From Neon Canyons to Zion Canyon

Wow!  I didn't know how happy we were to leave Las Vegas until we started touring around Zion.  What a place and what vistas.  We were quite lucky to get a great campsite with easy access to the vistor's center and the mandatory shuttle bus service that is provided.  Cars are not allowed in the p[ark and the park service runs a shuttle from 5:45 am to 11 pm every night. 

Since we arrived at Zion later than we had planned, we set up camp and took the shuttle all around the park for about 90 minutes.  Sort of a sight seeing preview.  Since the bus had skylights as well as windows, we were able to great great views of the tallest sandstone cliffs in the world.  We saw a big horned sheep on the side of the road, which, according to the shuttle driver, was the first time he had ever seen one that low down.

  Please read this slowly since it took us three shuttle rides of listening to the recording to udnerstand:  Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce are what is called the grand stircase.  The lowest level of Bryce is the highest level of Zion and the lowest level of Zion is the highest level of the Grand Canyon.  So, Bryce is the highest in elevation and Grand Canyon the lowest.

We got up reasonably early the next day to take the hike that many folks had recommended; the River Walk and the narrows.  How cool!  95 degrees air temperature while we walked on the river walk that ends in the narrowest part of the canyon...and then its river walking all the way as far as you want.  What a treat!  The Virgin River is mostly shallow, fast running, rocky and cool, cool, cool. 

   



 

We were surprised to learn that in 1998  a landslide occured in the night that blocked the river, and overnight it undercut the bordeing road and wiped it out.  In 1 night.  And that was the little river we were hiking. 

That was by far one of the best hikes we have ever been on. Towering cliffs on both sides, sun shining down, cool water tickling our feet, knees, waists.  What was not to like?

Back at the campground we found out that the adjoining campground contained one of the three apricot trees in the park...and they were all ripe.  Yummy.  Here is the view from the campground.

As usual, David did all the driving. And i did all the sleeping.