12/01/12: After an early morning start, we headed through Colorado to Utah and enjoyed more fantastic views through the Vail Pass, including a surprise sighting of a big horned ram alongside the highway (no picture--sorry)! Eventually, we hit the Utah border and witnessed the amazing transition of landscape from Rocky Mountains to sandstone and clay. It ended up being a very long ride, but the views made up for it. We drove through Zion National Park during sunset (quickly turned to night) and found ourselves winding through the canyon walls, later finding our place to stay in Washington, Utah (45 minutes outside Zion National Park). We couldn't wait for the next day's hike!
This is Kathryn walking along a ridge at a scenic rest stop along the highway!
The changes of color and rock formation was amazing!!
Sunset just outside the park!
12/02/12: The next morning, we got up and headed back into Zion National Park to hike some trails in and around the canyon (Angel's Landing/West Rim trail). Before our hike we stopped at a local breakfast place in the park called, Oscar's Cafe...food was great, it was about 8 in the morning on a Sunday and i think we were the only people under the age of 70 there (no offense to our older readers)! We then made our way to the trailhead and ascended the trail, eventually reaching the top. Angel's landing was a place at the very peak of a mountain that required chains to climb (for security). After climbing that portion of the trail, we made are way further up the west rim to see some more sights.
On a nearby cliff, there were some California Condors posing for the hikers.
At times, we felt like we were hiking on a beach due to the sand!
Needless to say, we had an awesome time hiking in and around Zion Canyon. After our 3 hour hike we stopped by at a cafe just outside of the park to get a bite to eat. From there, it was off to Las Vegas--quite a contrast from the beauty of Zion!
For lovers of the great outdoors America offers many National Parks for visitors to explore on their holidays to the USA. From hiking to cycling, rock-climbing to white-water rafting and from beautiful wild flowers to grizzly bears, there is a park to suit everyone.
ReplyDeletezion national park