fall of 2017 I was working with a group of radical health care providers on a week-long series of workshops on how to support liberation movements through health work. We had tentatively planned the workshop for June 2018 and I had blocked 9 days off of work. When the gathering was pushed back to 2019, Aiyanas and I decided to use that free time to hike somewhere warm and beautiful. Utah seemed perfect!
Our first hike stop was Zion National Park. In the lead up, I spent a long time thinking about how to have a short but memorable Zion experience with the kids. Zion is a busy park and lodging near the park entrance is prohibitively expensive. I wanted to avoid driving and crowds and see a more remote area of the park. After reading and looking at maps, I booked us a glamping site at the Zion Ponderosa so we could hike into the park and take the resort shuttle back at the end of the day.
We set off from the resort as early as we could rouse the teenagers, and walked the short distance to East Rim trail. Our route started at the Stave Spring trailhead connecting with the East Rim trail through Echo Canyon to the Weeping Rock trailhead. Despite the fact that my camelback sprung a leak and two litres of precious water spilled down my back and into my shoes, the hike from Ponderosa to East Rim was so pretty! Jackrabbits were running every which way, lizards were sunning themselves, the air was pungent with sage, and cactus were in bloom.
And then Echo Canyon opened before us and it was stunning! Plus it was super fun to hear our echo – oddly unanticipated by us given the name. The drop offs were steep, thousands of feet steep (people have died on this trail so says the little symbol on the map), but I managed to enjoy the hike and not worry too much about the kids.
Once we hit the sandy bottom of the Canyon the trail got a bit confusing. Jimmy kept saying, “retrace our steps” and finally we did. Though I did have a minor panic about not having enough water to last the night if we were lost.
We intended to add in a side-hike to Observation Point, but by the time we reached the trail junction Aiyanas and I accepted we did not have enough food or water to make that a safe hike, much to the disappointment of some members of our hiking party (the rest of us being too hot and tired to mind missing a view).
The final switchbacks to the Weeping Rock trailhead were stunning. As a pair of backpackers passed us with 8 gallons of water strapped to their packs in 4-gallon jugs, I was struck by the full meaning of “be prepared” and dazed by the possibility of what backpacking in this amazing place could offer.
This was the first hiking trip I ever planned so I definitely learned some things! But despite the challenges it was a smashingly memorable day! This hike definitely peaked my interest in both hiking and backpacking. I can’t wait to go back to Zion!
Lessons:
- Think carefully about elevation gain and loss as well as mileage when planning your route. Since this time I’ve calculated our general hiking speeds on up, down, and flat terrain.
- Carry all of the ten essentials and know how to use them. My 10 essentials kit might make some laugh, but so far it’s earned its weight in gold.
- Don’t skimp on water in the desert! We still struggle with this one. We’re always underestimating our water needs.
- Carry salty snacks to avoid dehydration. Plus they add a tasty excuse for a rest.
- Tie your boots tight at the ankle on the descent. Nuff said.
Under the Frosty Sky 