May 2, 2012

This morning we rode a shuttle bus into the park. The system is well organized and efficient. We went to the final stop in the canyon called the Temple of Sinawava. There we took a walk (2 miles round trip) up the canyon along the Virgin River. Along the way we were treated to spectacular views of the sandstone walls, also some wildlife - a turkey, small birds and many begging squirrels. We ate a picnic lunch at the waters edge. Then we returned to the shuttle stop. Immediately, a bus arrived and we were off to our next point of interest.





I want to mention that although it is just the beginning of May it's very crowded here. We have heard people speaking many different languages and we have seen several groups of school children. It's a popular place.

Our second stop was a photo opp at Big Bend. There we saw three climbers who looked like ants on a sheer rock face. It was frightening to see, especially for one who is not fond of heights!





We next travelled to Weeping Rock and took that half mile trail to a grotto-like area, lush with ferns and flowers hanging from the wet rocks.

We saw the Lodge, not the original one as it was lost in a fire several years ago.

The Human History Museum stop had many interesting exhibits and a movie which provided information about the park. Behind it, I was happy to get a picture of three impressive mountains - left to right West Temple, Sundial and Altar of Sacrifice. They are 7500 to 7800 feet high.


We returned to our motel for a glass of wine on the patio, then walked across the street for dinner. The town is charming with a southwest theme. As we came back to our motel, the moon was coming over the rocks behind our place. Beautiful sight!









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Location:Zion National Park