This past weekend I went to see 127 Hours, the Oscar-nominated movie starring James Franco. It’s based on the true story of a man who goes hiking in the Utah desert and gets pinned under a boulder for 5 days. He ends up chopping off his arm with a dull pocket knife and miraculously survives.
Other than the bloody amputation scene, the most memorable part of the movie was the gorgeous scenery. In fact, the southern Utah landscape reminded me a lot of Australia, which we visited during our round the world trip.
We hiked around the rim of Kings Canyon, a massive gorge in the middle of the Australian outback. Due to its remote location, 200 miles south of Alice Springs, it was refreshingly free of tourists.
Unlike the national parks in the United States, Kings Canyon has no ropes, chains or fences to keep hikers from the canyon rim. We hiked on top of sheer vertical cliffs, with drop-offs of over 1,000 feet, without a guide or trail map.
We had to climb a long vertical staircase, known as “Heartbreak Hill,” to reach the entrance to the canyons.
Several other hikers stood atop the rim across the canyon, just a few feet away from a massive drop-off.
The views from the canyon rim were amazing.
Layers of sandstone created natural steps, which came in handy as we didn’t bring any climbing equipment.
We crossed several narrow bridges that stretched over crevices. Below our feet, the canyon seemed to stretch for miles.
Some brave hikers ventured close to the edge, risking a 1,000 foot fall.
Sheer cliffs ran along each side of the canyon.
Despite its desert location, the valley floor was lush and green. This permanent watering hole is known as the “Garden of Eden.”
We came across several brave (or foolish) hikers getting close to the edge. At first we were shocked by their lack of caution, but by the end of the hike we were taking risks ourselves.
Leslie posed next to the “beehive” sandstone formations that surrounded the rim of the canyon.
We didn’t see any bodies on the canyon floor. That’s always a good sign!
I took my turn and walked to the canyon’s edge.
Desensitized to the risks, Leslie scaled a rock formation. We set out with one liter of water, flat-soled sneakers and sunblock. We were fortunate not to get stranded in the canyon, considering our lack of supplies.
Kings Canyon was one of the highlights of our round the world trip. It was more impressive and less crowded than Uluru, its much-hyped outback neighbor. If you find yourself in the middle of the Northern Territory of Australia, make sure to check it out!
The main canyon rim hike is about 4 miles long and takes about 3 hours roundtrip. You can go with a guide, but it isn’t necessary.
For more info
Check out the Kings Canyon Wikipedia page for a brief description of the canyon and visitor information.
***
Enjoy this post? Follow Downtown Traveler on Twitter and Facebook.
![Great- now other passengers roll their eyes at YOU! I was the person who always groaned when a couple with a baby approached my row on an airplane. Sitting next […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Sleeping-baby-on-a-plane-36x36.jpg "How to take a baby on a plane: Tips for seat assignments, feeding and diaper change"){kind=small}
![Germs, crazy people and tons of stairs are just a few reasons I hesitated to take my newborn baby on the New York City subway. I’ve been more adventurous than […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Baby-on-NYC-Subway-1-36x36.jpg "How to take a baby on the New York City subway – tips for new moms"){kind=small}
![This review is written by Downtown Traveler contributor Claudia Oddo, a first-time visitor to Blackout Haunted House. In 2014, Blackout plays by new rules. Do not speak unless instructed to […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Claudia-blackout-36x36.jpg "Review: What to expect at Blackout Haunted House in New York City (Halloween 2014)"){kind=small}
![New Yorkers, get ready to face your fears. Now in its 11th season, Nightmare haunted house stays fresh by embracing a new theme each year. The 2014 haunt, New York, pays […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nightmare-haunted-house-2-36x36.jpg "Experience NYC’s scary past at Nightmare haunted house (2014 review)"){kind=small}
