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| Crossing the Virgin River at the Grotto Trailhead |
On Saturday morning, I took the Zion National Park shuttle to the Grotto to hike up to Scout's Lookout. From Scout's Lookout, hikers can continue on to Angels Landing or the West Rim Trail. I'd like to say that I did this hike to commune with nature and be in the Great Outdoors, but I really did it to push myself and gauge my current level of fitness and conditioning. And just to add another element, I did the hike fasted. (hadn't eaten in over 12 hours) I left the trailhead at 10:00 a.m., so the hike was still mostly shaded and the down canyon breeze still plugging along.
Metrics:
Roundtrip distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation change: 1070 feet
Ascent time: 38 minutes
Ascent pace: 3.08 mph
Descent time: 34 minutes
Descent pace: 3.44 mph
Footwear: Vibram Five Fingers
Water consumed: 24 ounces
Thoughts:
While this is a spectacular hike and I've done it numerous times, I've always dreaded it, because it would beat me up. I have to admit that I destroyed this hike this time and I'll tell you why. First, I didn't take my first water break until the base of Walter's Wiggles. Usually, I've had 3 or 4 by this time. My second water break was at the top of Walter's Wiggles and a third at Scout's Lookout. I didn't have any more water until I got back to the trailhead. I got through the entire hike on only 24 ounces of water. Second, I was easily passing other hikers on the ascent when it's usually me giving way to let someone pass. Third, my ascent time was very close to my descent time and I was not lollygaggin' on the way down. Fourth, I buzzed up Walter's Wiggles in virtually no time, a first for me. All in all, very happy with my current level of fitness.
The trail surface varies between sand, gravel, rough-textured concrete and rock. My Vibrams performed like a champ. At the end of the hike, I had one hot spot on my left heel from the descent. Can't ask for more than that.
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| I love the "falling to your gruesome death" icon |
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| Mid-morning in the canyon |
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| Sandbar in the Virgin River |
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| Looking down canyon just before entering Refrigerator Canyon |
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| Refrigerator Canyon |
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| Base of Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks |
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| At the top of Walter's Wiggles, taunting the namesake for his feeble attempt at slowing my ascent |
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| Looking down from Scout's Lookout |
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| Hikers continuing to Angels Landing |
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| Angels Landing to the right, viewed from Scout's Lookout |
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| Exiting Refrigerator Canyon on the descent |
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| Back at the trailhead |
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| Post-hike, post-fast lunch - rice bowl with teriyaki chicken and veggies |
