Las Vegas & Utah

July 24-27, 2008
AC593 YYZ-LAS, AC545 LAS-YVR, AC062 YVR-YYZ

This was the last trip on our Air Canada Sun Pass and unfortunately not timed for the best weather in Las Vegas.  The weather was unbelievably hot, and luckily we didn't spend much time in the city.  We headed quickly for Zion National Park and somewhat more comfortable temperatures.  We were lucky to get a nice room in Zion lodge right in the center of the valley with a beautiful balcony, and got some cool overnight and early morning weather.  As well as a few smaller hikes, we redid our favorite Angels Landing hike with its amazing views and 1400-foot drop-offs on both sides.  On the last evening in Las Vegas, we enjoyed the Beatles' Cirque du Soleil show.  Our second row seats were a little intense, but the music and the show were very good.

July 25
After a late arrival the night before, left early to Zion to escape the Las Vegas heat

Looking back at the road ascending out of Zion Canyon

After waiting for traffic at the tunnel, we start a short hike on the other side

The payoff for our short hike, looking back beyond the tunnel into the valley we came from

More scenery from the Canyon Overlook trail

Some of beautiful views in the canyon along the shuttle bus route

The only road into and out of canyon, free of traffic

July 26
After a nice evening and dinner at the Zion Lodge in the canyon, up at 5:00 am to hike

Walter’s Wiggles switchback on Angles Landing is a good aerobic work out at 7 am

We made it to Scouts lookout and take a small break, luckily the early morning air is still cool

The last half mile is not for the faint of heart as you walk along the ledge

Looking north into the valley as we pause along the way

Walking along the last few steps to the edge

Tom and I celebrating reaching the Angels Landing lookout in record time

Making my way back, keeping a grasp on to my now-favourite chain

Having survived the last mile we look back

We finish the hike, check out of the hotel and go to the North entrance -- Kolob Canyon

After a brief hike, we look out again at Kolob Canyon before heading to Las Vegas

We took in the Cirque du Soleil Beatles’ show “Love” in Vegas and flew out the next morning