Zion National Park

Imagine climbing the steep switchbacks, watching the start point become more and more alien until you cannot even distinguish it anymore. That is hour one. Hour two brings you through a beautiful flat canyon carved through the mountain itself. The kind of canyon where it feels like the walls are ready to collapse on you. The canyon gives way to yet more steep climbing with grandiose views and startling drop offs. This is not a place for your kids. You see Angels Landing in the distance, with its harrowing chains, and notice it's small beneath you. You have come far, but you're only half-way. The next time you check your watch, it's the start of the third hour. "Is this mile two or three? God, I hope we're close."

You are.

Boredom is not a usual feeling on a trail like this but it starts to set in when the ground is in incline for such a long time. Turn left. Turn right. Turn left. Repeat. Repeat. "My legs burn so bad." Repeat. "Is that rain?" Repeat. "Is this a downhill?"

It is.

The rock gives way to sand as you come to view the breathtaking wonder of Zion Canyon beneath you. You skirt the last half mile on the rim of the canyon and right when you thought the world couldn't be any more beautiful, there it is: Observation Point. Standing some 2,500 feet above where you started, four miles ago, you take in the wonders that make Zion a place of reverence. A National Park. Teddy would be proud.

This trail will bring you up a difficult grade for long periods of time. The path is not paved for the majority of the hike and meanders back and forth up the canyon walls. This climb does seem very high on the back half but, as long as you don't look down, it's worth it. Watch for big horns and if you're lucky look for tarantulas during mating season (Late summer through fall. They are very docile and prove no threat, but are rare, so seeing one is a blessing.

To view the splendor of Zion Canyons' Observation Point requires roughly five hours and eight miles. It's worth it. Take it slow if you need. Spend all day if you want. Regardless of how you do it, there is a sense of wonder that only the Parks can bring. This wonder unites all Park goers. The Tetons will remind you that you're small. Yellowstone will remind you that life is sacred everywhere. Zion will remind you that you are not too old to feel like a kid. That you can climb to the top and no one can stop you because, out here, you are a conqueror.

Go get 'em, Tiger.