9/20/2010 (Mon) - Beautiful Beautiful.....Zion National Park

Jim and I just spent ten of the most awe inspiring hours visiting and viewing Zion National Park.  In thinking about our experience today, I can't even come close to describing the incredible beauty I was privileged to see.  Words like fantastic, marvelous, awesome, seem so shallow when it comes to describing the beauty of this park.  It was as close to a spiritual experience for me as just being in and among the towering cliffs and mountains puts everything so much in perspective.  It was such a humbling experience for me and I'm still in awe of what we have seen today.  Zion has such a rich history and I recommend taking the time to visit their site to learn more about this park.

Zion is very well organized in that you park and ride a shuttle to all the locations. 

Shuttle buses

There are I think eight stops the  shuttle makes and each one is an experience in it's self.  Our first stop today was at the Visitors Center where we parked the truck to  board the shuttle.  Next stop was the Human History Museum where we watched a 22 minute film on the formation of Zion.  This helped set the tone for the entire day.   It's an incredible narration.  We boarded the shuttle for our next stop which was Canyon Junction where we took our first hike.  Notice I said our first.  From this viewpoint we could see the Virgin River and Zion Canyon.  The Virgin River is and was a major player in the formation of this park as well as many others.

The Virgin River

Zion Canyon

Next we boarded the shuttle and got off at The Court of The Patriarchs for another short hike.  In 1916 Frederick Fisher who was a Methodist Minister gave the religious names to the peaks.  These three sandstone cliffs hold court over Birch Creek Canyon.

Abraham (6890') - Isaac (6825') - Jacob (6831')

On the shuttle again we next stopped at the end of the route, Temple of Sinawava to take the Riverside Walk and to view the Virgin River.  This walk is the gateway to the 'Narrows.'  You can rent equipment to go to the Narrows.  We went as far as where you had to cross the river and then we stopped.  This was really a hike.  We ate our packed lunch while there at the Temple of Sinawava.

Way off in the distance is the 'Narrows'

Colors were unbelievable

Hiker Jim

We started our journey back, stopping at Weeping Rock for yet another hike.  Notice I did not say short hike.  This hike took us up and up and up and then we had to walk under the weeping water.

If you click on the pic. you can see the weeping water

Was rather nice standing in the weeping water as it was really warm today.

Angels Landing was closed for repairs so we stopped at Big Bend but did not have to hike there at all.  Yea!!

View from Big Bend

Our last stop of the day was the Emeralds Pool Trail which was at the Zion Lodge.  We spent a whole $5.00 for two ice cream bars and a coke as we/I needed to rest.  Off to the Emeralds Pool Trail and this hike was perhaps the most strenuous hike of all.  I think it was two and a half miles round trip.  Doesn't sound like much!  Try one mile up thru rugged terrain and then walking on a trail that is so close to the drop offs it's scary.   Then thru rough terrain coming back to the lodge.

Scenery was drop dead gorgeous

Emerald Pools Trail

Emerald Pool

Once finished with that we boarded the shuttle for our trip back to the Visitors Center to purchase a DVD and for our drive back to our RV Park.  The day was just fantastic.

Takes your breath away doesn't it.

We drove back on highway 9 which is the east side of Zion.  The entire road is under construction and takes a bit of time to maneuver but the scenery makes all the delays well worth it.

A little information for seniors.  Golden Age Pass will get you in free of charge.  They normally charge larger vehicles to go thru the tunnels but they are all under repair so there is no charge at this time.  The shuttle is free in fact no cars are allowed to tour the park on their own.  Shuttle is the total answer and you never have to wait more than five minutes for one to come along.  Food is served at the Zion Lodge and it is very reasonable.  Salads only cost $5.00.  Bring water and snacks for sure.  Don't bring anything you absolutely don't need as it gets heavy.  Check the weather to see what it is going to be.  Don't haul jackets if you don't need them.  Backpacks are wonderful things.  Fanny backs are great also.

We had just a wonderful day and would go back again and again.  Beautiful just beautiful!!  Off to Bryce tomorrow.