Zion National Park

Our first day and a half were spent at Zion National Park in Utah- a huge hiking spectacular.  You feel very small (or ‘insignificant,’ as my husband described it) among the huge boulders and canyons.  It was a great way to start the trip.

We did three hikes for a total of 8 miles on our second day.  The first and best was the famous Angel’s Landing, a relatively steep hike, the first part of which is all in the sun with a bunch of switchbacks.  We opted not to actually do Angel’s Landing, which is a very narrow and steep .25 mile portion at the end where you have to hold onto a chain to keep from falling.  Six people have died since 2004.  We weren’t super inclined to join them.  The rest of the hike was vigorous enough and offered fabulous views.

Hiking down the canyon- see how small I look?

 We also did the Riverside walk- pleasant but not terribly memorable- and the lower Emerald Pool, which I would have loved to gone further but it was pretty late in the day.

I also had an awesome veggie breakfast burrito at the Meanie Beanie to start my day, and my husband won’t stop raving about his duck enchiladas at the Bit and Spur in Springdale, just outside the park gate.  We camped the first night, where it got into the low 30′s, and then stayed at the lodge in the park on Night #2.  The room was charming with a fireplace and porch, and when you walked outside you were immediately surrounded by huge rock peaks.  Totally awe-inspiring.

Talk about a room with a view!

I was sad to go, but that’s because I didn’t know what awaited me at Bryce Canyon….