Our WHAnderful Trip to Zion National Park 2024

Zion National Park had always been on my travel bucket list, and finally, I had the chance to experience its wonders firsthand. In August, Ivan organized a small group from the office that included myself, Yue, Erin, Brandon, Martina, and Efrain. From the moment we arrived, the sheer scale and beauty of the park took our breath away. The towering sandstone cliffs, with their vibrant hues of red and orange, seemed almost surreal, like something out of a dream. As I stood there, surrounded by nature’s grandeur, I felt a deep sense of excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.

Our favorite hike was through The Narrows. Unlike any hike we had ever done before, this one took us through the cool waters of the Virgin River, with the canyon walls rising dramatically on either side. The water was chilly, but the beauty of the narrow canyon, with its play of light and shadow, made it feel like we were walking through a hidden world. The water level did get as high as our chest in certain sections. Martina was the most prepared as she brought walking poles to aid in her balance amongst the slippery rocks.

One of the most thrilling parts of our trip was tackling the Angels Landing trail. I had heard stories about its steep switchbacks and narrow ridges, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of the hike. Unfortunately, we did not win the lotto to hike the chains at Angels Landing, but we did get to Scout’s Lookout and summited on the top of the West Rim Ridge. When we reached the top, all the effort was worth it. Standing there, looking out over the vast valley below, we felt a mix of awe and accomplishment that we’ll never forget. Even Erin’s 9-year-old son, Juneau, made the steep climb to the top! Rookie of the Hike and Juneau proclaimed, “This was the best hike of my life!”

But it wasn’t just the famous trails that made our trip special. Some of the most memorable moments came when sharing dinner together. Whether it was Ivan’s grilling, Brandon’s tacos or even Erin’s Korean BBQ, those meals brought us closer, created memories and endless laughter.

Before the group left Zion, Brandon and I snuck out at 5:30am to witness the sunrise over the park’s cliffs, the light slowly creeping over the landscape and painting everything in a warm, golden hue. I loved sitting by a cliff edge, listening to the gentle flow of water and feeling a deep connection. These simple moments reminded me of the importance of slowing down and truly appreciating the beauty around us.

The park had given us more than just stunning views and challenging hikes; it had given us a renewed sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Zion National Park wasn’t just a place we visited; it was a place that touched our souls, and I know we’ll carry the memories of this trip for a long time. Thank you to Ivan for organizing! MVP.