Best hike in Zion National Park? - Backpacking the West Rim Trail
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- Best hike in Zion National Park? - Backpacking the West Rim Trail
We've been all over Zion National Park. We've been in the depths of Pine Creek Canyon and the peak of Angel's Landing. The diversity is absolutely incredible, and it keeps drawing us back. But there aren't that many backpacking options in Zion. Or are there? Yes, there is the famous Zion Narrows, but for the most part, they're day trips.
So I did some research and found the Zion West Rim Trail. The first article I came across said it was the best hike in the park. That's saying a lot. But I was intrigued, so I read on. The more I researched, the more it sounded like a must-do hike. So I figured out the permit system and got our permits.
The Zion West Rim trail can be done two ways; start at the Grotto and hike up Angel's Landing....and then keep hiking up. Or, go up to Lava Point and hike in from there, going down Angel's Landing at the end of your hike.
Down sounded better to me, so that was our itinerary.
First thing you need is a shuttle. We used Red Rock Shuttles:
redrockshuttle.com/
We left our car at the Zion Visitor Center, hopped on the shuttle and were on our way. We've made this drive many times before. You leave the lower section of the park and get up into the pine trees. It's absolutely gorgeous. And again, diverse.
We started our hike around 7AM from Lava Point. It's maybe 5~6 miles on a mellow trail through the pines and, honestly, not that remarkable. And then you hit Potato Hollow and the views just open up. You have the white stone peaks of Zion, overlooking many of the technical canyons. It just makes me want to explore more and more of the park.
Soon enough, we got to our campsite. We chose Zion West Rim trail camp 2 because it was a) as close as you could get to the exit and b) by a fairly reliable spring. The other campsites looked fine, but camp 1 & 2 were protected from the wind and closer to the spring, so I recommend those if that's up your alley.
The next day, the REAL fun begins as you descend down into the canyons. At first it's the white rock of upper Zion, but eventually the Zion West Rim Trail gets down into the red rock.
And then, there it is. The bucket list Angel's Landing trail. And it's BELOW YOU. West Rim Trail brings you in for the most amazing views of the iconic Angel's Landing...You will definitely feel accomplished as you walk past all the day hikers heading to the Angel's Landing peak, knowing you slept nearly 1,500 feet above their goal.
That's about it. The video will speak for itself. This was an amazing hike that got added to our yearly rotation.
Can't wait to do it again.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Black Hole - Tommy Ljungberg
Vapour - Osoku
Blue Skies Turning Red - Vulcan Peaks
All But Me (Luwaks Remix) - OTE
A New Sleep - Arden Forest
Oh My - Las Lunas
Dreamy - Megan Wofford
It's a Beautiful World Out There - Nashional
Now We Do It Again - Duplex Heart
If you click on the links below - and especially if you buy from these links - I'll get compensation. So that would be cool. No, I'm not sponsored by them, but I love the products.
Filmed on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black:
amzn.to/2JDd7YZ
Canon EOS R:
amzn.to/2JsCGLB
Weebil S gimbal for your DSLR:
amzn.to/2Vdpxc3
Jerry, I want to thank you for showing what I consider to be "my mountains" in a dignified way. I grew up in Cedar City Utah. I hiked this trail 40 years ago and it moved me even then as a high school kid. Brought years to my eyes for all the memories. Be safe on the trail and may God Bless You and those you love.
Zion isn't my home, but it is one of my favorite places to explore. And the West Rim Trail is one of my favorite hikes out there. Doesn't matter what I hike out there, it always blows my mind.
@@JerryArizonaHope Christmas was a good time Jerry. I’ve only been to Zion three days so far but I’m going back as many times as possible before I leave this planet, which is not my home. So I’m pretty ignorant about the park. I was there November 14 2023 for the Weeping Rock rock fall. When you say you got on a shuttle do you mean you rented a shuttle to Lava Point? You did the hike top down. So you muse not mean the Zion scenic byway shuttle. Soooohhh, is Lava Point past the Scenic Byway turn on highway #9 heading toward Bruce Canyon?
