Patriarchs, emerald pools, waterfalls and hidden canyons
Zion has it figured out. They provide eco-friendly, propane fueled vehicles (bus) that takes visitors to the trail heads. No cars are allowed to drive the length of the canyon. There are nine stops and from each one, trails are easily found. While you ride to your destination, a variety of recording are played as you near each stop. They include history, names of firmations, safety tips and other park information. You never have to wait more than 15 minutes to catch the next shuttle. Loved it.
Today's journey began by walking to the visitors center to get a map, then on the shuttle. First stop was to view the formation called "The Patriarchs". Three massive rock forms. The sun was hitting them perfectly against the blue sky.
Back on the shuttle to the Emerald Pools Trail. Thus trail led us to three sets of pools. When we reached the lower pool, we were walking under an overhang and watched the water fall. A pair of falls rushed over the cliffs. The middle pools were higher up. The real treat was the upper pool. A waterfall cascaded over 80 feet. Large rocks dotted the gentle pool below.
Our return trail took us to The Grotto. This trail hugged the edge where we had outstanding views of the canyon and river.
Another ride on the shuttle up the canyon to the Weeping Rock trail. A large arch on the side of the stone had hanging gardens and it rained all the time in this caverned area. Water makes it thru the sandstone which makes the stone appear to be weeping. There was a connecting trail to a Hidden Canyon. Several wide switchbacks took us up. Then we saw it. The trail narrowed and became steeper. Heavy chains were bolted into the Rock to provide a good grasp and make it safer to travel up. It was a bit scary, but exciting at the same time. Marvelous views! We reached a narrow slot canyon. We did not continue they the canyon because it started to lightly rain. The return trip was interesting.
Final ride on the shuttle to the end where we strolled the River Walk trail. Again, half way it began to rain again. We are always prepared with our rain shells, but I am amazed to see how many people have no clue how to hike.
Final ride back to the visitor's center. Beautiful scenic ride.
Today's journey began by walking to the visitors center to get a map, then on the shuttle. First stop was to view the formation called "The Patriarchs". Three massive rock forms. The sun was hitting them perfectly against the blue sky.
Back on the shuttle to the Emerald Pools Trail. Thus trail led us to three sets of pools. When we reached the lower pool, we were walking under an overhang and watched the water fall. A pair of falls rushed over the cliffs. The middle pools were higher up. The real treat was the upper pool. A waterfall cascaded over 80 feet. Large rocks dotted the gentle pool below.
Our return trail took us to The Grotto. This trail hugged the edge where we had outstanding views of the canyon and river.
Another ride on the shuttle up the canyon to the Weeping Rock trail. A large arch on the side of the stone had hanging gardens and it rained all the time in this caverned area. Water makes it thru the sandstone which makes the stone appear to be weeping. There was a connecting trail to a Hidden Canyon. Several wide switchbacks took us up. Then we saw it. The trail narrowed and became steeper. Heavy chains were bolted into the Rock to provide a good grasp and make it safer to travel up. It was a bit scary, but exciting at the same time. Marvelous views! We reached a narrow slot canyon. We did not continue they the canyon because it started to lightly rain. The return trip was interesting.
Final ride on the shuttle to the end where we strolled the River Walk trail. Again, half way it began to rain again. We are always prepared with our rain shells, but I am amazed to see how many people have no clue how to hike.
Final ride back to the visitor's center. Beautiful scenic ride.
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