Zion National Park #1

Tuesday morning (June 21) Rebekah, Andrew and I headed from our home in Logan Canyon to Zion National Park -- one of the most spectacular places in the world. It was a very nice six hour trip -- Rebekah did all the driving, but we were hit with temperatures of almost 100 degrees upon our arrival in Springdale. I was ready for a bike ride but the kids thought the hotel pool looked more inviting so that is where we went for a swim in a truly stunning setting.



When the temperatures cooled a bit we went for a fabulous bike ride through Zion canyon as the sun set on the majestic peaks that line the canyon walls. It is an ideal place for a bike ride as there are virtually no cars -- tourists have to take a shuttle bus during the summer season -- and the views rival any place in the country. We loved the red roads that fit so well with the red rock that dominates this national park. The biggest danger on this ride was hitting one of the numerous deer or wild turkeys in the canyon. The temperature in the canyon was at least 10 degrees cooler than just down the road as nightfall was coming on the longest day of the year.

Rebekah and Andrew stop for a photo in Zion Canyon.
Sun sets on the Patriarchs as Rebekah and Andrew ride by.
This bike ride was their introduction to Zions National Park and to Angels's Landing, the peak in the background.

Early Wednesday morning we climbed Angels Landing -- one of the best hikes in the world.
At the trailhead as the morning sun hits Angels Landing.

The first 1,000 feet of this hike are not particularly taxing thanks to innumerable switchbacks which have been named "Walter's Wiggles" after the first park superintendent who helped engineer this impressive trail.
Then the fun starts as the final 500 feet involve a lot of scrambling with dramatic exposure most of the way. As the sign below says this is not a climb for one who is afraid of heights. Virtually every year a few climbers fall to their death on this climb.

Fortunately the park service has installed chains in places where there is great exposure. Neither Rebekah or Andrew showed any fear on this climb.
Note the exposure on both sides of the path.
Near the summit Rebekah and Andrew stop under this interesting tree.

As we posed for photos on the summit I was reminded of the some of the previous times I have made this climb. I have priceless memories of making this ascent with Rosie, Julie, Emilie, Stephen and Marc. The grandeur of Zion is truly jaw dropping from this summit.
















The sun is rising as the kids descend to the valley with a new sense of accomplishment and memories that will last a lifetime.