Love your videos man! They’re instructional and humorous. Thanks. And yep, once you go Altra, you will never go back. It’s like wearing pillows on the bottoms of your feet
One trip and I'm sold on the Altras, for sure.
.
Thanks for this video. Brought back memories of up back packing up past Angles Roost in April 1979 to the rim with skis to camp in 4 feet of snow with amazing views. No human tracks to be seen but mine.
stunning views of the beautiful place!' Thanks for sharing
You guys are awesome! Thank you so very much for all the effort and investment you guys put into your work. Walking/trekking is the shortest path to the heart
Amazing as always!
Pretty F#$&’n awesome! I gotta bleep that out now. Your welcome. 😂🤣😂 The colors of the canyon walls are beautiful, I’m sure even more so in person. Thanks for sharing.
West Rim has been on my list for awhile. Need to check it off. And East Rim too! Gotta dream!!
Go do it. This is probably my favorite Zion hike, and that is saying a lot.
It is a beautiful world out there, dig the tunes. Great show as usual.
Awesome area!Great show thanks for sharing.
This is a great video and I love your playlist for it
Really enjoyed your video! We are putting Zion on our list of places to go for sure. Also, nice music selections. We just subscribed.
Really nice hike! Thanks for sharing
Top scenic hike video in my book, of your videos, also favorite hikers of all! Thanks Jerry and Tina!
Thanks! Zion is one of our favorites. We've been deep in the canyons (Pine Creek, Subway) and up top like this trail and the scenery is so amazing and varied. This trip, day 2 in particular, is some of the most incredible scenery in Zion, which is saying a lot.
What a treat ! Thanks :-)
I love Zion, I was back here in August and was able to do Angels Landing before it closed to permits... I have to say it was a good decision... There were soo many people that had no business being up there, I guess NPS was sick of all the rescues... That said I truly love Zion and it really comes alive during the monsoons!
I was also in Kolob Canyons (west Zion) and that was spectacular, I highly recommend it. Amazing trails without the crowds of Zion...
West Rim is definitely next on the list for the region! Awesome video as usual Jerry!
I can't recommend West Rim enough. And I agree whole heartedly on the permit system for Angel's Landing. It's about time.
I love this!! Thank you! Hiking it in October!
You will love it. Incredible trail. We just got back from the Narrows top down and I think I prefer West Rim.
I am so excited to go here!
Wonderful couple postcard views thank you guys for these videos
You're welcome. They're fun to make, from the hike all the way through the edit. Glad you enjoy them.
Clearly we need to head back to Zion... there's so, so much left for us to explore. And the view looking DOWN at Angel's Landing is surreal as hell. 😲 Love the windy outtakes. Feel like we've got so many clips like that ourselves. It never fails... you start moving again and it stops. 😄
Once again another fantastic video, I have been to Zion a few years ago when it wasn’t as crowded as it seems to be now. A person has to do National Parks more than once because there is always a new trail to do .
Heading back really, really soon....and already working on making another plan for a trip beyond even that one.
I know exactly where to go for xmas vacation! 🥶🥶... thank you for the amazing views & lovely music!
Braver than me. I live in Arizona, so I've become allergic to the cold.
We did this same hike, staying at the same campsite, in July of the same year (2021). Wish I had seen this video before we went. We had an amazing hike and I highly recommend this itinerary. July meant it was very hot and also water was unavailable, including at the spring near campsite 2, so we hauled in adequate water for the 2 day trip.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I absolutely loved this hike.
One of our favorites. Glad you got to check it out. I wasn't aware that spring didn't always flow. Good info.
Ive been to Utah many times, many places. Never fails to please. You’ve gone on hikes I never could have done. I’m disabled now and cant hike any more. Your videos allow me to go back anyway. Thanks.
Glad to take you along!
Awesome, I keep going back to your video. Plan on doing this with my sons.
This is definitely my favorite non-technical hike in Zion. I highly recommend leaving camp super early before the shuttles run so you can do Angel's Landing on the way down before the crowds show up.
