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however, I had to start my descent in hopes of doing one more hike before heading home. The way down was actually a lot less scary than I had feared, and I hopped back on the park shuttle and headed toward the Temple of Sinawava.

This spot was at the very end of the canyon, in one of its narrowest and most picturesque sections. The sun was almost down when I got there, which provided for some gorgeous illumniation of the yellow fall leaves. I embarked on my wal to The Narrows, a very flat and undaunting path after the Angels Landing hike, but quite beautiful as well. I wove through the trees and along the adjacent river, stopping to look at the tranquil waterfalls spilling down the cliffs looming directly above the walkway. The end of the trail gave way into a long and narrow canyon, filled with thriving vegetation flanking the wide but shallow river, with tall red cliffs shooting up on either side. The sun was almost completely gone, and there was a fresh stillness in the dusk air. After taking about 200 more pictures, I headed back to the shuttle stop and back to my car at the visitor center parking lot. When I got there, almost all light was gone, and the moon was shining over the beautiful red cliffs to the east. After taking a few final pictures of this, I was ready to call it a trip and head back home.

Although there were times when companionship would have been nice, my journey could not have been more freeing or refreshing. Getting away from the LA metropolis was one thing, but being able to hop from one gorgeous monument to another, all on my own schedule and accord, was an experience rarely attainable. I may not have had as much time for fun and relaxation as my friends on their breaks, but I in no way regretted my decision to do something different, exciting, and rewarding for myself.

Learn more about this author, Keith Mattingly.
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