Proctor's Mountain Classroom program ventured to Zion National Park and hiked deep into the breathtaking canyons. Read more from Mountain Classroom and their adventures below!

Sasha '22

After spending our time in the warmth of our cabin we hopped onto Deb (our lovely bus) and listened to a podcast while on the road to our next destination, Zion! Absolutely speechless as we entered the gate to Zion we made it to our campsite under the Watchman. With no rest we set on toward the grocery stores. With our masks up we headed inside to buy our nice and hardy meals for the week ahead. Right after unloading our incredibly expensive groceries we started our trek up the Pa’rus Trail. Like kids on Christmas morning we were yet again amazed by the canyons surrounding us and the snow capped peaks ahead of us. 

With our first official day in Zion we wanted to do a sick hike. That of course was accomplished with Meg and Brynne as our fearless leaders ready to take on everything, including Angel’s Landing. Games filled our time as we hiked toward the top. Finally we reached the peak… or so we thought. While celebrating, we realized that the narrow winding ridge ahead of us was actually the top of Angel’s Landing. With our hearts most likely racing at an unnatural speed we started up. Halfway through we were balancing as if on a tight rope and holding onto a chain with all our strength while trying really hard not to look down. For if we were to look down we would see 1,000 foot drop right next and death not too far away. With jokes to lighten the mood we pushed our way through only to be met by a friendly hiker to tell us we hadn’t yet reached the hard part. 

Exasperated we kept on walking. We were perfect imitations of Dory, who just kept swimming. Finally, after our last adrenaline rushes we were at the top! We had done it! We ate a delicious lunch of pasta salad with a view of canyons below us and above us. We felt as if we were atop of the world. With a sad goodbye we made our way back down. Back at the campsite our hike was followed by an intriguing discussion for class and we hunkered down for the night. 

With another beautiful sunrise in Zion we had a delicious breakfast made by Paul and I with some banging pancakes. Then we jumped onto Deb and hiked along the Narrow Trail up the Virgin River. With a quick lunch of Southwestern Chicken Salad we started our field work. Brynne and I were paired to study the fascinating flora around us. With our findings coming to an end we met up with the group and headed back to our campsite for a quick ice cream party and some homework. 

The next morning we got energized with some breakfast burritos and headed up to the Emerald Pools for another gnarly hike. We were encased by canyons as we walked under a waterfall and met a few fellow hikers from Tampa, Florida. With the sun at its height we eventually wrapped up our hike and arrived back at camp for Erica’s class. With a wonderfully jam-packed week at Zion we have set our sights high for the next camping expedition.