The Splendor of Zion National Park
Every human being should visit Zion National Park at least once in their life. Massive red cliffs towering above a beautifully green canyon floor, a mix of easy-access walks and strenuous all-day hikes, a modern visitor center and shuttle - all makes for an inspiring visit regardless of your age or abilities.
We spent three nights, staying at the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale. Speaking of Springdale - when did it grow up? When we would visit Zion when I was a kid, we would pass through Springdale, sometimes staying the night in one of the very few motels. It was a funky little Utah town with not much to offer but the fact that it was on top of one of the most beautiful places in the world. Now it is a hip, green, friendly oasis with great food and a friendly disposition. I hope it doesn't get ruined.
Our favorite restaurants were The Bit n' Spur and Oscars. They were our mainstays for dinner and breakfast because their food was well-prepared, fresh and tasty (one advantage of hiking vacations - you can eat whatever and as much as you want).
The real star was, of course, the park. The picture above was taken in Echo Canyon, part of the trail that takes you to Observation Point. We switch-backed our way up through the warm sun to reach this sculptural slot canyon, cooling ourselves in the stream (a sign tells you that the water has been passing through rock for centuries and is likely 12,000 years old) and admiring the forms and colors in the shade.
The other major highlight was Angel's Landing, a spectacular hike that involves holding on to a chain while the canyon falls 1200 feet below you. A ranger told Marla that they average one 50-year old woman's death a year. Needless to say, going to the top of Angel's Landing was not in the cards - especially when I saw Marissa's face when she saw the chain-led ascent to the top. Two words - Abject Terror.
But at Zion, you don't really need to get to the top of anything, as the view from just about anywhere is spectacular. Kind of like life, I suppose, though I can still hear the summit calling.
