The last time we visited Zion we didn’t really enjoy it all that much it was raining and chilly. This time it was kind of chilly but sun/clouds so it was much nicer to visit. In this park you can drive a certain distance into the park and ride the shuttle buses every where. There is one road that goes up the canyons that you can drive to sight see as well and we plan on doing that on Tuesday.
These photos are from Sunday when we hiked the trails called “The Narrows” we only went part way – after you walk about a mile or more in you have to walk across the river which is very cold and then you can hike up in the slot canyons where if there is any danger of flooding you do not want to be there as flash floods occur quickly and can kill you. At the beginning of the trail there is this sign warning you – I hope most read it – but some do not I guess as last year some people died in a flash flood as they were up in the slot canyons and couldn’t get out fast enough or move to higher ground.
Ground squirrels are every where – please do not touch and don’t let your kids feed them or touch them – they do carry disease – I’m always amazed to see adults letting their children go right up to them with food.
There are nine stops along the way for the shuttles stopping at the trail heads and points of interest. Because the parking lot in the park fills up fast there are also parking lots in the near by town which charge a hefty fee of $30 a day to park but there is nothing else you can do if you want to go in to see everything – we found out later that parking on the street was a little cheaper at $20 a day. They have shuttles in the town also that stop along a long stretch at numerous places to take you to the park entrance and then back to where you have parked your car.
This is the trail we took – along the red route on the map – very popular trail – it was packed with people – more than I like on a hiking trail
It follows a very pretty river. I have horrible internet here at the campground so I am keeping this short and will see if I can post it – and I will do several more on the photos from here.
That looks like an interesting place to hike. Too bad it was so crowded. It must be a lot worse in the summer when school is out. Your take along projects look great. I need something to keep my hands busy when travelling too.
The scenery is simply beautiful, such a nice park to visit. Your hike looks like quite a good distance, hope your foot is doing okay. Enjoy yourselves!
It looks a nice place to walk and the blue skies are a bonus!
Beautiful shots! The shuttle bus is an awesome idea. I always wonder when people get caught in a flash flood if they fail to understand that it takes such a small amount of rain to cause one, given that the rain can’t soak into rock the same way it soaks into the dirt throughout so much of the country.
I’ve been gone so long and you’re off on another adventure! I love Zion — but mostly the Zion of years ago. It’s generally crowded and miserable these days ;-(. My kids love the Narrows and remember hiking it several times when they were kids. I’m so sad to learn of expensive parking lots in Springdale — it didn’t used to be that way, darn it.