The day we went to Zions we got up really early so we could get there before it got too hot. I was excited, but didn't really know what to expect. The minute we entered the park I knew I was in love. There aren't words to describe how beautiful the land was, and how small I felt looking at it. I kept thinking about how majestic Heavenly Father's creations are.
It reminded me of the scripture Alma 30:44 that says "and all things denote there is a God"
The pictures I got can't capture how very small I felt being there, but they are beautiful just the same! When we first drove into the East Entrance. We passed through checkerboard mesa. We were in awe by the colors and the textures of the rocks. I didn't get pictures of them because we didn't stop anywhere, but here's some I found online
We stopped to do a hike: The Canyon Overlook
We saw A LOT of little lizards along the way
Some of the path had rails to help you, and other parts you just stuck to the side and didn't look down!
We saw people down in the canyon...can you see them!
Tayla had no fear at all and kept looking over the edges, she also walked way too fast. It was too much for my heart at times!!
But we made it to the top!! There was a lot of exploring to do!
This is a "window" we could see in the mountain wall. There's a mile long tunnel through the mountain and several windows along the way.
I thought this was a cute picture!
This was Tayla's favorite rock!
After we hiked down we were ready to drive through the tunnel in the mountain!! The kids thought this was so cool! (and so did I!) We waited in line for a little because they only let traffic through one way at a time. The tunnel was built in 1930 when the cars were smaller.
After the tunnel we parked at the visitors center. Over 3 million people visit Zions annually!!! It was pretty crowded that day!
We boarded a bus that took us through the rest of the canyon. We had quite a large group-6 adults and 7 kids, so we didn't stop at every trail and see everything-although I would have liked to! That just gives me motivation to return and see what I didn't see this time! I love this picture I took at the visitors center!
We did take one more hike-the Riverside Walk. It starts at the Temple of Sinawava. It was paved and quite easy. It leads to the Narrows, but we stopped at the end of the trail. The hike was stunning. High cliffs on both sides, the virgin river, the beautiful plants....it was breathtaking. I really enjoyed waking through this beautiful area.
I thought this looked a little like a sideways "B" I may put it on my "B" wall!!
You can't see it, but water is flowing out of the rocks. It creates these "hanging gardens". It was one of my favorite parts. There were so many flowers and beautiful plants all over!
At the end of the hike...Seriously, I don't know what it is about pictures, but half of my family hates them!!
These mountains are called the Court of Patriarchs. Abraham, Issac and Jacob. I don't have Jacob though, it's a little back, the mountain on the right is Mount Moroni.
In front of this picture is 1100 ft "Organ" Monolith and behind it on the left is called The Great White Throne.
Have you seen enough yet!!? Seriously, I took so many pictures, but being there was a million times better than a photo. I can't wait to go back and do some of the harder hikes. I would like to spend a few days camping in the park and hiking. Any takers? Kirk does not think that would be fun at all!!
Only one more post about our trip and then I'm done! I will still do a traveling with kids and teenagers post soon too. :) Beth
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