I recently had the most incredible weekend taking some of my city friends on a true desert adventure in Zion National Park.
The whole point of this trip was to give them a chance to experience the area like a local, and it turned out to be the most special time.
We stayed at my favorite hotel, which is right at the entrance of the park and has the most stunning views. It was the perfect home base for our big canyoneering hike.
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Early Start
We got up super early on Sunday to get ready for our big hike. My friend, Heather, had one of her son’s cute teenage friends, Jack, drop us off at the top of the hike to make things smoother.
It was so helpful to get an early start on the day.
Into the Canyon
We did a hike that is called Pine Creek. It’s a really special place.
Paid guides aren’t allowed in this part of the national park, so the only way you can go is if you are comfortable with the technical skills or have a friend who is.
I was so grateful that my college roommate, Angela, who is very experienced at canyoneering, agreed to take us. We used to go on crazy adventures together when we were 19, like hitchhiking to Moab!
My best friend from high school, Maegan, also came to help guide us.
Once we got into the canyon, we got suited up in our wetsuits and gear. Besides my local friends, none of these people had rappelled before this weekend, so I was so proud of everyone.
Dropping In
We spent the day rappelling down waterfalls, navigating through pools of water, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. There were some thrilling moments, like when Erin did her best Indiana Jones impression with a big boulder.
The last rappel was really dramatic and incredibly beautiful. I’m not scared of heights, but I have to admit, I was nervous! It was such an amazing experience.
The Long Haul
The hike out was a few hours long and very hot. There are almost no photos of this part because everyone was tired and ready for it to be over.
One of us even got a little bit of heat stroke! But we made it, and some of us jumped into a swimming hole at the end of the trail to cool off.
A Perfect Ending
After the hike, we rushed to take showers and then I surprised everyone with a fancy dinner in a field overlooking Zion National Park.
The amazing team at Zion made us a beautiful meal, starting with a delicious grazing board.
As another surprise, my high school friend, Rick, arranged for his friends at Water Canyon Winery to come do a wine tasting for us.
To top it all off, my friend who had just been to Dubai, surprised us all with the viral Dubai chocolate. It was the most special way to end the trip.
I loved being able to show people where I grew up and having friends from so many parts of my life in one place was incredible.
THE END