One of Utah's most popular and breathtaking spots — for the climb and the view — will be closed for work later this month. Angels Landing in Zion National Park will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 15 and 16, and Sept. 20-23 so crews can rechisel existing steps, drill and install new posts and chains and add some dry stone masonry to improve footing.
The West Rim Trail will be closed from the Grotto to Scout Lookout. The Angels Landing route will be closed from Scout Lookout to the summit of Angels Landing. All climbing routes on the cliff faces of Angels Landing will be closed for those time periods.
From Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, the Angels Landing route from Scout Lookout to the summit and climbing routes on the cliff faces will be closed Monday through Thursday. The Angels Landing route and climbing routes will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The West Rim Trail from the Grotto trailhead will be open at all times for those hikers wishing to visit Scout Lookout or the West Rim of Zion Canyon. Rangers at any of the park visitor contact stations can help with alternate trip planning, or you can visit www.nps.gov/zion.
Trails Advisory members needed
Utah State Parks and Recreation is looking for an at-large representative to serve on the Utah Recreational Trails Advisory Council and specifically represent the interests of nonmotorized trail users. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. The Recreational Trails Advisory Council reviews nonmotorized trail project fiscal assistance requests and makes recommendations to state parks staff and the Utah State Parks Board. The 10-member advisory council consists of representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Forest Service, National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Association of Counties and members representing hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, Nordic skiers, and one member-at-large representing the interests of nonmotorized trail users in general. Contact Utah State Parks Trails Coordinator John Knudson at johnknudson@utah.gov or 801-538-7344 for more information.
Utah State Parks events
Sept. 18 • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Escalante is holding an event to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night. Meet at the visitor center at 7:30 p.m. 435-826-4466
Sept. 18 • Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding is holding "Your Museum Day" with free admission, backroom tours, movies and activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 435-678-2238
Sept. 22 • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Escalante is holding a Basic Birding event with equipment provided. Meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. 435-826-4466
Sept. 23 • Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab is holding a full-moon and mile-long hike. Meet at the Neck parking area at 7:30 p.m. for this hourlong program. 435-259-2614
Sept. 24 • Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway is holding a full-moon hike titled Night Noise. Join the park naturalist at 7 p.m. for a three-mile hike along the Visitor Center Trail. Meet at the visitor center and dress for the weather; bring water and sturdy shoes. 435-654-1791.
Sept. 24 • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Escalante is holding a geology hike titled Nature's Artwork. Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the amazing Petrified Forest. Learn how an ancient forest became fossilized and discover nature's artistry. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466.
Free REI clinics
The following clinics are free, but registration is now encouraged. You can register by visiting www.rei.com/saltlakecity or www.rei.com/Sandy.
Sept. 14 • Learn camping basics at the Salt Lake store, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek, at 7 p.m. Learn what you need to stay warm and comfortable, have fun and some local choices for car camping.
Sept. 16 • The Salt Lake store is holding a Bike Maintenance Basics for Women clinic at 7 p.m. Gain confidence and knowledge from female cyclists as they teach you how to fix simple issues that may arise during the ride. Some topics they will cover are: tire pressure, how to change a flat tire, fix a broken chain and how to make minor derailleur and brake adjustments.
Sept. 16 • The Sandy store, 230 W. 10600 South, is holding a clinic on hiking in the Wasatch at 7 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of hiking. How to dress, footwear choices and the 10 essentials everyone should have when heading out on the trail. Don't know where to hike? Don't worry, they'll go over local destinations and resources as well.
To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@sltrib.com or mail it to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