Your videos are the best, the cinematography is amazing. You make every hike look incredible and I have learned so much from watching. My wife and I think Tina is cool as shit and the two of you are so much fun to watch. Thanks for giving us a peek into your word and please keep up the great work we look forward to seeing your future adventures!
Thank you! And yeah, I guess Tina is alright... most of the time.
Love your videos! I went on a three week road trip to Rocky Mountain national park, Moab, Zion, Bryce, and Page because of them. Going to Sedona and more for a month in April! Keep the videos coming!
Awesome! Such great areas. Any questions on Sedona, feel free to ask.
Just got back from zion as well. I think I'll be adding the west rim trail to our list next time we go out. Looks fun to hike in and camp.
Dang what a GEM! I was just at Zion in July did angles landing, narrows, and emerald pools. All amazing hikes but I wish I would’ve known about the west rim. Thanks for sharing!
West Rim is our favorite. Tina just did it again with her friend.
I love all the beautiful evergreen Manzanitas and Oaks in Zion, especially when alot of other plants are leafless! This was a spectacular video! I live about 30 minutes from Zion and I’ve never been to the West Rim Trail so it’s definitely on my list! Thanks for another great video!!
I'm jealous of where you live....So much to explore up there.
@@JerryArizona Absolutely agree, every hike in Zion would be a national park on its own in any other state but here it’s just Utah lol.
My wife and I were in Zion for several days in early November of 2022. We had hoped to take your advice and do the West Rim Trail top down, but there was already enough snow to keep the shuttles from taking hikers to Lava Point. Since we were staying at Zion Lodge, we did the next best thing and day hiked up from the Grotto to the rim. Beautiful scenery along the way, and those switchbacks just below the rim were fantastic. When we got to the rim just above the switchbacks, there was too much snow for us to keep heading toward the campsites. Hopefully we didn’t miss much by not being able to continue further up. In any event, it took us about 8 hours total, but was probably the best hike we’ve done so far. It was sunny, the leaves were peaked at some areas for fall, and we only saw about 6 other hikers once we got above Angels Landing. We’ve been to Zion several times and it’s more stunning with every visit. Thanks again for this video-it inspired us to do the hike.
That's the best section of the trail imo. Crazily enough, I was there in November to backpack it again and got turned around by all the snow. We ended up hiking up Angel's and turning around as well.
Another very enjoyable video!
We were at Zion in April 2021 for the 1st time and have already made reservations to go back next year. This trail is something I’ve been looking at doing, if nothing else, by going up it from Scout Lookout for an hour or so. Thank you for showing us what it’s like.
As always, you’re quite a pair. We love the humor in your videos, but there’s a genuine sweetness and tenderness you have for one another that comes through, despite the teasing. Here’s hoping you keep doing the hikes and videos for many years to come.
This was an absolutely amazing trail, especially after the last campsite. We definitely saw some people who hiked up from Angel's Landing. It would be a challenge, but if you are not backpacking, that's the way to go. The first 6 or so miles from Lava point aren't particularly amazing. Although I still feel like it's worth the easier hike if you ARE backpacking it. Not to mention that saves the best part for last, which is always my favorite way to hike.
Im wanting to go early april 2022. Was april a good time for you? Weather, people etc?
Went in mid April of 2021. The temps were very comfortable during the day-upper 60’s to mid 70’s and we had blue skies. Did not see any snow at the lower elevations then. Took other hiker’s advice about going up Angels Landing early-started up the trail to it before dawn-easy to do if you’re staying at Zion Lodge close by. Hiked to Observation Point early the next day. In both instances, we were able to deal with almost no crowds by starting early. That being said, the traffic near the Mt. Carmel tunnel did get backed up later in the day. But, that helped us decide to pull over and do the short hike for Canyon Overlook, which was certainly worth it.
