Hike Zion And Golf St. George

The Seattle Times has this interesting article about the excitement of hiking in Zion National Park and golfing the many quality courses around St. George. The article describes hiking in Zion Canyon, climbing Angles Landing and golfing at Sand Hollow and Sky Mountain.

The associated photo gallery has some nice photos.

Below are excerpts from the article.

At first blush, the two outings might seem to have little in common. But having done them on successive days in Southwest Utah this fall, I can identify two key similarities: Both call for sunscreen and each goes a lot better if you avoid going off a cliff.

One of the appeals of Angels Landing is that it provides breathtaking views almost from the start of the hike...

Perhaps because I had read about the danger well before the trip, I found the hike a little less scary than I had expected — but a little more strenuous, for a guy over 60. In one spot, I had to use the chain not just to hang onto, but to pull myself up, unclear where my foot should land.

Sand Hollow, listed by Golf Digest as one of the nation's 10 best new courses in 2009, has strengthened St. George's credentials as a year-round golf destination. Golfers can choose from a dozen courses in and around this city of 140,000, which sits at 2,800 feet.

Speaking of price, I paid $55, including cart, to play Sand Hollow on a weekday in September, the last month of what the course calls its "offseason." From Oct. 1 to mid-May, a round here is $100 Sunday-Thursday and $125 on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

St. George has an interesting selection of shops and restaurants and something we did not expect: a fantastic outdoor amphitheater (Tuacahn) where shows and concerts are presented.