Hey friends! While breaks are necessary in all things, (travel posts included), I’m bringing an oldie but goodie up today that was accomplished at the start of our harder hikes. Before hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, we were much less experienced in scary, sketchy, and frankly a teeny bit crazy kind of hiking trails. But this one opened up a new part of me and allowed me to prove to myself a thought that I had believed, but never implemented…I *can* do hard things.
(Apologies for the poorer photo quality in advance! These were taken in October of 2022 when we had less awesome phones! I still wanted to include them however to give perspective of how beautiful the day was.)
My First Time Hiking Angels Landing: Fear, Breathwork & Finding Strength on the Trail
The year or so leading up to us traversing this trail had me laughing at videos that the hubs would show me, saying, “Yeahhh, I won’t be doing that.” Or, “Nope.”
I was anything but okay with doing something so insane (like hiking a sketchy trail to the tippy top of a jagged old rock formation that someone had carved into the rockface way back in 1926.) Guys….I think maybe we should do a revisiting on the 100 year reunion of this?! Drop a comment if you agree!!
But then, as time went on and I accomplished smaller but achievable goals around home in my personal and other areas of my life, I figured, what’s the hurt in trying?
We signed up for Angels Landing hike, (with me not really knowing fully what I was getting myself into,) and set up a trip around the permit dates that we were so lucky to receive. If you’re wanting to know where to look, check out this link to get you to the right place!
While we were there, we decided to hike a few other nearby trails in the park, but this one was by far my absolute favorite. It was the perfect challenge that I needed at that exact moment in my life, and if you’ve ever been on the fence about traveling to check it out for yourself, I would highly recommend doing so!
Prepping for the Climb: One Step (and Freak-Out) at a Time
In the months leading up to hiking Angels Landing, we started training like we usually do for harder, longer hikes. And although it isn’t a super long trail at just 5.4 miles round trip, the way up can be intimidating and coming down may be harder than you anticipate. For me, hiking Angels Landing was much more of a mental challenge than physical though, pushing through my fears one *baby* step at a time.
While we knew we were more than physically prepared, we still went almost all of the way the first day there, to check out how steep “steep” actually looked from up close.
….it was freaking insane.
As I looked up at the jagged rock from Scout Lookout (the furthest you can go without encountering 1500ft drop offs and sectioned portions with chains for support), I glanced at Ben and knew for sure I probably wasn’t going to make it, and while he was more than understanding, I think we both knew it was at least worth a solid try.
The day of, we had an morning permit time so we got to the parking lot early and geared up with our little camelbacks. (This was before the days of the Osprey packs we now know and love WAY more). We brought a handful of snacks and about 1.5-2 liters of water to ensure we’d have plenty for this hot and uncomfy trip.
Our Epic Hike Into Havasupai Falls: What to Know Before You Go
Scout Lookout
We made our way back up to Scout Lookout pretty quickly, and had only a few other hikers in front of us. We started out on the first section which was kind of terrifying but also exhilarating, and then moved onto a little section where some others sat and waited to cross the more narrow areas of the trail.
Once we got to this section though, I froze. Even though I was feeling fearless and awesome up until this point, the steep cliffside to my left was freaking me out and getting in my head. As I slowly and carefully turned to the hubs to get some confirmation on what to do next, he reassured me that if we turned back, it would be absolutely okay.
So as we went back to sit on the side of the path where there was more room, dozens of hikers proceeded past us, including backpackers with giant packs and even kids and preteens! I was so impressed. It was at that moment, that I knew if these other hikers could push forward, then so could I.
Chains, Courage, and Crawling
As we moved ahead up the trail, we passed section after section of chains to grab onto. PLEASE always use the same idea as the Mooney Falls chains in Arizona and make sure you’re always keeping more than 1 point of contact on the chain at all times!
Be mindful, present and make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before so that you can focus 110% on what you’re doing. This trail is no joke, so be prepared and be aware of your surroundings! (Which includes fellow hikers!)
At one point, I noticed I was practically crawling up the rock. I was nearly on my hands and feet and probably had a giant line behind me waiting for my slowpoke-ness to move upward. But as I creeped along, my accountability partner made sure to remind me that I need not think about the people behind me, but remember to go slow and go at my own pace.
Seriously, don’t let others bully you into moving ahead of the speed you want to. We’re all there at different times in our lives and although I feel I’d be a much more confident hiker now on Angels Landing, I was most certainly not back then.
Let’s give each other grace and time to work through whatever we need to so that we can all make it to the top and accomplish our inner goals. <3
About 3/4 of the way up, there’s a wider area with a tree or two. I used this chance to find a small spot to actually sit cross-legged and do my best to meditate some with breathwork. I’m honestly not sure I’d have made it the rest of the way without doing so. It was something new I was learning at the time, and luckily I had memorized a short one that calmed my nerves despite everyone doing their own things around me (and sitting on the side of a cliff).
