Zion National Park was a terrific experience – they have a fabulous shuttle to take you through the park and the Visitor Center was a valuable stop. We did our first hiking into the Narrows and had a wonderful late lunch in the Zion Lodge. We were surrounded by huge red rock mountains with shining finishes glowing from centuries of erosion. The Virgin River winds through the Park and along the way we see petroglyphs – evidence of early natives people adorning the cliffs.
A delight of world class rock climbers – this park draws worldwide visitors. Often we heard many languages other than English spoken on the shuttles and in the restaurants. We met a young woman with Mt Everest climbing experience visiting Zion for the for some climbing on the sheer cliffs.
We felt this visit was an introduction and may return because two full days was not enough. Zion was discovered by Morman settlers early in the 1900s – one can only imagine their reaction to this grand towering landscape. A short drive thru the park and thru a mountain bridge shows us a completely different stone landscape – less red sandstone – more white limestone formations that resemble frosting or whipped cream creations.
The view through the mountain bridge was pretty cool so I added a few shoots to give you an idea of the drive through both ways. Finally a selfie of us at the Narrows before our first big hike in new hiking boots. We enjoyed the hike but it was very hard mostly due to the altitude – much higher than the sea level we are used to.
We would remain over a mile high for much of the tour with a high of 9100 ft in Bryce Canyon. It takes a lot out of you and everyone reminds you to drink a lot of water all the time. We also enjoyed the unique hanging gardens and lush riverside plants along the Virgin River.
Next stop is Page, Arizona to see the Largest free standing natural bridge – Rainbow Bridge and the Lake Powell Recreation Area.
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