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking trip! Enjoyed watching, the nature is amazing. Cheers from Russia, Jerry, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft, tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Thanks so much for your time and enthusiasm in making these videos. I kinda feel like I know ya. Heading to Utah with two adult'ish kids. Time of travel and permits so hard to come by will probably mKe it impossible to do the wave. But the tip of the iceberg in your videos and others like yours are certainly a great help. Keep doing you AND I'LL keep watching . Definitely two of the most entertaining to watch. Larry
Go to Page or Kanab. Try for the Wave in person when you can. BUT, plan day hikes in non-permit areas in case you don't get permits (they are nearly impossible.) Kayak down Marble canyon. Hike Cathedral Wash, Spencer Trail, Buckskin Gulch, Toadstools or one of the other non-permit places in the area. You can't go wrong.
@@JerryArizona coming from st Louis for about 5 days in the area of zion then heading up to moab for abou 3 days before heading back . I honestly don't think we can go wrong finding great easy to moderate hikes and trails. You guys are a blast to watch . Some really good reality shows.
Enjoy. Can't go wrong with those locations.
Great video! I’m looking for a good backpacking trip in Zion NP, this looks like a good trail. I really like your scenic shots.
This is one of my favorites in Zion. Just make sure you get your permit in advance.
Nice! We were just at Zion for an overnight hike a couple weeks ago, camped at Deertrap Mountain. We wanted to do this hike but I took to long to try to get a permit, thanks for showing what we missed! Lol
You definitely need to think ahead to get a permit for just about anything at Zion.
Yay a new Jerry video! I was beginning to think you'd eaten some bad mexican!
Moving. It's really digging into my hiking and video editing time.....
@@JerryArizona It's all good, your last few videos have been gold, happy to see your subs go up, well deserved. I'm crossing my fingers I can get out to Utah next year, long drive ...
Just really enjoying your awesome videos! It sounds like you live in Phoenix, I am out at at Casa Grande which is great to have easy access to all these excellent hikes.
Thanks and don't stop filming!
Yeah, we're based in Phoenix. AZ is great if you like to hike. I need to get down south more and explore. It's getting to be that time of year now that it's not scalding hot....
Mexican food sounds so good. Cheers!🍺🍺
Jerry, video production just keeps improving and especially liked the placement on the ambient soundtracks - effective.
If you haven't checked out HOP VALLEY in the Zion Area then do yourselves a favor next time. Carry on .......
Will do! Always adding to the list. Especially in Zion.
Thanx for sharing !
2 years w/o US west/south and its canyons...
Hard for a French- Swiss guy
Daaang not a lot of people can say they were looking down at the angel landing.
Weather has been weird in utah. I got here may 4 and it has been anywhere between freezing to 99 degrees. Elevation changes play a huge factor too.
Welcome to desert weather. I have gone from over heated to hypothermia in a single trip before....
I hiked Observation Point. I liked it a lot and thought it was very cool.
Great video! I've been looking into trails at zion that i want to check out next time i head out that way. also, i too carry a gopro and canon with me haha twins
Great camera combination. I really, REALLY liked West Rim Trail. Narrows top down was incredible as well, but I don't think I'd ever do bottom up as a day hike just because of the crowds.
6:15 = Beautiful....what a scene to wake up to! Can't say it enough, love the vids....makes me jealous and want to move that direction! How's permit system work for this leg? Lottery? Looking to plan but hard to do if you don't know you'll have a permit? Suppose you'd need a backup plan if you get out there and the weather isn't conducive to backpacking? Or is that actually a thing? Not much stops us from camping in MN....
No permit here. I think they go up online 3 months in advance. Check the website to see the day and time they open and just be ready. They go fast. They have 9 assigned campsites (although you can day hike it.) If I remember right, some of the campsites are reserved for walk up permits at the backcountry office, but I may be confusing that with the Narrows. Highly recommend campsite 1 or 2; they're by the most reliable spring and protected from the wind. Some of the sites are just too close to the trailhead if you're going in Lava point. As a desert hiker, it can get too cold for me to want to do it at some times. Plus you might consider microspikes if there is ice on the lower part. When we were there, the wind was so bad that some people who had campsites up top came down to where we were and set up to be protected from the wind. Otherwise, it's pretty straightforard.
