We're marching to Zion!

Saturday  8^th June – We set out under radiant blue skies for Zion National Park, a journey of about 80 miles. Some of the countryside was lightly forested, with grassland in the river valleys. After 11.00 we entered the east gate to the park and traffic was heavy. It took more than half an hour and a 10-mile drive, including a 1 mile long tunnel and a series of long hairpin bends to get to the floor of the canyon.

The accessible part of the canyon is over 10 miles long and contains towering cliffs and columns over 300 feet high. It is the gorge of the North Fork Virgin River which flows southward out of a narrow slit in the rocks. Beyond that are many square miles of plateau and canyons which can only be reached by trails. Like Bryce Canyon, this area has many recreational attractions – camping, walking, climbing and river rafting. There are well marked walking  trails along the sides of the canyon and the river. We followed a 2-mile round trip trail up to the Lower Emerald Falls, no mean feat in temperatures of up to 100’F and little shade. 

There are plenty of water bottle stations, conveniences and food and drink outlets. After the walk, we rode up and down the canyon on the free shuttle bus, then had just a peek at "The Narrows" at the very end.

 Despite all these amenities, the area does not appear spoilt. A truly awesome spot.

We left mid-afternoon to return to Ruby’s Inn, and later enjoyed an early dinner and a leisurely evening. Early start again tomorrow!