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Writer's pictureVence G

The Temple - Zion National Park



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Welcome to the Temple.

Mukuntuweap 🏜 such a beautiful place. This sacred space, reminds me that Creation is beautiful in all its ways and forms. From being within its canyon walls, to scaling up to where the condors take flight... tuned me into all the blessings of life. It was an epic place to me. The perfect place to be. 🌞

Exploring through and within these canyons was an epic experience. Being able to look up and be surrounded by these red cliffs felt like being in a totally different world. And its that strong feeling of appreciation I felt for this land that made me realize how sacred this space is. Such a blessing to have made this trip out, and to better understand the energy that is 🌀

[Note : Mukuntuweap translates to ’straight canyon’ in Southern Paiute and was the name of the land of what we now know as Zion National Park]

Now Entering : Angel’s Landing ✨


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The hike up to where the Angel's Land was a wonderful feel. But the way to one of Mukuntuweap's most famous peaks was indeed, an adventure. If you seek an epic thrill with a glorious reward - this hike is for you.

Defined by its epic incline, with intense moments of hiking next to the canyon edges 😱 - this hike is not your usual walk in the park.

But if you come ready and prepared [as you should], the hike up to Angel's Landing would make for one of life greatest experiences.

And packed with epic views of Mukuntuweap's unique landscape, the effort put into the climb would be more than worth its while.


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Elevation : 1765 m

Total Time : 4.5 Hours [1hr break at Peak]

TIPS

Start Early

Being one of the park's most popular hikes, the trail gets super populated. So the earlier you start - the better. For a peaceful and more delightful way to enjoy Angel's Landing.

Bring H20

As there are no water fountains on the trail, bringing water [most preferably in a reusable bottle like the HyrdoFlask] is the best way to go. Staying hydrated is to make the hike as easy and less strenuous on yourself as possible.

Pack A Snack

Staying energized is a must on this hike - for keeping the body fueled for the incline parts of the trail is key. Also a light meal at the top of Angel's Landing doesn't sound like a bad idea either. 😉

PS : CLEAN AS YOU GO!

There are wildlife that still call Mukuntuweap home. Your trash can pose as a serious threat to their livelihood. Be a good citizen of our Earth, keep our planet clean for all.

Now Entering : The Narrows ✨


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💬 Random Hiker Convo Elder Hiker : Did you just hike this barefoot? Me : Yessir Elder Hiker : Thats awesome! You're living the life man. I’ve been coming back here for 40+ years now, still such a beautiful place. Me & @nicktungle : Omg it isssss

So those barefoot hikes through the rivers in the Philippines are finally paying off! 😅

But aside from the fun, it was a beautiful experience to ground myself in this sacred part of Mukuntuweap. You can definitely feel the energy within those narrow canyon walls as you tread against the river current.

For myself, it felt like a rush of life that literally sparked my inner fire (shoutsout to the freezing cold waters). And for this feeling of rejuvenation, I am forever in gratitude for what Creator has provided me with...

this experience, this moment, this life. 🍃🍃

Narrow Trails :

I. The Bottoms-Up

3.6 miles [5.8 km] from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs

II. The Top-Down

16 miles from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava

TIPS

Stay Warm

The Narrows is the most narrowest region of the Park, so it traps in the cool seasonal breeze. Plus the waters of the Virgin River gets to intensely cold temperatures. Stay warm and save yourself from a cold.

Wet-Suit x Wet-Shoes It

I must admit, hiking in Wet Gear would've made my Narrows Experience alot easier. The river was freezing cold [I went in October]; and seeing everyone else comfy in their Wet Gear made me LOL at myself 😅

So maybe next time around, I definitely need to visit one of those Wet Gear Rental Shops outside the Park [there were tons of em].

Set A Whole Day Aside

If you want to adventure the Narrows in total, I suggest to start off as early as you can and be prepared to spend your day in its wonder.

Hiking through a river current will take some time; and rushing it would make it more strenuous as it already is. Take your time, take in its beauty.

SIDENOTE

My journey into The Narrows was done right after my Angel's Landing hike. Although I didn't get to journey deep into The Narrows, it was the perfect place to cool down after Angel's Landing.

So if your time in Zion NP is limited and you've completed Angel's Landing earlier in the day - a short journey into The Narrows would be the perfect compliment to an adventurous day in Mukunteweap.

Heaven on Earth.

There are places on this Earth that reminds me that - heaven isn’t so much of a place we check-in to when we pass, but a state of mind that defines an ultimate peace. And that’s what makes Mukuntuweap (aka Zion NP) such a sacred space.

Being in the the shadows of the towering canyons and hearing the sounds of the Virgin River flow... opened my heart to the love of what Creator has put on this Earth for us. I truly felt like I was destined to be here, with an intention to understand my own journey.

And in that bliss I found in the awe of my time spent in Mukunteweap, I realize that I have found an ultimate peace. Nature is my peace. And I am in a heaven on Earth…

- Vence G.

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