Our campsite at Atlatl Rock Campground.
We got up early to make the drive to Zion before dark. The campground was full of kids running around the rocks, right past the signs that said, “DON’T RUN AROUND ON THE ROCKS!”
The red sandstone looked like it was Photoshopped into the surrounding landscape.
There was a trail nearby to see some petrified logs. Unfortunately, petrified logs aren’t much to see.
Elephant Rock, near the eastern entrance to the park.
We made one last stop at Elephant Rock. A car club was screaming into the park, a bunch of hot-rodders on a day-trip from Las Vegas.
The start of the Hidden Canyon Trail. The trail is hacked into the cliff above.
A small storm chased us into Utah, and by the time we got to Zion is was drizzling. We decided to get in a quick hike before dark, so we jumped on a shuttle bus to the Hidden Canyon Trail.
Looking down at Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
The Hidden Canyon Trail is another trail in Zion with a lot of exposure. The trail has been cut into the cliff in places, with chains to hold onto to keep from splattering on the canyon floor.
Looking back toward Observation Point.
It’s not as exposed as Angel’s Landing, but it’s not for hikers afraid of heights.
Steps have been cut into the rock at a couple of spots.
The trail traverses a couple of cliff sections, and then dives back into the mountain crevices.
A section that was cut into the cliff.
It was fun hiking a new trail and discovering its quirks. I’m amazed at the mindset that created these trails—I don’t think the Parks Service would build these kinds of trails today.
An exposed section with chains attached to the wall.
A couple of hikers coming downhill passed me at this point. It was a little interesting.
The entrance to Hidden Canyon, with some chains to help hikers.
After traversing the cliffs, you reach Hidden Canyon, which is just a big crevice in Cable Mountain.
Gazing up at one of the sheer cliffs.
We followed the canyon for about a half-mile, but it was getting late so we had to turn around before finding whatever it was we were looking for.
Heading back down.
It’s a remarkable trail, fairly short, but with lots of drama.
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