If you ever get a chance to visit Zion National Park ... Go for it! What a spectacular place. I totally need to do more research. I would say today's trip was a reconnaissance mission. We learned we could park in Springdale and take a free shuttle to the park entrance. We learned when it is really busy and we have a national park pass we can bypass the huge entrance fee line. We learned Good Friday might not be the best day to visit; what with spring breakers, school vacationers and international guests in plentiful supply. We learned about the free shuttle shuttle system that makes nine stops throughout the park, beginning at the visitor's center and ending at the Temple of Sinawava. (Also of note Utah is in a different timezone from Nevada!) We entered through the South Entrance. Pretty much the rest of the blog today will just be un-captioned photos because we can't yet put names with these peaks!
We rode the shuttle all the way to the end at Temple of Sinawava listening to the park story before we got off. We took a walk along the Virgin River which has been carving this canyon for millions of years. It looked pretty tame today but we wouldn't want to be here during a rain event! We followed the Riverside Walk until we reached the Narrows. Many people were headed up the Narrows wearing rental shoes, waterproof pants and wooden hiking poles. Maybe another day for us!
There were many squirrels looking for a handout. Apparently they and some people don't care what the sign says.
The Riverwalk path passed a grotto with an interesting little micro-climate. Dripping water and water loving plants.
Spring was busting out all over today.
We liked this bright green side hill.
Lots of people were just chilling out enjoying the fantastic weather.
Some people were playing in the icy water. These folks apparently wanted to be able to keep an eye on their shoes while playing.
Camouflaged squirrel.
Brave squirrel.
I love the spring green.
Selfie time. Dan needs to smile! We were having fun.
Seen along the way:
Zion Canyon is about 3 hours from Las Vegas northeast bound on I15. We took a little side trip in St George, Utah which was where we realized the time difference. We passed by this rock which appears to be a big draw. It overlooks downtown St. George. We were running a little behind so we didn't stop. Snapped a photo or two from the window.
A view of St. George Utah Temple - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Spring greenery along the Virgin River on the way to Zion.
This Hurricane Mesa - which is massive.
A drive-by shot of Fort Zion. It wasn't open yet for the season.
A totem pole near where we parked in Springdale.
On the way home we got stuck in a little traffic on I15 in Arizona. Pretty rugged pass.
It was pretty warm in the pass so the spring flowers are in bloom. The orange ones are Globe Mallow.
I suspect we will be heading back to Zion in the near future. We really want to do some hiking, maybe even on the trail to Angel's Landing which has spectacular views on the Canyon. Here is a link to an interactive slideshow of what we should expect if we plan to hike to Angel's Landing. https://www.nps.gov/featurecontent/zion/eHike.htm
It's all about the journey.
Happy Easter.
Love Nancy and Dan
