Hiking Utah......Part 1

Zion National Park

Where does one start in trying to describe this beautiful park? Once again, words and photos cannot give it justice. We couldn't chose from the hundreds of photos we took, so here is a link with better photos than ours that will give you a good depiction. Zion National Park Images.  We will share a a few we snapped as we hiked. Let's start with the easier hikes,

Lower Emerald Pool

It was our intent to hike to the upper pool but the trail was closed due to a rock slide .

From the East Rim Trail you cas see the trail we ascended and the shuttle buses on the road. 

Captain and Roger on The Weeping Rock trail.

Hanging gardens on the Weeping Rock Trail

Angels Landing was our favorite and most challenging hike.

Looking back at the trail

A series of switch backs on the Angels Landing Trail , called Walter's Wiggles.

This was the hard part; yep, we climbed this holding on to the chain. After the first set of chains we took a break to consider if we wanted to go farther.

It was really crowded and were told it was even more crowded at the top. Being a bit older and less agile than most at this point, we decided we would be considerate and not impede those that could climb much faster.

After this strenuous 4.5 mile (and according to FitBit, 105 flights of stairs) we decided we deserved a Coffee Conviction Stout at the brewery just outside the campground.

The Wanderer was parked at Watchman Campground inside the park where each evening we sat and watched as the sun turned The Watchman from pink to orange

to a soft yellow as the sun set. We shared our space with chipmunks, squirrels and mule deer.

Our campsite.

Zion National Park is the 3rd most visited national park. With millions of visitors each year, private motorized vehicles are not allowed on the road through the park. We found the shuttles to be clean and very efficient.

Leaving Zion today, we will drive Hwy. 9 through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. We had to purchase a permit for The Wanderer to go through the tunnel.  Not wanting surprises, we drove over to check out the procedure. We are expecting a beautiful drive to Bryce Canyon. 

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