https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.
What an amazing park. We entered through the Zion Tunnel. This tunnel was built in the 1920’s. Back then larger vehicles weren’t common. Because we were in an RV and hauling a vehicle, park rangers on either end of the tunnel control traffic. If we were only driving Jethro driving through, the tunnel is free, but if they have to control the traffic for you it costs $15.00 for 2 tunnel pass throughs that need to be used within 7 days. The oncoming traffic was stopped at the other end so we could drive down the center of the tunnel. The tunnel itself is 1.1 miles long. When we exited the tunnel there were several switchbacks. I got a little car sick from all the back and forth. Once we got into the park we set up camp for one night. The reservation schedule is tight so we had to move sites the next day.
Our first hike we took is called the Canyon Overlook. This trail is 1 mile long in and out and rated “Moderate.” The first part seemed like it went straight up some naturally made stairs with a rail to hold on to. The thing I forgot about Utah is it is like landlocked beach. As we hiked it is a little slippery from all the sand. We really enjoyed this hike because it had a lot of boulders to climb over and places where we needed handrails so we wouldn’t slip off the side of the mountain. One section hangs out over the canyon as you go around the edge of the mountain. The park service installed a wooden bridge to use to get around the side of the mountain. They placed 3 planks, side-by-side to create the width of the bridge. They left some space between the boards so you can see straight down! If you are scared of heights, like I am, this is an easy bridge to conquer! I just looked forward and told my feet to just move on. Zoom Zoom seems as if he isn’t afraid of anything! Once we got to the overlook it was beautiful in spite of all the smoke from the California fires. The topography is amazingly stunning. The way the mountains jut out of the ground to form different peeks blows my mind.
Before the hike…
Up at the Overlook…
After the hike…
Beginning of the trail.
Cheese!
Narrow trails.
Steep drop-offs…
Channeling my inner GGPA!
Canyon view…
Narrow trail.
The second day in the park we hiked the Watchmen Trail. This trail was rated moderate. We had several switchbacks, narrow areas, boulders to climb over and on, and it had a pretty good grade on the way up. Stopping for breathers was a must for this Honey since breathing through our masks was somewhat difficult. Once we arrived at the top – wowza– the view was so pretty!
Before the hike…
Ignore the underlining!! UGH!
Pillsbury Dough Biscuit rock!
Faking it!
Zoom Zoom liked the boulders…
The Watchman. It’s hazy because of the California fires!
The third day we were in the park we were able to check off several hikes. We caught the shuttle and headed further in the canyon. We did the Lower Emerald Pool, Middle Emerald Pool, Upper Emerald Pool, Kayenta Trail, the Grotto Trail AND the Riverside walk! All of these trails are rated easy and moderate.
We followed this family on Riverside Walk. The oldest son was saying the best part of the hike is when it is over! The little son just followed along and the middle son – he was NOT happy about being in nature! I thought for sure he was going to fall in the water. Here they are entering the Narrows.
Fat Gus wants a snack!
All the squirrels along the Riverside Walk were fat. They were not afraid to beg for food!
Please, sir, could you spare a nut!
The fourth day at the park we headed over to Kolob Canyon, Zion’s sister park. This park is is the same system as Zion, it is just not as heavily trafficked! We did an easy trail called the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. The views are so pretty. We got to see a hanging valley, an several layers of the earth’s crust!
One of the hanging valleys.
Fat Gus’ cousin, Fat Gus! We named all the squirrels Fat Gus!
First campsite…
Second campsite…