Friday, we decided to go to Zion National Park. Tim drove today and we left around 8:30 AM hoping to beat the crowds. It was a 72 mile drive down highway 89 and highway 9, to the east entrance of the park. And no, we didn't beat the crowds. There were about 25 cars and RVs in line at the entrance station.
We stopped off at the NP sign to get our pics.
Then waited in line for our turn to enter the park.
The park road from east to west was a pretty drive. Large slickrock mountains
and a couple of tunnels.
The second one was controlled. It was alternating traffic because of the tunnel height. With 11'4" on the edges, tall rigs had to drive in the center to clear the roof.
It was a pretty good wait till our westward string of traffic got our turn.
The mountain views were awesome. Lots of red and orange cliffs and canyons. Then lots of switchbacks as we travelled down into the valley.
We actually missed the sign to the visitor center and ended up exiting the park out of the south entrance. All the parking spots were full around the visitor area and we paid $20.00 to park in a lot just outside the park. We walked the quarter mile back into the park and to the visitor center area.
We got our passports stamped and had lunch. You are not suppose to feed the wildlife, but there was a big fat squirrel watching us eat, and Donna had to give him a couple of grapes.
In this park, private cars are not allowed on the scenic road up the valley, just the free shuttle busses. So after lunch, we boarded on the the busses.
The shuttle bus travelled up the valley while the bus driver told us all about the area and what was available at each of the stops. Beautiful cliff walls all along the valley.
There are eight stops along the route and we road all the way to the end and got off at the Temple of Sinawava.
At this stop, we took the Riverside Walk and the Gateway to the Narrows trail. It was an easy 2 mile round trip. It was a very pretty walk and we got to see the beginning of the Narrows. Pretty cool! But there were way too many people here. The trail was full of people.
The Virgin River.
The beginning of the Narrows.
We liked this park and we were glad we visited it. But it wasn't close to being our favorite park in Utah. It was different from the other 3 parks we have visited thus far, but I believe this park is appreciated more if you were an avid hiker and spent more time hiking the trails. So the best we have seen so far has been Bryce, followed by Arches, Canyonlands, and then Zion.
The weather has really cooled down and is freezing at night. Today, I believe it is snowing in the surrounding mountains. Our RV park is over 6600 feet in elevation and it is starting to sprinkle right now. The temp is currently 44 degrees. Another good day to dink around inside.
Tomorrow we head for Capital Reef National Park. If it dosen't snow and we don't get lost!
Fergs .... out!
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