Zion

Zion is a relatively small national park (Well, any park would be small compared to the Grand Canyon), but it's quite a gem.

Immediately after entering the park, I could see rock formations, in all shapes, sizes and colors, shooting up to the sky. Everywhere you turn are sweeping views of the park.

 

Checkerboard Mesa

 

 

 

The Three Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

I hiked "The Narrows", which basically involves wading in and out of the icy cold Virgin River, down in a section of the park where the towering walls of the canyon squeeze up on the river. Amazing sights, worth the effort to stay dry and upright on slippery smooth rocks. Almost fell a dozen times, but my walking stick saved the day. (I owe you one friend!) I made it through a section known as "Wall Street" (haha), then headed home.

 

 

 

To get a sense of scale, there are two people to the left and behind the boulder.

Spooky...

 

The ranger said that the water level was low today. But at certain points I was wading in waist deep water. I'd hate to see what it's like when the water level is normal. The "hike" will be more like a swim. The canyon was also swept by huge gusts of wind today, swirling clouds of sand and stone. Blinded and exfoliated all at the same time.

There is another a famous hike at Zion known as Angel's Landing, where you zigzag your way up one of the rock formations for a spectacular view of the canyon. Again, not for those afraid of heights, like me.

That's it for today. On to Bryce Canyon!