Zion National Park

Day 17, Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park - 85 miles

Another freezing morning - we were up and off early driving out of Bryce Canyon the same way as we entered - driving through Red Canyon was brilliant as the sun was shining on the rocks.

Turned into Zion National Park via East Entrance and drove through Checkerboard Mesa then went through Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel (built 1920s).  Any vehicle 11ft 4" or taller had to pay a $15 fee as they require one lane traffic through the tunnel.  Everyone seemed to be out for their Sunday drive with all the 'pull in lanes' full of vehicles as people stopped to take photos. 

Mt Carmel-Zion Road before entering the tunnel

Mt Carmel Tunnel built in 1920s

The road to Zion National Park consisted of a very steep decent with tight corners - luckily we were able to pull over once we reached the bottom so I could have a breather!!  Pulled into the Visitor Centre Carpark and were lucky to find an empty space. 

Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon's steep red cliffs.  Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River.  The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden.

At the bottom of very steep decent into Zion National Park - unfortunately no photos of the spectacular scenery on the way down as had to concentrate on the road and no places to pull off.

At the bottom of the hill and heading towards the Canyon

Because we had limited time we headed off on a walking trail (Watchman Trail) from the Visitor Centre as was classed as a moderate walk (2 hrs/4.3km).  Helen stopped about half way as climb was too steep but I ventured on however turned back before I reached the end. 

Headed to Zion Canyon Campground and set up before taking the shuttle bus to Visitors Centre then hopping on another bus to drive up to the end  of the Canyon - Temple of Sinawava.  Only went a short way along the Riverside Walk before heading back to catch the bus - hopped on and off at other points of interest down the Scenic Drive.  Once back visited the Museum and viewed a movie about the Canyon before heading back to camp and enjoyed another great campfire.

All pretty easy at the start of Watchman Trail

Hels still going strong at this stage

Big Bend looking back at Weeping Rock

Riverside Walk - follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon

Riverside Walk

Squirrel along the Riverside Walk

Big Bend - people were ab sailing down these cliffs

One of the 'Strenuous' Trails - follows along cliff face (see hikers on ridge)

Canyon looking towards Big Bend

Cooking tea on the campfire - great end to the day

Zion National Park certainly appeals to hikers and have many levels of trails for adventure from Easy to Moderate to Strenuous.  Once again to fully appreciate the Park we needed more time to walk some of the trails.