What an amazing place Zion National Park is/was. We spent yesterday from about 8-4 hiking and exploring through several different trails and parts of the park. We began with the Riverside Walk, round trip about 2 miles, easy paved path that wound around the mountain base and followed along the Virgin River. In our brochure, there was a description saying that you could continue to the Narrows at your own risk, so we thought it sounded interesting. However, once we got to the end of the maintained trail, it then meant we had to go walk through portions of the river to get to the Narrows, and since it was our first hike at the start of the day, we didn’t feel like having wet feet for the rest of our adventures… so we just headed back after taking some great photos along the way.
Our next trail was the Hidden Canyon. In one of brochures it said it was about 2 miles but rated it “strenuous” as it climbs 850 feet. We weren’t sure about doing it, but decided to go for it. When we got to the trailhead it only called it “moderate”, so we decided we could handle it. Boy are we glad we did. There were some incredible views and beautiful scenery along the way. Once we got to the end of the maintained trail, we decided to venture a little further up the mountain and got to some really neat secluded areas, which created more great photo opportunities. On our way back down, we got to the end of the maintained part again and many of the people we had passed were getting to that part. It was here that we found out that one of the men we had passed along the way, who appeared to be a bit elderly we thought, and didn’t assume he’d make it all the way up, was 91 years young! Our jaws about hit the ground! What an accomplishment for him… hopefully he was able to make it down too!
After that hike, we stopped and got some lunch in the park and then headed out for the Emerald Pools Trails. There were three different paths, but you could cover all three in one trip, so we did that. More interesting views and scenery. Last night we ate at Parallel Eighty-Eight which was recommended to us by our friends Eric and Beth from Orlando that were here about a month ago. It was really good food, so thanks guys!
Now it’s Saturday morning and we’re packing up and about to check out a few of the shops around this little town before we leave for the Grand Canyon this afternoon. Until next time…
Our next trail was the Hidden Canyon. In one of brochures it said it was about 2 miles but rated it “strenuous” as it climbs 850 feet. We weren’t sure about doing it, but decided to go for it. When we got to the trailhead it only called it “moderate”, so we decided we could handle it. Boy are we glad we did. There were some incredible views and beautiful scenery along the way. Once we got to the end of the maintained trail, we decided to venture a little further up the mountain and got to some really neat secluded areas, which created more great photo opportunities. On our way back down, we got to the end of the maintained part again and many of the people we had passed were getting to that part. It was here that we found out that one of the men we had passed along the way, who appeared to be a bit elderly we thought, and didn’t assume he’d make it all the way up, was 91 years young! Our jaws about hit the ground! What an accomplishment for him… hopefully he was able to make it down too!
After that hike, we stopped and got some lunch in the park and then headed out for the Emerald Pools Trails. There were three different paths, but you could cover all three in one trip, so we did that. More interesting views and scenery. Last night we ate at Parallel Eighty-Eight which was recommended to us by our friends Eric and Beth from Orlando that were here about a month ago. It was really good food, so thanks guys!
Now it’s Saturday morning and we’re packing up and about to check out a few of the shops around this little town before we leave for the Grand Canyon this afternoon. Until next time…
Hey, I finally figured out how to post a comment. We are really enjoying following your trip on the blog. Your trip sounds fantastic. You are so lucky to be able to do this before you move and see all your friends and family. We are all fine here. Jonathon is feeling much better and everyone is getting more sleep. The floor is done and we hope to start having cabinets on Monday. Talk to you soon. Love, Mom
ReplyDeletewow! the size of it is just overwhelming - what wonderful pix!! so glad you decided to keep a blog - we kinda feel like we're right there with you!! xoxo mama
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to enjoy all these incredible sights.At 93, I don`t think I could make the hike!Wish you were still here. It was so great to haveyou. Looking forward to the Grand Canyon. We were there years ago. It`awesome P
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to enjoy all these incredible sights At 93, I don`t think I could make the hike.Wish you were still here. It was so great to have you. Looking forward to the Grand Canyon. We were there years ago. Awesome! Love P
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your blog, especially the pictures. Since my lifelong dream is to see the Grand Canyon (not filled with clouds), I'm really looking forward to those pics. You two are so lucky to be able to have this trip!! Loved seeing you at Kenlake, Aunt Carol
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible area!!! I can see some great fly fishing in that area. When Pat and I were in CO a couple years back, we hiked some (it actually snowed about 2 feet while we were there) but the snow made it impossible to see the trails. So, we decided not to fall off the cliffs and call it a day. I didn't realize how much the altitude would affect you - just didn't think about it...that's a Florida girl for you...
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