Zion National Park part 1

After graduation I took a vacation with my brothers and dad. Our original plan was to visit Bryce Canyon NP, but after finding out there was still snow on the ground in Bryce and that it would be below freezing overnight, we chose to go to Zion NP instead. I’ve been there a few times and loved it each time. However, I have not been able to spend even a whole day in the park before this.

I love the place and am glad it is preserved as a national park. On the way to the park, we stopped at the Kolob Canyons portion. Every time I have taken this scenic drive, I couldn’t help but think of the reactions of the first people to discover and rediscover this beautiful place. Just imagine emigrating from the green rolling hills of Wales, walking across the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, then settling in the desert of Southern Utah, and while you are out exploring the area or herding your cattle or sheep you come across red-rock cliffs over 2,000 feet high. Think about it. It must have been awe-inspiring.

I feel this way every time I visit Zion NP. When we arrived at the main park, we hiked the Emerald Pools trail up to the several hundred foot high waterfall that pours off the cliff into the upper pool. I have done this hike two other times with two other groups of people, and each time it was just as beautiful and different each time. This hike is short and not very difficult. I would recommend it to everyone.

We also visited Weeping Rock and rode the shuttle up and down the canyon. That night we hung out around the campfire making banana boats and talking. The weather was perfect. I will share more about my hike to a cliff top, the patches I got and other thoughts about Zion soon.

Remember adventure is out there!