Dads like to travel differently with their family. Our members like to mix in a little adventure in with our family time. Let Traveling Dad show you how to get the most out of your vacation travel. This month, we review hiking Angel Landing trail in Zion National Park …. Read more.
Hiking Zion’s
Angel Landing Trail With Your Teens
Want an adventure where you can bond with your teen without
actually risking life and limb? Well, consider Angels Landing Trail in Zion
National Park. If you’ve never been to Zion, it should definitely be on your
list of places to see before your teen goes off to college or moves out of the
house for good. As a single dad, you know how hard it is to find quality time
to spend with your kids. Well, get out of the office, tell the boss you’re
leaving, pack up the car (or take a plane), and take the kids to Zion.
Why Zion National Park?
Once you get to Zion, you won’t need an answer to this question.
It’s nature at its finest – a masterpiece of color, cliffs, canyons, mesas, and
monoliths. Zion is one of five national
parks in Utah, and it’s the oldest. Designated in 1919, it now draws nearly
three million visitors per year to experience its natural beauty. There’s
plenty to do in Zion, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding,
canyoneering, and off-roading. It’s located in southern Utah, and is an
all-season park, though summer is its busiest season.
Why Angels Landing Trail?
Angels Landing Trail is one of the classic hikes in Zion and
it has some of the most scenic viewpoints you will ever experience. Angels
Landing is a towering monolith that is one of the most recognizable landmarks
in the southwest. The trail follows a narrow spine up this landmark to the
destination viewpoint some 1500 feet above the canyon floor.
Remember when I said you won’t be risking life or limb?
Well, that’s true, but if anyone has a fear of heights, this might not be the
ideal trail. It’s 2.4 miles one way with a steep 1500 feet elevation gain. Most
of the trail is exposed, though there are a few shady areas – it’s best to
start in the morning so you are going downhill when the sun reaches its zenith.
The first two miles are paved and the trail is generally
well-maintained, but the final half-mile goes across a narrow sandstone ridge –
there are support chains along some areas with sheer cliffs, but this is where
those afraid of heights might have to face their fears.
The full hike will take between 3 to 6 hours. Though your
legs will be burning when you reach the top, the view is well worth the pain!
If you have any breath left when you reach the top, the view will take the rest
of your breath away!
Taking your teenager or teenagers to Zion will be a
highlight of their summer (or spring or fall or winter). It will also be the
highlight of yours. If you are looking for adventure and some quality time with
your teens, hiking Zion’s Angel Landing Trail will be a vacation to remember!
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Dad
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traveling suggestions, planning or general questions about your next vacation?
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Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”
