Zion National Park, Utah

Zion marks the last of Utah's Big 5 National Parks that I've visited. I'm glad I finally got to visit them all since I'm not sure when I'll be back in the Southwest. I have fallen in love with the Colorado Plateau and have decided that it is one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes in the United States. There are so many national parks, monuments, and forests covering the plateau which spans across Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado.

     I entered Zion and was not instantly blown away by the landscape cause after two national parks you get used to the red rocks. But after exiting from the mile-long tunnel I came out to see sheer cliffs of Navajo Sandstone and couldn't keep my eyes off the canyon walls. The red rocks in conjunction with the trees is very unique.  Here's a youtube link to a video I took while driving through the park.

     I was disappointed their visitor center closed at 6PM because it messed up my plans, but I still went on a bike ride down Pa'rus Trail along the Virgin River as the sun was setting. 

The Virgin River flowing through Zion National Park

Biking the Pa'rus Trail

     The next day I got to the park early and took their free shuttle to the Grotto stop to hike up Angels Landing. The hike is labeled as strenuous and the elevation gain is ~1800ft so I brought my hiking poles. However, the path was paved most of the way so I didn't use my poles. There must have been 30 switchbacks and then you start the technical climb. The hike is steep and narrow so they discourage anyone with heart problems, anyone scared of heights, or kids from hiking the trail. At certain areas there are sheer cliffs on either side and only a chain to help you climb. It was difficult but really fun, and the view from the top was incredible. Here's a

youtube link to a video of me hiking up Angels Landing.  

Chipmunk on a Prickly Pear Cactus

View of Angels Landing from the side

Starting the climb-it's a dangerous hike

Sheer cliffs going up Angels Landing

View from Angels Landing

On the top!

Going down from Angels Landing

Next I took the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop and walked along the Virgin River. Once the path comes to an end you can walk up the river through the slot canyon and in area called the Narrows. A flash flood was not expected that day and lots of people were walking through the water. The water was cold but I enjoyed walking through the narrows and I turned around after a mile.

Flash Floods are dangerous in slot canyons

The Narrows

Walking up the Virgin River

Beautiful Zion

I had a great time in Zion and wish I had more time to explore more of the trails but I had to get back to Flagstaff to take my stuff out of my storage unit. 

  Now I'm in Alabama while I figure out what to do next!