Early Anniversary Getaway/Utah Bucket List | Zion National Park

Zion National Park was something on our bucket list that we were unsure about even having the time for.

However, we were in the middle of planning our trip to St. George and realized it would be the perfect time to go to Zion's!

The trip was very last minute, but everything worked out perfectly.

I found a cabin right in the park for a good price and did just enough research and asking around to plan our short stay.

On Sunday morning we said goodbye to family in St. George and headed northeast for Zion's. 
Everything was going fine until we took a wrong turn and ended up on the wrong side of the park!

The GPS showed that we were in Zion's, but there was nothing around us besides mountains/cliffs.

Although it was a gorgeous drive, we started to worry once we got further up the canyon and lost cell service.

Jay turned the car around and we drove til the cell service returned, then I was able to call for directions.

A U-turn and 40 minute delay got us back on track.

Hiking Angels Landing was the highlight of the trip.

We were warned it would be difficult and pretty scary for anyone afraid of heights. 

But we were also told that it would lead to a breathtaking view.

Thankfully, due to being in decent physical shape, and taking lots of water breaks, the hike was no problem.

The weather was a bit chilly starting out, but when the sun came out it made for perfect hiking weather.

 The trail got a little steeper but we continued to pace ourselves.

The trail got even steeper and more narrow.

This is when Jay discovered his severe fear of heights.

When reaching this point of the hike, we thought we had made it to the end.

But no. THIS was the end.

Jay took one look and without hesitation said, "HECK NO".

It was fun to see the couple's reaction just behind us. They were both cursing and the man called it "The Great Wall of China on steroids!"

It was intimidating but didn't seem impossible. I walked a little closer to try and comprehend what I would be getting myself into.

A lady nearby was watching her friends go on without her.

She told me that she was already kicking herself for chickening out, and encouraged me not to make her mistake.

 For sure I would regret if I didn't hike to the very top. I came all this way! I had to do it!

So Jay patiently waited as I hiked to the top of Angels Landing.

When the trail went crazy narrow with 1,000+ ft drops on each side, I was a little freaked.

But I just kept my eyes on my feet and my hands clenched on the chains.

Reaching the top was beyond thrilling! I did something that others were too afraid to do! And there I was at the top all by myself.

Being 1,488 ft above the ground surrounded by breathtaking views and hearing nothing but the wind was Heavenly. Literally. I felt such an appreciation for Heavenly Father's beautiful creations.

It was a wonderful reminder of why I love hiking so much, particularly strenuous hikes such as Angels Landing. There's such a thrill and feeling of satisfaction that comes along with it.

 Going down.

Interesting fact: since 2004, 6 people have died hiking Angels Landing.

Jay informed me of this on our way back down the trail. 

But even now that I know that, I'm pretty sure I would still hike it again.

The Virgin River

The Emerald Pools was pretty disappointing.

It wasn't the best time of year to go. But it was the perfect way to wind down and kill time until our cabin was ready.

After checking in and showering we had a delicious meal at the Red Rock Grill.

The restaurant had a beautiful view of the canyon and we practically had the place to ourselves.

After our meal, we bought a souvenir at the gift shop, then went back to our cabin to warm up by the fire.

By 8:30 we were out. [We've turned into an old married couple.] But really, hiking took a lot of our energy and left us really sore the next day.

We woke up to the sound of something rustling in the leaves right outside our cabin.

Out by the porch we found a pile of berries. A sweet little animal must have been gathering them. So cute! 

Our stay included free breakfast at the Red Rock Grill.

Deer just a few feet away from our cabin.

 With no TV, a fireplace, and a cozy ambiance, our cabin was a perfect and romantic getaway.

A drive through the Kolob Canyons on the way home.

One of the best getaways with my love!

So grateful for all of the adventurous things we've been able to do together.

Jay just makes everything so fun. So lucky to have him as a husband and best friend.