APRIL 24
We left Bryce for Zion NP, taking a route via Kanab UT, a small town in between that caters to the many tourists passing through. It has a few local offerings to explore including the Belly of the Dragon Cave and the Sand Caves. The road into Zion is an adventure in itself, with multiple hairpin turns and a couple of tunnels. The park is more crowded than any other we have visited due to school vacation week here. We have settled in to our campground under the impressive Zion peaks.
 |
| The Belly of the Dragon, dug for an old highway project |
The Sand Caves were only a short distance away.
 |
| Don't even know what creates these cool patterns in the walls of the cave |
Headed to Zion in the afternoon
Through a couple of tunnels, around a few hairpin turns, and down to our campground at the park entrance
APRIL 25
Today we drove to the west side of the park to explore a slot canyon recommended by friends Dave and Karen ( many thanks guys ).
 |
| Kanarra Falls is just outside the park |
 |
| It is a slot canyon about 1 1/2 miles long |
We saw some life on the trail and were warned about some other.
 |
| Pill bug |
As we progressed up the trail, we were walking more and more in the stream.
The further we walked, the closer the walls of the slot canyon became,
APRIL 27
We started the day exploring trails on the east side of the park, passing through the long tunnel again and up the switchbacks, we walked up Canyon Overlook Trail for views of the lower valley in the morning light.
We then drove outside the park to reenter at the East Mesa Trail leading to observation Point with fabulous views of the north valley.
The buttress straight ahead is the renowned hike called Angels Landing made famous by its steep knife edge with chains to hold on to due to its exposure. Someone near us at our hike explained that Angels Landing has attracted a crowd big enough that people now line up and wait for passing hikers before continuing their ascent. We opted for a quieter vantage point. It was far enough below us that it is hard to see any people on it.
 |
| There are people on it |
 |
| If you look hard enough |
 |
| There they are! |
We were then treated to a surprise view of bighorn sheep on the return trip.
 |
APRIL 27
Our last day in Zion, we decided to start the day slow with a pancake breakfast. Then took a shuttle into the valley to hike the Emerald Pools. There were lots of other folks on the trail. The busiest we have seen ( serves us right for getting a late start!)
 |
| What's the hurry when there are pancakes. |
Finished the day with a bike ride up the Zion valley road.
