Angel’s Landing is the only hike that has given me pause and trepidation. The ascent up the legendary chains section is daunting, yet incredibly rewarding. Angel’s Landing is a tangible representation of a risk versus reward adventure. The challenge itself is part of what we came to find, and this hike brought it. It demands effort long before the famous chains section begins. The switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles are more than a warm up. The summit was spectacular, but the reward was more than the view. The reward was the challenge of a worthwhile experience that my son and I prepared for and completed together.
The Takeaway
Doing hard things that are worthwhile brings rewards you just can’t get any other way.
The Reflection
It takes strategic discomfort to reveal our full potential. Worthwhile challenges teach us to distinguish between danger and fear, challenging and impossible. They show us that confidence is often earned after taking action—not granted before it. The reward was not reaching a famous summit. It was sharing the experience and the effort with my son. It was carrying home a strong reminder that big challenges can bring big payoffs, especially when done together.
Field Question
What worthwhile challenge is calling your name?