Short (5.4 miles), terrifying, and spectacular hike.
We were in Zion for a brief, one day visit in March 2019. Granted, it was "spring break week" for many people, but it was very crowded. We picked this hike because we hadn't researched it much but we thought since the flyer said it was quite dangerous it would be less crowded. This was wrong. We learned later that this is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Highlights: The views are unbelievable! It was well worth the terrifying experience to get there. Once you finish the paved switchbacks and start the single track, pretty early on there is an area that you can take a break. I mistakenly thought this was "it". There was a guy sitting near me and I said to him that it was a pretty view and he said, "yeah, I'm not going to finish though". After a puzzled look he pointed into the distance where I could see tiny any people inching along a mountain ridge. I exclaimed, "oh crap, that is where I'm supposed to go? I don't think I want to be an angel and land today". He said "Yeah, I'm pretty comfortable being a demigod myself." My dreams of bailing ended when I saw Daniel's face of excitement to complete the treacherous hike (more on treachery below under lowlights). The biggest highlight was accomplishing it! I am scared of heights, so every step ramped up my nerves. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I made it to the landing.
Lowlights: Half of this hike is single track carved into the edge and along the top of a mountain. There are chains to hold onto, but that is it. One misstep and you can easily fall to your death. It was even more treacherous because it was crowded so sometimes you were stuck letting traffic through and plastering yourself again a rock wall to allow someone to pass. At one point we waited 45 minutes while two tourists required assistance getting down because they were too scared to continue.
Tips: Don't go on spring break week...or in the summer. I have read online that it is not bad on the off-season or very early in the morning. I also recommend taking the shuttle throughout Zion as it is really beautiful to see. I loved spotting climbers inching up steep rock walls along the way. I also loved Scenic Drive and the tunnels.
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