Why I Chose Courage & It’s Endless Reservations
Here’s the breathwork I practiced that day if you’re interested in a quick one when you’re feeling stressed.
It’s called the “4-7-8 Breathing Technique,” and it goes like this:
- This technique involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
- It’s rooted in ancient yogic practices (pranayama), which was popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil.
- It’s designed to promote relaxation, plus reduce stress and anxiety.
- Find a comfortable sitting position with a straight back.
- Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth. (I didn’t do this, use it as a preference)
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a “whoosh” sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 7.
- Exhale completely through your mouth with a “whoosh” sound for a count of 8. (I also did not “whoosh.”…it still worked.)
- Repeat the cycle.
Friend, you’ve got this. Forge ahead! ✨🥾
Joy at the Summit—and the Unexpected Ease of Coming Down
When we got to the top, I was so relieved I threw my arms up in joy that I pushed through the struggle and was able to check this off my new bucket list. (This is on the list of things to come to HB! Stay tuned to help me create a community bucket list we can check off together).💜💪
We paused, took some photos (which still remains some of my favorite of all time), and then made our way back down which was SIGNIFICANTLY easier than I’d thought it would be.
Thinking the whole time going up that down would be harder because I’d be looking at more space around me, it was actually easier since I was feeling more confident from being able to get to the top. I’d advise to be careful with this new adrenaline though, as some hikers were moving to other sides of the chain to let hikers going up pass, putting themselves in a more compromising position. Please just be sure to take your time and make sure you always have good footing and grips on whatever you can grab onto around you.
We even got to see a beautiful condor on the way back down. This magnificent bird struck me and I swear it paused that moment in my life. It’s like a snapshot in my head that lives rent free even though it was just a blip in time. It’s nest was nearby, and it had “33” underneath its wings. (This number helps biologists identify each bird since the California Condor is a critically endangered species).
*Rent Free: A millennial phrase that means something or someone stays stuck in your mind with no chance of coming out.
You’re welcome, mom.
After getting back to Scout Lookout, we snapped a few more pics, sat in awe staring at the awesome feat we just accomplished, then made our way back to the parking lot near the trailhead. I’m really grateful that we had an early slot so we could tackle it first thing and move onto other nearby hikes, like “The Narrows.” (Check out the next post to learn about our experience hiking through miles of water! I’ll also include where we stayed during our time in Utah and how it saved us oodles of moolah).🤑
What I’d Pack Now: Angels Landing Essentials
Until then, here’s a quick list of what I’d make sure to bring along with me to hike Angels Landing, now that I have more experience and a better sense of how many supplies we typically need.
- Grippy shoes! Don’t skimp, get good grips you can trust, and don’t wait until the day of your hike to test them out. (Here’s my newest faves).
- Enough water! 2 liters may be more than enough for what you *think* you need, but I promise that when you’re hot and exhausted, you’ll be glad you carried that extra weight. (I’m not saying you have to use these Osprey ones, but trust, the cheapies will have you *struggling* to get that water out. Just get the good ones the first time, I promise they won’t disappoint).
- Salty snacks, carbs and protein bars. I also love these energy squares (even at home!) for when I need an extra push. My favorite are these gummies though, since they’re easy to pack and fast-acting.
- Electrolytes. I think some forget this is still the desert. While it’s not Arizona and not the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park is still considered a desert environment, so make sure you stay hydrated properly! I usually love the Nuun tablets, but for a quick on-the-go option, these SaltStick chew tablets are the bee’s knees.
Don’t forget to eat a good breakfast. I like to fuel up for harder hikes by carb-loading and having some steak and eggs if the opportunity is there. If my options are more limited, I’ll look for a greek yogurt and granola option or hearty smoothie.
Just remember on these kinds of trips to enjoy yourself first and foremost. Pushing through hard things can be difficult, but I promise it’s worth it on the other side. You’ll have the opportunity to find new meaning to life, recognize new things about yourself you didn’t know existed, and build a healthy and fun-filled relationship with the people surrounding you.
Unless you prefer solo hiking, which if so, you’re already a baddie. 😌
Ttyl friends. ✌️
Thank You For Reading “I Almost Gave Up: Practicing Breathwork While Hiking Angels Landing In Zion”
Thank you for reading about my experience hiking Angels Landing. I love to share these moments with you—fears, wins, and all.
Whether you’re planning your own hike or just love a good story, I’m grateful you’re here. Have you conquered the Angels Landing hike? Let us know in the comments. More adventures (and bucket list ideas) coming soon. 💪💜
