Exposure Exposed!

Does the thought of hiking a ridge or along a canyon wall or mountainside leave you feeling uncomfortable?  Are you "afraid of heights"?  And does this affect where you can choose to go to hike?
Quite a few people I've met over the years seem to be somewhat uncomfortable with exposure.  The reasons are many: fear of falling, tripping, going over the edge; the perspective of looking down of something higher up, getting vertigo, and more... all valid reasons for feeling uneasy, for sure! 

Here are a few ideas that may help you in taking that next step towards eventually taking that bucket list hike down into the Grand Canyon (or other trails that have edges, ledges, or heights):

Watch and concentrate on your footing.  This does not mean that you can't stop to look at the scenery.  However, on exposed areas, it may help to stop, hold on to something (like a canyon wall, for example), assure your balance, then take in the view rather than try to hike & take pictures at the same time.  

Walk on the side that is protected, if there is one. (see Zion picture below)  Often there are exposed areas only on one side of the trail.  While you don't have to "hug" the wall, walking to the protected side may give an added sense of security.

If you are doing a "cable" route, such as Angel's Landing (Zion) or Half Dome (Yosemite), your best bet is to put the hiking poles away to have both hands available to hold onto the cable, rock, or wall.  Note: Many cable routes have fixed posts or anchors which the cable can glide through.  If there are other people holding onto the cable and they let go, the cable may move.  If you are not expecting this, it could throw off your balance a bit.  Look to see how the cables are attached so you know if this will be a possibility enroute. 

Sometimes the perspective changes as you get onto the "exposed" areas.  What looks like a skinny little path in the distance may actually be wider than you realize.   

Often as hikers gain experience with a little challenge of exposure here and there, they gain the confidence necessary for them to enjoy a hike with more consistent exposure.  That being said, exposure is not for everyone.  

Please let me know if you have any other ideas that have worked for you.  Good luck & stay safe hiking out there!   :-)
  

Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab trail, Grand Canyon NP

(This is a good spot to use hiking poles and watch your footing.)

Exposed rock cut on Observation Point hike, Zion NP

(Note the hiker walking on the more "protected" side of the trail.)

Exposed mountainside on Dawson-Pitimakin hike, Glacier NP

(Also a good place for hiking poles.)

Exposed ridge of upper Angel's Landing, Zion NP

(Trail goes along rock rib.  Put poles away, use cables & rock to hold onto, note cables may move when someone lets go.  Route is also wider than it looks from this viewpoint.)