Altra Lone Peak is where it's at. I do all my non-technical hiking in my Altras.
Yeah. One trip and I am absolutely sold.
This hike is incredible and this video inspired me to do it!
That said, that hill in potato hollow is hard as hell! Don’t let Jerry undersell it lol.
Also, for anyone thinking of doing it. Campsite 3 has no flat ground. Just a heads up. Otherwise, a beautiful hike especially early in the fall. The colors and the mountains, everything, beautiful.
Glad you did it! It's amazing and from the top down it just keeps getting more amazing as you go. Sorry about camp 3. Some of those sites aren't the best. When we went the wind kicked up and people who had camps up top had to come down by camps 1 & 2 so their tents wouldn't blow away.
I’ll have to try this route!
One of my favorites in the park.
Can we please all get together for cold beers.... I'll even buy! Lol. Hitting fossil creek tomorrow. I sell real estate and I barely work! Timmy C Arizona
Have been wanting to do this trail forever! I'm pretty much sold. Although, I'd much rather go 3,000FT up than 3,000FT down - ow, my joints. 😂 -E
It is an absolutely incredible hike. We switched to two poles for day 2 (and to test out for some upcoming stuff.) It helped a ton. But you guys just run up and down this stuff, so I'm sure you'd have no problems. I will say that the first 5~6 miles from Lava Point are fairly unremarkable. So it was really good doing it this direction for the massive pay off on the finale, instead of ending on more of a whimper.
@@JerryArizona love my poles ! Takes so much pressure of your knees! And a bad ankle ha ha !
Looks like it was an AMAZING hike! I actually don't know anyone that has backpacked through Zion! Well done guys, looks like a blast! 😊 🏔
Also sorry to hear about the GoPro... hopefully you can look at the crack more like a beauty mark!
The cracks make swiping controls not fun. But GoPro Hero 9 Black #2 is already here, so it's all good. That's what's great about GoPro's; they break and you don't have to sell a kidney to replace them.
@@JerryArizonaHahaha that's so true! I'm still sitting on a Hero3, so I hadn't even considered the swipe controls! Glad a new one found its way your way! 😊 📷
@@JerryArizona Jerry, wondering if a "peel on" screen protector similar to what's used on phones would be thick enough for protecting GoPro screens ?
@@jeffshafer1070 I used to use the hydrophobic protectors, but they would get strange hairline cracks even without being dropped. I got one without noticing and the resulting light flare ruined footage from an entire trip. Plus, I don't think it would have helped this. I dropped it from chest height directly onto a sharp rock. It still works, I'm just not psyched to slide my finger across all the sharp glass shards. I may check with a phone screen replacement place to see if I can get the glass replaced.
I did this hike in March. We got stuck in the snow and added an extra 3 miles on the hike😂 was definitely sore the next day. By far one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done though
It'd be freezing in March! But I agree. Probably my favorite hike in Zion. Day 2 coming down from the top are some of the best views out there.
I gotta do this!
It's a great hike, for sure.
Taking my niece there next Tuesday. Hop valley to the Grotto. Too funny, I also have reserved #2. Still snow there???
And how were the springs?
Not much snow. Only little bits at the highest elevations. We were comfortable (and no snow) at the overlook that was maybe 1,000~1,500ft above Angel's Landing. So you should definitely be good (and probably warm).
I only came across one spring on this trip. The trip report called it one name, but the sign was another. I want to say Cabin Spring. It was running, but just a trickle.
We just did Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail. I can't believe we missed this.
It's not that well known. But it's absolutely amazing.
Thanks for the video. I wonder how well the new permit system will mitigate traffic at Angel's Landing. Looking forward to backpacking the Traverse soon.
I'm glad the started the permit system, but it's crazy it went straight into a lottery. I guess you can still hike without a permit to the start of the chain section, so hiking West Rim will probably not change much. Other than being more difficult logistically if you want to add Angel's Landing onto it. But that chain section definitely needed less traffic.
