Right after my Death Valley workshop I had made arrangements for my friend Michael and I to meet up with a private client at Zion NP. Our plans were flexible so we decided to go to Bryce Canyon for a day as there was snow. We returned to ZIon for some hiking and photography. Our goal was to look for smaller vignettes, sort out busy scenes and some of the park. Win-win, we had 4 glorious days at Zion even though the light was not on our side most of the time.
Since we were only in Bryce for one afternoon we hit some of the scenic overlooks and worked on extracting photos from a higher vantage point. The scenes in Bryce are off the chart and at first glance it took my breath away. I feel so fortunate to be able to do the things I do and to enjoy each and every day at work—what a great office…
When you first drive into Zion the views are utterly magnificent, the canyon walls are towering. There is a view at every turn of the winding road. No wonder four million people pass through the park each year. I was overwhelmed at first as I hadn’t been to Zion in 15 years. The very best way to see Zion is to hit a trail once you have done the scenic road. I think of all the National Parks, it rates up there in the top 4 for sure. With all of the Cottonwoods and Maple trees along with the pines and junipers this place must explode with color in the fall.
During our time in Zion did some of the moderate hikes. Zion has a wide variety of hikes including Angels Landing. Angels Landing is a strenuous trail in Zion with steep drop-offs and a treacherous section with chains; it is also the most popular hike in Zion. It has claimed the lives of 10 people according to the sign at the base of the trail. The Narrows is one of the world's best slot canyon hikes. In the winter it is less crowded but requires some planning as the water can come up to your waist at times and it is freezing cold! Depending on water flow, the hike can be easy to moderate but much more difficult in the winter. I am hoping to get back in autumn for a hike to The Subway (a famous, difficult hike inside the park).
Today I head to Vegas for some much needed R&R filled with shows and buffets before heading back to Jersey.