![Got scythes? If you’ve always dreamed of wielding a massive sword, scythe, hammer or gun, then you need to get yourself to NY Comic Con. It’s a safe place to […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NY-COMIC-CON-WEAPON-LINX-36x36.jpg "22 Badass Cosplay Weapons from NY Comic Con 2014 (PHOTOS)"){kind=small}
![What kid doesn’t like dressing up for Halloween? The only thing better is dressing up on a random day, meeting up with tens of thousands of like-minded peers, and receiving […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NY-Comic-Con-Baby-Batman-36x36.jpg "23 Creative Kids Costumes from NY Comic Con 2014 (PHOTOS)"){kind=small}
![Think all the attendees of NY Comic Con look like “Comic Book Guy” from The Simpsons? Get with the program… this is 2014! The annual pop-culture convention at the Javits […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NY-Comic-Con-Womens-Costume-36x36.jpg "Top 10 Trends in Womens Costumes at NY Comic Con 2014 (PHOTOS)"){kind=small}
![Today’s post is written by Claudia Oddo, a New York City-based writer and editor of NewYorkerAbroad.com. This was her first time visiting a New York City haunted house. You haven’t […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10608518_10203403847080894_3987049205411782236_o-36x36.jpg "Celebrating 10 Years of Terror: 5 Reasons to Visit NYC’s Blood Manor Haunted House"){kind=small}
![Our brush with a 12-foot gator in the Louisiana bayou There’s a reason swamp tours are a top attraction in Louisiana’s Cajun Country: alligators are dangerous, sexy and cool. Who […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Screen-Shot-2013-06-22-at-7.16.47-PM-36x36.png "PHOTOS: Alligator sighting! A kayak tour of the Lousiana bayou"){kind=small}
![Would you like a craft beer with your jambalaya? Cajun Country is not traditionally known for its craft beer, but locals clearly appreciate a fine brew. Karlos Knott, owner of […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Louisiana-Getaway-Cajun-Country-2-15-36x36.jpg "PHOTOS: Cajun Country brewery pairs craft beers with traditional Louisiana dishes"){kind=small}
![Really? A World War II museum? I was skeptical when a coworker told me I absolutely had to visit the National World War II Museum during my vacation in New […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_1443-36x36.jpg "PHOTOS: Art and History at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans"){kind=small}
![I never thought frog’s legs would be the highlight of my vacation. Cajun Country is well-known for its unique cuisine, from gumbo to crawfish etouffee. This fall I had the […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cajun-Cuisine_Grilled-Alligator-36x36.jpg "Top 10 traditional Cajun Country foods- from alligator to cracklins"){kind=small}
![Local food is all the rage and one farm in Cajun Country has taken it to a new level. At family-run Belle Ecorce Farms, you can sample artisanal goat cheeses […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Louisiana-Getaway-Cajun-Country-6-3-36x36.jpg "Meet the goat behind your cheese at Belle Ecorce Farms – Cajun Country road trip"){kind=small}
![New York may host the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but New Orleans has something better: the Bayou Classic. This New Orleans Thanksgiving parade features lively bands, dancers and a seemingly […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_1226-36x36.jpg "PHOTOS: Beads and bands at the New Orleans Thanksgiving Parade"){kind=small}
![Jazz, fine dining and public drinking: the perfect getaway? Seven years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city, New Orleans is once again a bustling weekend getaway and bachelor(ette) party destination. […]](http://downtowntraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_0277-36x36.jpg "First Impressions of New Orleans: Bourbon Street (Photos)"){kind=small}
Jake, this post is bringing back memories… I miss our road trip through the Australian outback!
Looks amazing! We’ve hiked Yosemite (in California) but didn’t do any hiking on our recent trip to Australia. It was just way too hot (for exercise) when we were in the Blue Mountains.
–Meliha
http://travel.desiblonde.com
Yosemite is one of the next national parks on our to do list since we got our national parks pass last summer. it looks awesome!
