up, Then another hour on top to revel in the beauty, do a few yoga poses and take some awesome pictures before the hour descent down, a challenging hike for any level hiker.

Tip: Water consumption should be between 60 -100 oz. and a hydrapak or camelback type delivery system works best, as you need both hands for parts of the last 0.5 mile. At 6:30am, I put a mixture of Gookinaid and water in the freezer. It creates a refreshing, cold drink all the way to the top on those hundred degrees days.

After crossing the Virgin River on a footbridge, you hike what is a paved sidewalk for the next two miles, following the river for a short time. With the trail moving into a climb of a side canyon, you reach Refrigerator Canyon where the trail levels off for 400-500 yards allowing you to enjoy the wonderful, water carved rock walls.

This temporary respite from climbing is over much too soon as you reach “Walters Wiggles,” 21 switchbacks cut into the rock. The reward on reaching the top are the wonderful views from Scout Lookout - below, the Virgin River snakes its way through the green valley floor surrounded by a line of immense mountainous cliffs.

The adventurous part of your hike is about to start, with another 0.5 mile and 500ft. climb to the top of Angles Landing. The trail is now much steeper and more rugged, and involves scrambling and climbing up the cliff. In places the trail is extremely narrow, with sheer drops on each side. At one point a narrow ledge takes you across a 1500ft vertical drop to the canyon floor.This portion of the hike is an even more challenging adventure for those with uneasiness about heights. I have held many Inner Harmony guests’ hand up this last .5 mile.

Last year, 2003, we met a women, on the trail, in tears, and stopped cold in her tracks. She was celebrating her 20 year anniversary with her husband, who was long gone up the hill. I and two other Inner Harmony guests that were having their own doubts talked her into giving it a try. The other two, told her of their own fears as they started ahead and I followed with her hand in mine. Our guests were just as responsible for her progress as I, as we continued up the chain laced trail.

You want to talk about rewards, as we topped the last incline her husband was coming back and you could have parked a 747 in his wide open mouth. Not only was she extremely proud of her accomplishment, but our two guests had over come their fear while helping this women do the impossible. It was a great experience for all, me included.
Many of our guests have required a little extra encouragement or a hand to ascend this last .5 mile, but the reward of the smile on their face and their sense of accomplishment is worth the effort.

Many say that Angel's Landing gave them the gift of actually being able to confront their worst fears and discover that with perseverance and taking it one step at a time, they were able to overcome those fears and prevail.

I like to say that the experience is like life, if you knew what lied ahead when you came out of the womb you would have wanted back. But instead because you have no choice you take life one step at a time. Angles Landing is a one step at a time challenge, there is no one scary step, but if you stand back and look at what is in front of you, it looks scary.

Ascending the last of the chained portion of trail, you reach a plateau that takes you the final 200 yards to the view on top, appropriately named Angels Landing. Colorful cliffs surrounding you on all sides, and the twisting Virgin River rushing south from the “Narrows Canyon” carving its way through the lush green valley below, leaving your sight on its way through Virgin River Gorge down to Lake Mead.

When you return to the bottom you cannot help but appreciate what you have done. It’s now time to go to the organic market for a delicious Inner Harmony picnic dinner. Our kitchen staff awaits us with burritos, salsa and chips, salad, cookies and drinks. If you’re tempted, there are special treats just steps away inside the market. The ride back offers time for sharing our experience and reflecting on the grandeur and accomplishments of the day.

A day etched in our minds and hearts forever.

by John Epert