Very cool ! I saw in the credits you gave credit to the sun for lighting but no credit to Mother Nature for that chilling rain ha ha !
Have you and Tina been to Whitmore canyon via St. George Utah ?
Overland Bound did a great video on this epic spot on the edge and in the middle of the North Rim of Grand Canyon . Putting it on the list !
How do you manage to get Tina to drive all the time ?
I get permits, organize and pack....and hate to drive. And she likes to drive and hates to get permits, organize and pack. So it works out.
Whitmore looks amazing. Adding it to the ever growing list. Thanks for the idea!
@@JerryArizona picking the right time of year for temperatures would be the key . Looks like a great hike down to that beach on the river.
The Altras look great, Tina has no idea what she’s missing!
She's already sold and will probably get a pair soon.
Nice! Next we can work on getting you some ultralight gear…. Watching you guys lug those heavy packs hurts my knees! 🤣
@@suprbikfixr I’m down for ANY advice on making those packs lighter! But I also like comfort, so it’ll be a challenge. And don’t even think about taking away the liquor!🤣
@@TinaArizona my comfort pack is 7 lbs and 1 pound of that is tequila 🤣
@@suprbikfixr I like your priorities.
Great video Jerry! Glad the shuttle situation worked out for you guys! Btw I too wear the ugly shoes...the Altra Lone Peaks have rocked my world...literally able to do double the mileage that I’m used to. Hey be got 120 miles on them so far...pretty beat up but I’ll buy them over and over again if I need to.
Sucks about your GoPro...any way they can just repair the screen?
Too bad you couldn't make it. Day 2 was some of the best hiking I've done. And the Altra's are incredible. No blisters, no sore feet and even without breaking them in. They said you needed more than 2 people, but they took my money and reservation anyway. When we got there, there were 7 other riders. I have a feeling as long as the fill up - and they probably almost always do - they don't care. Your back country permit served as our ticket to take the park shuttle back to the truck, so overall it was a really smooth process. Now I have to figure out Narrows shuttles....if the toxicity of the Virgin isn't still too high in a few weeks....
@@JerryArizona ohh the narrows...my best and WORST day ever! Beautiful hike but ran into a girl that wasn’t prepared for tackling that much of a day hike so we had to help her out..our two day trip turned into the toughest single day I’ve ever had. Hope the Virgin River clears up for ya!
@@TheNotLostNomad all I can think is "That sounds like an epic video". I think I do to much filming and editing.....Sucks, but good you could help her. Tina and I helped a group get out of the Subway a few years back too. People get in over their heads. It happens.
@@JerryArizona My video from that experience is ROUGH...I didn't quite understand the basics back then...including having audio. back then i'd throw some dubstep down and think it was great.
and I guess we all have our stories...always good to help somebody though!
awesome credits, I miss the credits. Can't you get a go pro protective glass cover?
I need to do the credits again....But no one watched them, so I kinda just stopped. I've tried everything I can to protect the GoPro's but always find a way to break them anyway. Lost count of how many I've owned at this point. But that's what they're for.
I'm confused about the shuttle service - I didn't realize private companies operated inside the park. Is this new? Oh, and if you think the Lone Peaks are comfortable, try the Altra Olympus! Even better - more cushion!
I'm not sure how many private shuttles work inside the park, but I've made reservations with Red Rock Shuttles for this trip and another company (I forget the name) for an upcoming trip. You can use your back country permit to get on the official park shuttles as well. That's what we used to get back to our truck at the end. The official park shuttles are difficult now because they have recently implemented a permit system and I hear it's hard to get tickets because of high demand. So if you are hiking something like Angels Landing that does not require a back country permit, you have to have a shuttle permit to access it.....Well, unless you go when the shuttles aren't running, and then you can drive you car for first come, first served parking. Yeah. It's confusing.
And I'll tell Tina about the Olympus. She wants to try Altra after I was raving about mine. (Even though she thinks they're ugly.)
