Last year, I joined my friends Lauren and Russ for an adventure in the Grand Canyon. This year, Russ planned a running adventure in Zion National Park in Utah. Lauren invited me to be her hiking sidekick. We decided on three days in Zion and on day at Red Mountain Spa in St George. [I’m so excited to go there today.] I’ve been to Zion for a few day hikes including the famous Angel’s Landing but never stayed for more than a day.
Russ’ plans changed due to an injury and some park closures. We decided to hike together as a threesome. Russ loves to plan and is an experienced trail runner and hiker. We left all of the details to him. He found an awesome B&B – the Zion Canyon Bed & Breakfast. [Stay if you visit!]
We met in Vegas and made stops at REI and Whole Foods. We stopped at the B & B and headed over to Zion to get our permit for Friday’s hike. The hike is called The Subway (because the end looks like a naturally formed subway tunnel). There are two ways to hike – top down and bottom up. Top down requires rappelling. Bottom up came with some dire warnings including flash floods and other dangers. We were doing “bottom up.” I was nervous about it, but had faith in Russ’ planning and orienteering.
While we were there, we did a shakeout run on the Watchman Trail. I’m not going to lie, the change in altitude and the hot, dry temps killed me!
We each got a french press of coffee and enjoyed it on my deck at 6:00 AM. Fortified with a delicious breakfast, we headed for the trail head for The Subway. It’s about a 40 minute drive. There are no services of any kind as it’s a wilderness hike. We brought tons of water, food, electrolytes and everything else you can think of. Lauren is a sports nutritionist and Russ is like MacGuyver. I was clearly the weakest link. I’m fit for the flatlands and have a lot of snacks…. but otherwise, not much help in the wilderness!
The beginning of the hike was easy (for about .5 miles). Then, we were down a very, very steep and sandy embankment to the river bed. The hike into The Subway is about 4 miles (as the crow flies) up the river. You have to scramble over many rocks and boulders and cross multiple times. The trail is pretty prominent, but the way forward is not always obvious. When you reach the waterfalls, you have to hike through the water. The rocks are pretty slippery, so needless to say, it’s pretty tough.
It took us almost three hours to get to The Subway but it was worth it. Once we go there, there was a spot where you could swim through to see more. I passed on that and Russ and Lauren did that part while I sunned myself, relaxed and refueled. I slipped a few times in the waterfalls but luckily didn’t get hurt. The way back was a bit easier because we walked through the river more instead of finding the perfect rocks to cross on. The climb out of the canyon was really steep and I was pretty amazed that I made it down in the first place.
I’m not going to lie, this hike pushed my comfort zone – A LOT! I’m pretty fit and mentally tough but not as experienced with technical climbing. Plus, I’m a super cautious person. I can’t say that I’d volunteer to do this hike again, but I’m glad I did it.
In the evening, we met my friends Adrienne and Andrew for dinner. Adrienne and I go way back. We went to middle school and high school together. She and Andrew have been working for the National Parks since 1999. It was so cool to hear their stories and experiences and to catch up.
Saturday morning, no permits were required (thank goodness!) We went into Zion and grabbed a Shuttle for the hike to Observation Point. This hike is actually steeper than Angel’s Landing and offers amazing vistas. It’s 8 miles round trip with over 2000 feet of elevation gain.
This hike was more my speed as it’s mostly “paved” or sandstone trail. It’s pretty steep in some spots but definitely an endurance hike – not technical. The views were amazing. We took a nice break at the top to enjoy and relax. We took photos and marveled at the complex photo shooting that was going on.
The way down was pretty easy and we ran some of it. We met up at a slot canyon and checked that out. Russ decided to branch off to check out Hidden Canyon. Lauren and I went for a coffee break and ice cream at the Zion Lodge. We were all very satisfied with our choices.
Fortified with caffeine, sugar and fat, we headed over to check out The Narrows. It’s another river hike with steep cliffs on both sides. There is a one mile paved trail that leads to a small beach. I decided to not temp the fates (I’m running a marathon next week) and stuck to dry land. I got the gist from the beach. Lauren and Russ headed in for a short hike.
We made it back to the Visitor’s Center around 6 PM very satisfied after another great day. We went back to shower and change and head out for dinner. Day 2 was definitely more in my sweet spot and comfort zone. I’m glad I pushed myself on Friday but enjoyed the endurance hike on Saturday more.
This morning, Lauren and I ran over to Zion for a road run. We enjoyed 5 miles in perfect conditions with amazing views (and got the obligatory park sign pics!)
Today, we’re headed to Red Mountain Resort for some pampering and fitness. It’s one of my FAVE places. So excited. Tomorrow it’s back to reality after I meet my mom for brunch in Las Vegas.
You can check out more pics on Instagram.
Hope your weekend was full of fun and adventures!