Zion Day #2

We were up before the sun to catch the shuttle into the park before the crowds arrived. We were so early no one was even manning the entry gate, but we secured parking and got on the shuttle with no wait. After a mile hike along the river, we reached the entry to the water. We rented all of the cold weather gear, but it wasn’t enough. The water was so cold; the views were spectacular! This was a bucket list adventure, but I had no idea it would be this hard to hike against the current and across slippery rocks. I wished I had packed a beanie hat and gloves.

By the time we returned to the point of entry, the crowds were building. I’m so glad we were there early. I’ve been out of the water for hours, and I’m still shivering. After the six mile hike, we grabbed lunch and headed back to the room to watch the game. 

Our afternoon hike, Canyon Overlook Trail, was just two miles but had a little bit of everything. Rocky trail, paved trail, sandy trail, steep stairs. We took a drive through the park, between the hairpin switchbacks, and into a tunnel to find the trailhead. 

The famous Arch - We took the trail and walked across the top of The Arch in this hike.

From here we headed back to the visitor’s center to park and hit one more trail before dinner. Watchman’s Trail was a moderate three mile hike with lots of incline. The weather warmed up and was beautiful; the view at the top was spectacular. 

After eleven miles, my feet hurt. I’m ready to sit.