Conquering Heights and Canyon Views: My Solo Hike to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
I've always been a software engineer, happiest when debugging code. But this year, I decided to challenge myself in a different way. My name is Evelyn, and I'm a 35-year-old who secretly harbors a fear of heights. What better way to confront that fear than a solo hiking trip to Zion National Park? My mission: to reach Observation Point, not via the crowded main canyon route, but via the less-traveled East Mesa Trail, and to capture the experience with my Sony Alpha 7 III. This is my story of conquering both a physical challenge and an internal one, and how I snagged some unforgettable photos along the way. If you're struggling with acrophobia, and want a guide to overcoming acrophobia hiking, this is the place for you!
Why Observation Point via East Mesa? Escaping the Crowds
Let's be honest, Angel's Landing is Zion's superstar hike, and for good reason. Those chains, the sheer drops... it's iconic. But I knew my fear of heights wouldn’t mix well with throngs of people precariously clinging to those chains. I wanted a more solitary, contemplative experience. That's why I chose Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail. How difficult is the Observation Point hike from East Mesa? It's longer, clocking in at around 6.7 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is much more gradual, making it manageable even if you're not a seasoned hiker. More importantly, the East Mesa Trail offers a unique and less-obstructed perspective of Zion Canyon. Alternatives to Angels Landing hike Zion National Park? Look no further than this trail for stunning views and a more accessible hiking experience.
Facing My Fear: One Step at a Time
My palms were already sweating as I drove to the East Mesa Trailhead. East Mesa Trail Zion how to overcome fear of heights? That was the question swirling in my mind. I knew the trail was relatively gentle, but the thought of those canyon edges sent shivers down my spine. The East Mesa Trail is located in East Zion, so I planned for the drive time.
The first few miles were easy enough, a pleasant stroll through a pine forest. Then, the trail began to open up, offering glimpses of the canyon below. That's when the anxiety started to creep in. My heart pounded, and my legs felt like lead. I distinctly remember one moment where the trail narrowed, and the drop-off to my right seemed impossibly steep. I almost froze. But I remembered a tip I'd read: focus on the distant horizon. So, I fixed my gaze on the towering rock formations in the distance, taking deep, deliberate breaths.
Here's a pro-tip: Hiking poles are your best friend when you're dealing with a fear of heights. They provide extra stability and help you maintain your balance, especially on uneven terrain. As I neared exposed areas, I shortened my grip on the poles, planted them firmly, and focused on the next few feet of the trail. Deep breaths are critical! When the anxiety threatened to overwhelm me, I stopped, closed my eyes, and took several long, slow breaths.
It wasn't always easy. There were moments of genuine panic, times when I had to force myself to put one foot in front of the other. But with each step, I felt a little bit stronger, a little bit more confident. And finally, I reached Observation Point. Observation Point hike Zion without shuttle overcrowding? Yes, because of the remote trail!
Observation Point: A Photographer's Paradise
The view from Observation Point is simply breathtaking. The entire canyon stretches out before you, a tapestry of red rock, green vegetation, and azure sky. And the best part? I had it almost entirely to myself. Zion Photography Spots Observation Point is a must-see for any photographer.
As a software engineer and amateur photographer (Sony Alpha 7 III Zion Photography), I was eager to capture the grandeur of the scene. But the bright desert sun posed a significant challenge. The dynamic range was incredible, with deep shadows and blinding highlights. I experimented with HDR photography techniques, taking multiple exposures and blending them together in post-processing to capture the full range of light.
I also relied heavily on my graduated neutral density filters (Graduated ND filters). These filters help to darken the sky without affecting the brightness of the foreground, allowing me to balance the exposure and prevent blown-out highlights. Best camera settings for Zion National Park landscape photography? I found that using a narrow aperture (f/8 to f/11) helped to maximize depth of field, ensuring that everything from the foreground rocks to the distant canyon walls was sharp. I also played with different ISO settings, trying to keep it as low as possible (ISO 100) to minimize noise.
To add some visual interest, I looked for creative ways to use shadows and silhouettes. I positioned myself to capture the sun setting behind the canyon walls, creating dramatic silhouettes of the rock formations. I experimented with aperture settings and the ISO settings to get the best shots.
One of my favorite shots was captured just before sunset. I set my camera to ISO 200, aperture f/9, and used a 2-stop graduated ND filter to darken the sky. The resulting image captured the warm golden light illuminating the canyon walls, with long shadows stretching across the valley floor.
Fueling Up: Post-Hike Delights in Springdale
After a long day of hiking and photography, I was famished. I headed to Oscar's Cafe in Springdale, a local institution known for its hearty Southwestern cuisine. Best Breakfast Burrito Zion Oscar's Cafe? Absolutely! I ordered the breakfast burrito with chorizo and green chile sauce, and it was exactly what I needed. The flavors were bold and satisfying, and the portion size was generous.
Later that evening, I decided to treat myself to a prickly pear margarita at King's Landing Bistro. Prickly Pear Margarita King's Landing Bistro worth it? Without a doubt! The sweet and tangy flavor of the prickly pear was the perfect complement to the smoky tequila, and the atmosphere at King's Landing Bistro was relaxed and inviting. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Join the #ZionVistaChallenge!
My solo hike to Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail was more than just a physical challenge; it was a journey of self-discovery. I faced my fear of heights, pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, and captured some stunning photographs along the way. Now it's your turn!
VistaLocation is hosting a photography contest, and we want to see your best shots of Zion National Park. Whoever submits the best photo to vistalocation.com using the hashtag #ZionVistaChallenge will be featured on our website and win a free 3-day hiking gear rental package from a local Springdale outfitter. Zion Vista Challenge photography contest details? Visit vistalocation.com for full contest rules and entry information. I can't wait to see your perspectives. Photography tips Zion National Park for beginners? Experiment with different angles and times of day. Best time of day to hike Observation Point East Mesa? Sunrise and sunset are ideal for dramatic light. So, grab your camera, hit the trails, and show us what you've got! Good luck!