Kerry392

My husband and I will be visiting Zion National Park in March. We would like to hike Bright Angel and had a few questions:

1) Are hiking poles reccomended? We have done the Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trails and found the poles quite helpful.

2) If we do bring the poles, what do we do with them when we get to the really steep part with chains? Is it possible to hold on to them with one hand and the chain with the other or do we need to hold the chains with both hands?

Any other advice would be greatley appreciated!

OO

I haven't hiked the last part of Angels Landing, but have been through one section of chains on it, and I don't think you would want to contend with poles as well. You are using both hands on the chains...the other isn't really free to handle the poles. Or I was using both hands, but then, I have some issues with heights, which is why I didn't do the last segment.

Although I've used a pole on Bright Angel when I had a hamstring issue, I didn't feel any need to have poles on Angel's Landing.

We've been there twice in November and had snow once. I would think that weather might be an issue for you in March?

Kerry392

I did mean to say Angel's Landing trail quot;> .

OO- Weather could be an issue but we are taking our chances. It is the only chance we will have to get out there! We do have YakTrax for our boots, so hopefully that will help! I am a little concerned about the chains- I have never used them to hike before.

Photodog

The trail up to Scouts Landing is paved. It is wide enough for two people to pass without problems, even Walter's Wiggles are wide and paved. Once beyond Scouts Landing I would not recommend taking poles with you. They will be of no use. Stash them somewhere in the brush. Your biggest problem is going to possibly be ice on the rocks and the wind. Not to scare you but if you are the least bit afraid of heights I would not recommend you go to the point as it only gets worst the closer you get to the end. There is considerable drop off. I have seen people freeze up (not due to temps) and block the route.

Kerry392

I am getting nervous about this trail! I am normally not afraid of heights but there is a first time for everything...

So, maybe we don't need the poles?

Kerry392

Any other ideas on Angel's Landing??