It all started with an overconfident hiker (me) and a bag of trail mix that mysteriously disappeared before we even hit the first switchback.
Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park—one of the most thrilling day hikes in the U.S.—was my mission. Five miles round trip, 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and a final stretch that involves gripping chains while teetering on a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Sounds fun, right?
The morning started strong. Spirits were high, legs were fresh, and my snack stash? Well, I thought it was packed. But somewhere between the parking lot and Scout Lookout, my beloved trail mix vanished into the void of my backpack (or my stomach, I’ll never know).
By the time I reached the infamous chains section, I was fueled only by sheer willpower, the distant memory of breakfast, and a single gummy bear I found in my jacket pocket. Meanwhile, other hikers around me pulled out protein bars, sandwiches, even a guy munching on an entire burrito. The jealousy was real.
But hunger aside, the views? Absolutely insane. Looking down at the Virgin River snaking through the valley below, I suddenly forgot my growling stomach. Standing on that summit, with nothing but sky and sandstone cliffs around me, I realized—this is why we hike.
Moral of the story? Pack extra snacks, double-check your bag, and never underestimate the power of a rogue gummy bear.