A few years back in early December, I went with two of my kids to explore southwestern Utah. From our home-base of Kanab, we went and visited Zion National Park twice, and it is my favorite National Park!

The first day, we visited at the Visitors Center, watched the movie and talked about the different hikes with the rangers. All the National Parks have their visitor's centers set up relatively similarly, so its easy to know what to expect when you walk in. This was no exception. The people are friendly, and the information is abundant.

On that first visit, we didn't have as much time, so we decided on the Emarld Pools trail. We hiked to the upper Emerald Pools. It was nice - the temperature was in the 30's, but with the sun and the hiking, we were comfortable. Angee's photos are beautiful! The first one is from the Lower Emerald Pools, the second from the Middle Emerald Pools.

The next day, we came back, and we hiked up to Angel's Landing. The hike to Angel's Landing was absolutely ridiculous! The first part, up the side of the mountain, and to the top of "Walter's Wiggles" was tough, and tiring. In the future, I will stop at this point. There is a great vista view, and its beautiful. From there, however, up to Angels Landing was just terrifying!!

The hike to Angel's Landing has sheer drop-offs, approximately 1000' on each side of you, and in many places, the path is only about 3 feet wide, and always very uneven. It was the most terrifying hike I will EVER do!. Some of it has chains for you to hang on to. Angee went with Matt and I to a spot after the first set of chains. She stayed there, while Matt and I went to the end. Angee had fun taking portraits of people on the hike, with the path in the background - they were all very happy to pose for her.

I can't stress enough how frightening this hike was. It says only 6 people have died in recent years on this, but I am seriously wondering how that isn't 6 per day. OMG.

#Utah