Zion National Park – June 9, 2009

Dave was really blown away by Zion National Park. Last evening, after setting up camp we took the shuttle bus into the canyon that surrounds north fork of the Virgin River at the extreme south end of the park. Because of the small area and potential for heavy traffic, private cars are prohibited from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. As the sun set, we were treated to magnificent views of the many peaks along the drive. The Court of the Patriarchs, Angels Landing, with Watchman behind us. Dave shot 130 pictures in the 45 minutes that we were on the shuttle last evening.

Zion is a bit more upscale than El Morro or even the Grand Canyon. Because of the limited camping available, most visitors stay in one of the many hotels and motels in nearby Springdale. Filled with souvenier shops, rock and gem stores, restaurants and spas, Springdale is a classic western resort town. It's even upscale in the campground. “Camped” next to us was a fifth wheel complete with satellite dish. Now that's the way to rough it. Compared to our two person backpacking tent, Coleman stove and mid-size car, they were living in luxury.

With only three hours drive to our next stop in Las Vegas, we spent the entire morning driving the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the east entrance of Zion and back. Dave shot another 200 pictures of the sandstone canyons that changed along every turn. We were surprised to see a weather balloon tethered high above the canyon. After reaching Checkerboard Mesa, we headed back west and south for Las Vegas. Appropriately enough, it rained hard as we passed through Hurricane, UT. Leaving Utah, cutting across a corner of Arizona and passing through the Virgin River Canyon we dropped down onto the desert of Nevada.

Next: It's Vegas Baby!