Amazing Zion

Zion as an afterthought? I decided only at the last minute to squeeze Zion in before our stay at the Grand Canyon. In hindsight, I wished we would have stayed at Zion a bit longer. We were both very impressed with the natural beauty of Zion AND with the efficient public transportation system that got us around the park.

Our trip into the park from the Eastern side – supposedly the best way to enter the park – was perfect. The set up was a wind sculptured landscape of rocks that looked like cake batter whipped into smooth waves or checkerboard at times. Up next, a mile long tunnel through hard rock that only added to the suspense. The designers had blasted a couple of viewing holes in the tunnel that offered quick glimpses of what was in store for us. As we exited the tunnel, the full majesty of Zion exploded in front of us. We were in the middle of a huge multi-colored canyon with a host of smooth and jagged peaks accentuating indomitable stone walls. It was breath-taking.

We parked at the tourist center and rode the shuttle that takes visitors to various stops along the scenic drive that we hadn’t even seen yet! We saw rock formations that could have been national monuments in themselves with names like The Three Patriarchs, Angels Landing, The Great White Throne, and Temple of Sinawava. We also went on a hike to see an emerald pool, which were nice though not as spectacular as the canyon walls. We reluctantly left Zion, as we still needed to drive to the Grand Canyon that day, knowing that we only sampled some of its wonders.