@@JerryArizona They aren’t pretty, but my 60 year old feet like them!
@@lauriebragg7828 just got the Olympus and I love them!!! I need that cushion!
@@TinaArizona Aren't they wonderful? Not the most attractive shoe, but I don't care! My husband got some recently, and has been wearing them to work (with dress pants, haha). Hope you get many miles of enjoyment from them!
I live in Phoenix, can you recommend hikes to go to in az and Utah for thanksgiving weekend?
That all depends on where you'll be, what you want to see and what your abilities are. There are so many options, and that's a great time of year for just about everything in those areas.
As someone who has hiked a lot, but never backpacked, would this be do-able as a beginner backpacker? I just hiked angels landing yesterday but really want to do the whole west rim trail
I consider West Clear Creek a highly advanced backpacking route. Even with my years backpacking, I haven't been able to backpack the entire thing. We passed two backpackers this day and one later told me his friend twisted his ankle shortly after we crossed paths. Sounds like they had a rough time getting out also. I would not attempt it unless you go in at Bullpen Ranch. Go in as far as you're comfortable then go back out the way you came. WCC is something you work up to.
West Rim Trail is a great backpacking route and not too difficult. Main issue is getting the right weather and water. There is a spring near campsites 1 & 2, but otherwise you may have to pack in your water or at least walk a good ways for it. I recommend going from Lava Point out Angel's Landing/the Grotto because it's mostly downhill that way (which I find easier; reverse it if that's not the case for you.) Also take weather into account. It can get really hot during the summer and snow can be an issue in the fall/winter up at elevation/Lava Point.
If you're in AZ and want to get into backpacking I highly recommend starting with Cabin Loop or Horton Creek. They're much more beginner friendly. Cabin Loop especially, you can just hike a section of it and dial in your gear. Dane Spring is a great spot to camp and has a reliable source of water (although there is usually water in several different spots.)
Around what time did you guys make it back down to shuttle back to car ?
I can't remember, but I want to say before noon. We drove home to Phoenix (5 1/2 hours) the same day and didn't get home late.
What do you look for in your go pros. What sets one apart from another?
Stabilization, durability and, of course, picture quality. Stabilization finally got good in the 7, nailed in the 8. So to me, anything older than an 8 requires a gimbal for smooth footage and that's just extra gear to fumble with (not to mention the gimbal noise ruins the audio.) So I don't use anything older than an 8 anymore. I have two 8's but they don't have the removable lens cover. So if you scratch it, you have ruined your GoPro. The 9 has the most features, the best image quality, the best stabilization and it brought back the removable lens protector, so that's my go-to. Of course it doesn't help if you drop it directly onto jagged rocks, which is what I did on this trip.
But another good thing about GoPro's is they don't cost a fortune. And they're action cameras, so they're made to take abuse. Combine those last two items and I'm not afraid to use them for risk of breaking one. It happens. Last thing I love is the ease of use. Pre-Program your settings and it's one button push and you're filming.
At the end of the day, the most important thing in a camera to me is if I will get the shots I want with it. And that's why I'll stick to GoPro Hero 9 Black.....at least until I see what the 10 will do....
@@JerryArizona thank you. I have my first summit coming up. Its Capital peak in Colorado!!
Wow. Best of luck to you. Sounds pretty extreme. We're heading for our third attempt just to do four pass.....Definitely go for a 7~9 with a chest or helmet mount so you're hands free.
@@JerryArizona well good luck to you on your next hike. Love the videos you guys make. The wife's smart-ass comments and the out takes are awesome. Maybe we.ll get together and do a rim to rim!!!
I truly wish you would give the date... and note whether the weather is seasonal (or not.) I am from the PNW... I would only do this in the off season. What are these places like in the various months?
