Zion Canyon NP and Lake Mead

Our RV Park at Zion was located next to the Virgin River, which was the primary erosive force that carved Zion NP. The strong winds had moderated, so we decided to take a morning walk down to check out the river and perhaps seek a photo op. Walking thru one of the empty campsites, I spied a nice pair of sunglasses abandoned on the picnic table. Art remarked these Maui Jim sunglasses looked like a pair of Maui Jims he had lost a few years ago. It was karma...so Art wore them for the rest of our trip!

One of my ongoing RV lessons was that finding parking in Zion NP for a 30 ft. vehicle can sometimes be a problem. Although we arrived at the main visitor center by 10am, ALL the 40-odd RV spots were taken. We drove over to the Zion Human History Museum and found those RV spots were full as well. Hmmm...back again to the main visitor's center again to see if an RV had vacated. Art finally found a space to wedge into, but this parking lesson was duly noted.

Propane-powered shuttle busses at Zion NP

Virgin River cuts through Zion Canyon

To prevent visitor gridlock, from April to October the scenic stops within the main canyon in Zion NP is accessible only by 21 propane-powered shuttle busses. This shuttle bus system was initiated in 2000, taking an estimated 5000 vehicles off Zion NP roads and annually saving over 10 million miles with private vehicles.

Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava

We decided to take the shuttle bus from the main visitor's center to the eighth and final stop--the Temple at Sinawava. From this point, you can follow the Riverside Walk (2 miles r/t) which winds north up the increasingly narrow Zion Canyon...terminating at the entrance to the Zion Narrows. The Narrows is a slot canyon with sheer walls lining the Virgin River and is a popular upstream hike for those with good water shoes and a hiking staff. It takes about an hour to reach the most narrow sections, but NOT a good place to be if there is ANY risk of a flash flood!!!

Looking north up The Narrows

Climbers on the rock face

On our return shuttle, we stopped at the most scenic stops we had previously noted. Near Big Bend, we saw a couple rock climbers dangling from a sheer rock face. The 10-minute hike to Weeping Rock and Hanging Gardens takes you to a large bowl-shaped alcove where the lower layer of sandstone has eroded away. Water within the sandstone formations reaches an impermeable layer of rock and is forced out the side causing the "weeping" and irrigate a beautifully lush hanging garden with a little flowing stream below.

My intrepid Mom!

Mom & Art on the Weeping Walk Trail

Beautiful Zion Canyon

Our return to the main visitor's center signaled the end of our visit to Zion NP. After purchasing a couple souvenirs, we headed south towards St. George, UT and the local Wal-Mart to re-supply for the evening meal. After our stop at Wally World, it was time for my final exam: First time driving the RV! While Art & Mom washed down their Xanax with some whiskey, I settled into the driver's seat. Art had carefully chosen a nice desolate stretch of I-15 with light winds...piece of cake. However, within a few miles, road construction narrowed the roadway to a single twisting lane with jersey barriers on both sides for several miles. Although the driving was challenging, Mom only screamed once so I felt very fortunate!

Keeping it between the painted lines!

We exited I-15 at Route 169 and headed towards Echo Bay in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Upon arrival at the RV park, we were met by the affable (and somewhat inebriated) "mayor" who welcomed us and led us to our campsite.

The "mayor" of the RV Park

As the sun began to set below the ridge of mountains, we began dinner preparations. During our shopping trip, Art had picked up a six-pack of Polygamy Porter. We sampled the brew and found it to be...enticing. However...we agreed that although one wife was plenty, MORE than one beer was necessary! And well-deserved on the final evening of our visit to the Utah Canyonlands.....

 

Posted by TBW Travel Today!