photo by Spengy

There are many beautiful trails to hike in Zion National Park in Utah, but if you're looking for some thrill to add to the beauty, try hiking Angels Landing.

Angels Landing is arguably Zion's most famous hiking trail. Though only a half mile in distance one way, it's a half mile sure to get your blood pumping.

Children are not recommended on this trail because it rises into the sky on a narrow sandstone fin with dizzying drop-offs of 1,200 and 800 feet on either side. Chains are embedded into the rock face to assist you in your climb, but make no mistake: this is a harrowing scramble and one slip of the foot may be your last.

Your reward for overcoming your fear of heights is the summit of this exposed rock. The view over the park is spectacular, amplified by the satisfaction of being part of a select group of hikers to have braved Zion's most famous trail. Enjoy your lunch, the view, and feeding a friendly squirrel or two, then summon your nerve for what many say is the more unnerving climb down.