All you gotta do is ask! This was early May, 2021. It was still cold up top (snow hadn’t even fully melted) and tolerable when you exit at lower elevation. I think you can hike it year round, but the road to Lava Point can become impassable due to snow in the winter. Personally, I’d recommend spring or fall when the temps are not too cold at the top or too hot at the bottom. There really isn’t an off season. The top is protected by limited permits so limited crowds. But once you hit the saddle at angels landing, it will get more crowded. That’s just Zion. Set a reminder for the 5th of the month to try for permits. Have your Zion account set up. Log on and refresh until permits come up. It’s 2 or 3 months in advance (check the website). If you’re party is 2 or less you probably want campsite 2. It’s close to a reliable spring, protected from the wind and furthest in. The ones on the top (all but 1 and 2) can be prone to wind. It’s a great hike. Love the PNW. One of my favorite trips was up there.
@@JerryArizonaTHANKS! I love your channel. I'm from Victoria BC, Canada, I would so love to do some of these hikes!
Since you are so helpful... My concern is less this one in particular, (though you might just want to mention the calendar in the lowbar) as much as when would be the best months to spend a couple of months in the desert. I'm not really concerned about the cold, I worked up north in the oilsands at times -down to 40˚. But snow on one hand, and heat and or crowds on the other.
I'm not sure what "up top" means.
April is when the desert blooms? That is on my bucket list! Is there a recommendation for that?
@@fredhubbard7210 I think Feb/March for flowers, but honestly I haven't paid a ton of attention. You can join some AZ hiking Facebook groups and search through for pictures; people go wild for the blooms when they happen, so plenty of posts you can check for dates. "Up top" refers to Lava Point. It's several thousand feet above the canyon level by the Virgin River where you come out if you do this route from top to bottom. I prefer going in Lava Point and down out to the Grotto (also the starting point for people hiking up Angel's Landing). Some people do it in reverse. As far as good times for visiting the desert, I'd recommend October~April. It's much hotter May~September. Depending on what you want to see, you could have snow or even spring runoff to deal with in the winter months though. You also have monsoon season to deal with if you go July~September which makes a lot of the canyons dangerous.
@@JerryArizona You are amazing... Thank-you so much for your thoughtful answers.
What time of year was this?
We went in early May, although Tina went back with a friend and did it again in September. Spring and fall are ideal.
I am Japanese and a traveler departing from Japan.
I don't know how to get to the West Rim Trailhead.
Please tell me the means of transportation to the parking lot.
You park at the Zion Visitor Center and get a shuttle to Lava Point. I put a link to who we used in the description. (Red Rock Shuttles, I think.)
@@JerryArizona Thank you very much.
What month did you hike the west rim trail?
I think we did this around April of 2021, but not 100% sure. It's best in summer or fall when it's not freezing or brutally hot out. Although Tina went back last summer with her friend and was fine; just watch the hotter times of day. Obviously, if you're fine with winter camping, winter works too. My blood is too thin from living in the desert for that though.
@@JerryArizona thank you. We are going this April and I was hopeful for the same conditions you encountered and not worse. Thanks!
@@aaschoen yeah, I think the worst thing you'll have to deal with is it'll be a little cold. It was extremely windy the day we were there also. One group that had a campsite further up from ours actually had to move down near us to have enough shelter from the winds at the top, although I don't think that's normal.
I think that was closed when I went
I think in the winter the road to the top get impassable so you can't go in from that direction.
Do you see any reason why you couldn't have finished this in one day?
People definitely do it. We got to camp fairly early. Without a backpack it would be even easier. We just wanted to have the overnight backpacking experience.
Altra Lone Peaks are the BEST!!!
I've since switched. There wasn't sufficient padding in the sole of my Lone Peaks and they instantly started falling apart. I wear Altra Olympus now. Same fit, but more padding and (so far) much sturdier.
not too brutal going up...
Some people prefer going up. They say it's better on their knees. Personally, elevation gain kills me, so I like going the other way. It really depends on the individual.
@@JerryArizona I'm not saying I prefer it...ha! However the gorp does taste better at that campsite/intersection.
Altras are the best!! RE: Ugly...yes, I've had a few pairs that would make 3rd grade boys jealous. But, they feel SO good! LOLOLOLOL.