A G: Utah - Zion National Park by Gordon

Zion National Park

~ Gordon

Entering Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Temple cap, a natural temple formed by rock erosion

Walking the Narrows

A big trip was coming up soon. It includes a wonderful time at many national parks. Our car drove for so many hours and at 11:00 pm, Las Vegas was there in front of us. The bright night sky of Las Vegas can be seen from far far away. We continue to pass Las Vegas and drove 1 more hour on the highway towards Zion National Park. While my mom checked in the hotel, I slept in the car. When the room was ready, I had a good night sleep, and got ready to go to Zion.

Zion shuttle bus

Due to the July 4th crowds, we decide to get up early for the next morning. From Las Vegas, driving to Zion National Park took only 2 hours. The traffic was great due to the early bird. Building our tent was first, then riding the Zion Free Shuttle Bus. There were nine stations, station 1, visitor center till station 9, the temple of Sinawava.

Temple Cap

Temple Cap
viewed from

Zion Human History Museum

Left: Temple Cap

viewed from far

Temple Sinawava

Beginning part of the Narrows trail

No water involved

At the entrance of Temple of Sinawava

Walking the Narrows

The Temple of Sinawava was our first destination. Do you think it is really a temple? It's not. On the top of the mountain, it sits a natural erosion giant rock, looks like a temple. Actually, this stop is a lovely little riverside walk trail. The Indian's named this place for the god of the water, Sinawava. It used to be much higher than today's water level. The riverside walk is suggested to be walked in the morning due to the high heat. I thinks the trail was named Narrows because the Virgin River cut through the two close by tall mountains. The Narrows was a 10 mile long water path. So, get your walking stick! Ready, set... GO! You had to walk in ice-cold water. Cold river water in the desert? I cannot believe it! The water is natural spring water. You can directly drink it. I think it tastes much better than our tap water, more sweeter. My dad, my brother, and me hiked for 5 miles before returning. It didn't feel like it, but 10 miles round trip in total was walked. It was really amazing experience.

The beginning part of

the Narrows water walk

Walking the Narrows

The Narrows

Walking the Narrows

The Narrows

The Narrows water walk

The Narrows

Zion National Park was considered a national park for its many beauties. Many artists prefer to draw a painting. Some are famous, such as Thomas Moran. He lived in the 1800s and was a popular artist. He caught the majesty of Zion, though the Virgin River in his picture is much bigger than the one today. There are many different rocks, each have a unique thing about them. Zion's rocks may sometimes looks unexplained, but all the secrets lay in one place: The Virgin River!

Huge rocks, Zion

Hanging garden

The hanging garden

Our campground was where dinner was served. Too bad, because of the strong wind and the hot and dry weather, no camp fire was allowed. It was a very good day. Walking through the Narrows was a very exciting activity. Seeing hanging garden on the rocks was amazing. This was a good start to our trip!