The shuttle driver called out "Stop 6, The Grotto Trail,  Angel's Landing, and Kayenta Trail, exit here."  Most peole shuffled off the bus and hitched their packs onto their backs.  The crowd made their way across the road to the trail head as a heard.  The excitement buzzed around us as friends talked about climbing to Angel's Landing.  The shade of the small canyon welcomed us as we began the assent.  Soon voices quieted as the signs posted that this was a nesting spot for local wildlife.  Quietly people climbed quickly at first and then as their breathing became heavier, their steps slowed. As the trail twisted and hugged the canyon wall some hikers started to keep more against the wall as the higher they went.  We continued on with the rest of the masses, stopping for photo opportunities and to gawk at the views. We came to Walter's Wiggles and the trail started the switchbacks. The crowd started to thin as hikers slowed and took breaks.  Once we reached the end of the switchbacks we pooped out to Scout's Lookout and I felt like I had arrived at a party.  There were people everywhere sitting, talking, laughing and waiting.  And waiting and waiting.  Most had climbed to this spot and decided to wait for the rest of their party who were attempting the little 1 mile roundtrip to the top of Angel's Landing.  Most had been waiting for over 2 hours.  It wasn't that it actually took 2 hours to go 1/2 mile up and 1/2 mile back but it was waiting for turns to climb portions of the trail.  I wasn't about to wait in line with over 100 people for that.  We headed off to the West Rim Trail.  Just over the small rise, the din of voices ceased and we became the only ones around.  Wildflowers were in bloom and chipmunks scurried through the brush.  Condors soared overhead and the trail continued on along the tops of sheer cliffs sometimes marked by signs from one smooth slope to another, sometimes between sage brush.  It was quiet.  It was awe inspiring and it was empty of other souls.  We choose a spot for lunch and stretched out not quite believing that other's were so focused on one part of the trail that they neglected this beauty hiding in plain sight.  Soon after lunch we turned around in order to meet back up with my mother for ice cream at the lodge.