Zion National Park, UT

On our way into Zion today we stopped at the supermarket to buy lunch and water for the day’s sightseeing. I also dropped of some film to be developed.

Zion does not allow cars just after its entrance, so we park at the ranger station and make the most of the shuttle that runs through the park. Zion is beautiful! The road runs along the bottom of the canyon, next to the Virgin River, and the canyon walls head skyward either side of you. So many red, oranges and greens together, combined with the gentle river running through just makes this place amazing.

Our first stop on the shuttle was the Temple of Sinawara, at the far end of the park. We walked for half a mile up to the river’s edge, where you then continue wading up the river through the ankle to wait deep water. I went about a mile and a half up the river while Amy waited, as she did not have the right footwear to get through the rocky water. It was a hard walk, but relaxing at the same time. The further you walked the closer the canyon walls got. Very beautiful! 

Me, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

The next stop was Weeping Rock. We walk the 2 miles up to Hidden Canyon. The last 100 yards was steep and the dodgy ledge made me feel uncomfortable. To turn around and hike back down was incredible. The panoramic views of the park were breathtaking and definitely made for climb in the killer heat well worthwhile. 

We take our lunch to the grassed area in front of Zion Lodge. It is nice to be in the shade and under a beautiful, huge, old tree. We also enjoy our daily ice cream fix. 

We leave there and walk a mile to the Mid Emerald Pool. We see some deer during our walk – which was pretty amazing. The walk was supposed to finish at the foot of a waterfall, but the summer’s heat and lack of winter’s snow melt had dried it out completely. It was a little bit disappointing but a great walk none the less. 

Amy, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

We ended the day back at the Visitors Center, checking out the ranger’s station and learning more about this great park. 

On the way back to the hotel we stopped to pick up the photos, which like all others so far, make me grateful of this wonderful trip I’m taking.

We relaxed with a swim at the hotel before a thunderstorm arrived and sent us inside for our Mac & Cheese dinner.