Observation Point Trail                 October 21, 2007

   Zion National Park

   Above:   Angels Landing is the reddish round prominence on the left center area of the photogragh.    Observation Point soars 700 feet above and right, distinquished by the red streaking that drapes from it.   The hike to Observation Point ascends 2148 feet in 4 miles, on a mostly paved surface.    Although the incline is relentless, the walking surface makes the hike easier and approachable by many.   From the Point, views of Angels Landing (bring binoculars) and the south canyon are spectacular.   The cliffs on which you stand are extremely steep and the valley floor is at least 2000 feet below.   At Angels, other hikers could be seen making there way up on the knife edged ridge.   The chain handrails could be faintly distiguished.   We were surprised to see California Condors soaring magestically over the Landing and later, uplifted by currents,  right over our heads.