Zion National Park - Apr. 8, 2005 - Apr. 12, 2005

Due to a little bit of a late start in leaving Las Vegas and the time zone change, we arrived in Zion at about 7:30 PM. Our trip here was very easy and Zion is fabulous! Our campground has towering mountains of impressive beauty all around us (see the pictures). This is more like it! Coming from Las Vegas with all of the pavement and structures, Zion was a sight for sore eyes. Not having a definite schedule we decided to stay for a full week (I just love being able to do that!). However, I must report that like most of the other areas on this trip, the winds blew hard during the night. Sigh…

We didn't move our truck for two days. The free shuttle service is a wonderful way to see the park and access the trailheads. We have taken advantage of the numerous moderate hikes that don't challenge Susan with frightening edges and drop-offs. Zion is so impressive our pictures simply can't do it justice.
 
On Tuesday we finally fired up the beast for a long drive (170 miles) to see some of the areas around Zion. Our trip took us up to Cedar City and across the Dixie National Forest on State Route 14. We passed the turnoff to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian's Head ski area. Unfortunately,the road had about 12 feet of snow on it. We eventually connected with US 89 that took us down to Mount Carmel Junction where State Route 9 heads toward the east entrance to Zion. Rather than go immediately that direction, we decided at Susan's suggestion to head further south to see Coral Pink Dunes State Park. It was approximately 4 miles south from the intersection with SR 9 and 12 miles down a decent paved road. The dunes were definitely a coral pink and we had fun walking across the soft, warm sand to the top of the tallest one to see glorious views of the surrounding area. Oh yeah, this is what this lifestyle is all about!

After the "dunes" we headed back to the east entrance of Zion. This is the entrance that requires you to traverse a long (about 1 mile) tunnel. While quite impressive the tunnel is not tall enough for buses and trailers, so traffic must wait as they are escorted through. We were lucky to follow such an escort upon arriving. Coming out of the tunnel brings you to a series of very steep switchbacks descending into Zion. This route is awesome, but not for those who fear heights and dropoffs. I don't think we will take our trailer on this road, but it is certainly worth the drive to see.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Today was website update day. Mental note: Do it more often, so it doesn't take all day!!

Thursday, April 14, 2005

After sitting in the rig most of yesterday updating the website we decided to get out and take a few more hikes before leaving the Zion area the next day. We took several of the shorter hikes with the Watchman trail being the most impressive (and difficult). It takes you from the valley floor up to a plateau about 300 ft. high with great panoramic views of the valley and mountains. We were advised to hike it early in the day since it somewhat strenuous and can be difficult when it warms up. Good advice. Our picture section shows some of what we saw.

After Watchman, we took the shuttle to the Weeping Rock trail. It is very short and ends under a waterfall. We had an interesting experience here. There was a small Asian group (one man, two women), at the waterfall and weeping rocks when we arrived at the end of the trail. The man, who seemed to be the leader, took the two women to the farthest corner of a ledge protecting them from the falling water. He took a long flute out of his backpack and proceeded to play the song Amazing Grace. It was quiet under that ledge except for the gentle rush of water over the waterfall and the sound of the flute echoing in the small canyon. Imagine it if you can. What a treat! It was enchanting and sent shivers down our back (oh wait maybe that was the water dripping down our neck from the weeping rocks! Ha!).

After that experience we took the shuttle to Zion Lodge to see how the rich folks live. It is a beautiful setting with a large grassy areas, newly leafing cottonwood trees and the backdrop of the incredible mountains of Zion. We purchased some cappuccinos and sat in the wicker rocking chairs in the sun and soaked up this incredible area for a while.