Is Angel’s Landing too dangerous

We took the Campman crew down to Zion’s this last week and did a couple of classic hikes. A little planning ahead got us a backcountry permit to do the Subway. For a warmup we decided to take on Angel’s Landing. A couple of us had done it before and thought it was no big deal. You need to be careful but its completely safe. However about a month ago a hiker fell off the cliff and died. It’s happened 5 times in the past as well. Everytime it happens some people call for it to be closed or regulated. There is quite a bit of exposure in a couple of places and if you’re terrified of heights it can be a daunting task to complete the last half mile of ridge walking to get to the top. The question is are hikers properly warned? Do the signs and printed warnings enough to deter those you don’t belong on the hike?

Thousands of people hike this famous trail every year without any problems. A number of them stop a Scout’s Lookout instead of going to the top. It would be a tragedy to shut it down or even require a permit system. It is truly a unique trail. I hope it doesn’t go the way of the Lady Mountain Trail that was deemed to dangerous and maintenance was discontinued.

Once last side note. I thought I would give President Obama a bit of gratitude for opening all the national parks last weekend. I had forgotten about it and it was a pleasant surprise when I got there.

Written by campman on June 9th, 2010 with no comments.
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