This place looks great! The cliffs look awesome and you have some really nice shots. Did you see anyone climbing them? It’s really is incredible how green and lush it is below. The beehive formations are quite interesting too. When I go to Australia, I will now make sure this is on my list of places to see. Cheers!
we didn’t see anyone climbing them and i’m not sure if they even allow it. It would be a pretty insane climb since it’s pretty much completely vertical the whole way.
Wow, you got some amazing shots there. You’re right, it really does remind me of the American Southwest, particularly Canyonlands in Utah (which is where I believe the aforementioned movie takes place?). What a great place to visit. We’ll definitely have to put it on our list for the inevitable Australia trip. Those cliffs are just stunning.
Yeah it was in Canyonlands, I assume in a pretty remote section of it. I went there once as a kid but this definitely makes me want to go back again.
This is my most favorite hike I have EVER done. Anyone going to Oz MUST stop by. Awesome pics!
Wow, what a great hike! I prefer hikes a bit more scenic but definitely quite a landscape to explore!
You’d love this hike, Jeremy! It was incredibly scenic– but not very green. I wouldn’t recommend taking small kids here. It could be a romantic escape for you and the Mrs. 🙂
Wow girl you took a lot amazing photos from the Kings Canyon. They seem pretty tall and deep, but also a good hike there. Nice exercise to keep fit and also for scenery.
The Canyon is gorgeous! And you take amazing photos Leslie.. I have to admit I had goosebumps looking at the picture of the guy walking towards the edge of the cliff though! Scary! LOL!
Oops Sorry I just saw it at the bottom that the author is Jake! Great job with the pictures Jake! 🙂
Hehe, no worries. That’s Jake in the green shirt on the edge of the cliff. I can’t believe he got that close!
See, now I want to go see the movie -since I lived in southern Utah for a year.
Also, I want to visit the Aussie outback!
What great photos. Makes me want to go there- the list keeps getting longer.
Wow, would you look at that! So wild!!!!! 🙂 I HAVE to visit Utah and Outback and! drag you as my guide 😉
It’s different from mountain hiking, is it? No trees, no moisture what so ever (I assume). Reminds me of the movie 127hours. I want to see the movie but the bloody scean makes me hesitating..
You’d love this hike! And I think you should see the movie, even though it is a bit graphic. The amputation scene is only like 10 minutes long– it’s not that bad! Bring someone to hug 🙂
I heard a lot about Kings Canyon when I was in Australia, I hate it that I never made it over there. Looks like a great place to go for a hike.
Gorgeous photos! Need to visit there the next time I’m in that area.
I like the way you can see time etched into these mountains. Seeing all those layers is a great way to see how itty bitty we really all are in the timeline.
127, yes, enjoyed a lot 🙂
I have pretty much never heard of this place, but it looks totally awesome. Australia has never really been on my list of places to go, but it might need to creep on there. How do you get there? 200 miles from Alice Springs means jeep or place or riding kangaroos bareback?
Riding kangaroos sounds like fun! We actually drove there in a rented Camry (without 4WD). We road tripped through the Outback and the Queensland coast and camped along the way with a tent we bought at Kmart. It was an amazing experience and I’d highly recommend it 🙂
Your photos look stunning! Such a rugged and beautiful landscape. You make it look too easy to do the hike. I love how deserted it looks and the lines in the rock face!
I can see what you mean.. the scenery is breathtaking! Cute name “Heartbreak Hill,” .. it could also be knee, legs and back-break hill from the looks of it!
Looks like an amazing hike and one I should put on my wish list.
Stunning pictures. Good to know this is less crowded and more impressive than Uluru.
Wow, these photos are breathtaking! I would be WAY too nervous to get that close to the edge, but I guess if I was there awhile and became desensitized to the risk, it would become less scary.
I didn’t realize the 127 hours story was in Utah! We’re actually in southern Utah right now and have a few (mild) hikes planned, so we’ll have to be extra careful. 🙂