It’s Monday and the campsite is almost empty, it seems thing have quieten down in Zion. Today is rest day, we had a long lay in, my legs were still sore from yesterday’s hiking and I am in no rush to get up!
We only booked the campsite for 2 nights so when we eventually emerge from our tent, we slowly pack up and make our way to the nearest breakfast place. We found a little cafe serving quality meals right by the entrance to the park.
As we sat there we realised as the queue of cars heading for the park pay station was getting longer that maybe it wasn’t going to be a quiet day in Zion after all! A new batch of keen tourists was making its way into the park.
We finish up our omelettes and join the slow moving line of RVs and cars into the park.A quick stop at the visitor centre to fill up our water bladders and we are on the bus headed into the canyon. Today we are doing mellow hikes only, like I said earlier, it is rest day!
A mule deer trimming the trees at the visitor centre
First up is “The Hidden Canyon” trail. It’s just over 3kms return but pretty steep with an altitude gain of 270 meters. The climb up to the Hidden Canyon is very scenic as can be expected at Zion. Before long the paved switchbacks turn into a narrow sandstone rock path clinging to the edge of the cliff. Chains are here to help us up. Once at the top the Canyon entrance is very narrow and littered with obstacles. This particular hike is definitely more about the hike and less about the destination.
The sandstone path carved into the cliff face
The Hidden Canyon trail climbing up the cliff
The way down was just as scenic as the way up and soon enough we are back on the shuttle bus to the next destination which is the end of the Canyon and the start of “The Narrows” trail.
Unfortunately the trail is still closed as the river level is still too high to be able to walk up it. But there is a well maintained trail a ways up that follows the Virgin River about 1.5kms. Along the trail we found many rock squirrels begging for a free hand out. We also passed Mule deer having a much right next to the trail, these guys are definitely used to no getting hunted! No fear at all. We had a small sandwich lunch by the river and headed down as the day was getting on, and we still had to set up camp on the other side of the park. The ride through the park is slow and there is a bit of a wait to get through the tunnel.
Zoe making friends along the trails
Ground squirrel picking up scraps left behind by hikers
We arrived at our campsite on the East entrance around 18:00 and set up for the night. Tonight has the potential to be cold with possibly some rain although it’s looking quite decent at the moment. Never the less, the tent was anchored down, a fire was lit, we are prepared for cold, wind and rain!
In traffic waiting for the tunnel
There are these things you can only actually “do” whilst you’re young and physically in shape.
You’re very right doing this while you still can.
Feeling a bit sad for all things I didn’t do.
But with your writing and photos I’m a little bit there as well.
Thanks for that.
With my daily Baci
You have to make hay whilst the sun shines!
An other interesting day ! It’s a heavy program you’re doing there T, not much resting days in between.
More superb pictures and lovely views.
I find it strange that there a no protections at all along the trails… Are there no accidents ?…ever?…
I’m enjoying your daily adventures the full. Thanks for that. xxx
There isn’t much more they can do for protection without having ugly railings everywhere and yes, people die every year.