We returned to Zion this morning arriving at 7AM. It was a brisk 65 degrees, we hopped on the shuttle for Temple of Sinawava. This is the shuttle stop for the Riverside Walk, which ends at the beginning of The Narrows.
The Riverside walk is an easy, but beautiful, 2 mile roundtrip stroll. It is perfect for the family, however, most use it to access the bottom up trail to the Narrows, a very popular hike at Zion.
Todd and I chose to do a portion of the bottom up trail. It was breathtaking. No permit is needed if you hike the bottom up, and it is suggested you hike 2 miles in. Free walking sticks are lined up at the mouth of the hike.
It is most important, remember that you are not in Disney. Just because the water is inviting, you must know your limitations, and weather conditions. This is a slot canyon, when you look up, you are surrounded by very tall canyon walls and people have died here. The water level can change suddenly and the canyon is susceptible to flash floods. The sun could be shining, not a drop in the sky, and a flash flood can occur. As recent as 2015, six out of seven hikers from Utah lost their lives in a sudden flash flood.
On our way out, the rescue team was headed in. Evidently a hiker, a few miles in, broke some bones the night before. The team could not begin their rescue till the morning. When we act careless and get hurt, we put the rescuers in harms way too. These rescues to do not come without a cost. You do receive a bill, sometimes upwards of $10,000. or in extreme cases, your family gets a bill for the cleanup. Get the picture? You have to be in charge of your own safety.
Our next stop, Angels Landing. Although Todd and I decided not to attempt the last 1/2 mile of this hike, we wanted to hike up to that point. Angels Landing is the most popular, but most dangerous hike at Zion. You have to have balls of steal, lots of confidence and understand that their is a chain involved at the top. Many hikers have plunged to their death at Angels Landing. Most recently, in February 2018, when a 13 year old fell to her death while hiking with family. CHILDREN DO NOT BELONG ON THIS HIKE.
So, we traveled up Walters Wiggles and headed to Scouts Landing, but had to turn around. There were too many people on the trail, many who had no right being there. Ignorant people are as much a danger to you as to themselves. Too many people attempting this hike without water, wearing flip flops, and with unattended children.
We said goodbye to Zion, getting nearly 6 miles of hiking in by noon, hopped in the Versa and began our trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is most incredible, as is the entire state of Utah. Todd and I were blown away by the ever-changing landscape. The people here are so kind and sincere. Very heavy Mormon population, and it was kind of strange, purchasing coffee at a coffee shop owned by a Mormon, but such is religion and hypocrisy.
Here is what we did. I definitely encourage this route once inside the park. It works out beautifully and you are not missing a thing.
Drive into the park and don’t stop till you get to the end, 18 miles. You will reach Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. Now you can slowly work your way back and stop at these recommended points: Agua Canyon, Natural Bridge, Farview Point, Bryce Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point
Once you get to Sunset Point, you could hop on the Navajo Loop to the Queens Garden for a 3.4 mile roundtrip hike. This gave us an up-close and personal view of the Hoodoos. Bryce is most incredible, and reminded me of mars.
Sadly, as we were leaving the park, there was a ranger hunt on for a four year old missing child, who was missing already for (4) hours. Heartbreaking! These National beauties are not rides at Disney. Take charge of your safety and the safety of your family.
We wrapped up Bryce, and decided to bypass our original stopover in Richfield, UT and steam to Moab. It was a 4 hour ride. We took RT 89N, 79W to 191S. The speed limit is 80, and there was a 122 mile stretch of nothing, but scenery. No stores, no shanties, no people, no cell service, no rest stops. It was a little eerie, and I am blessed we did not do this at night. We arrived in Moab and were having dinner at The Sunset Bar and grill by 8:30.
Tomorrow we will go to Arches and then head out to Vail, CO, another last minute change to our itinerary, the reason we love to drive! Peace
Somewhere in America 