Riverside Walk
Zion National Park, Utah
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Part 1 - Zion National Park
Our family adventure began ominously and ended a bit earlier than planned (damn New England weather!) - but everything in between was “practically perfect in every way.”
heading to Lower Emerald Pool
Zion National Park, Utah
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Mule deer
Zion National Park, Utah
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Rosie saying the mule deer
Zion National Park, Utah
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A nor’easter of rain and snow delayed Tyler, Amy and Rosemarie’s arrival at Zion by 2 days! Tim and I wandered aimlessly around the 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo we had rented. There was so much space we kept loosing each other! We filled our time stocking up on food, reading and taking short driving trips around the area while trying to figure out how to fit 3 days worth of activities into less than 2.
part of the climb to Upper Emerald Pool
Zion National Park, Utah
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The kids finally arrived at the end of the day on Monday. We cooked dinner, planned out the next 2 days, and got to bed early. After an early breakfast everyone was ready to hit Zion National Park! Zion is the 3rd most visited national park. This majestic canyon can be seen from the 2 lane, approximately 12 mile scenic drive - but there are lots of trails- from easy to strenuous - that take you deeper into the park.
starting out
Zion National Park, Utah
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Our first hike of the day was the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails. Lower Emerald Pool takes you under a waterfall with the first of the emerald pools at its base. Upper Emerald Pool Trail continues on from there and ends at the base of a cliff with its namesake pool. The waterfall was partly icy; dripping and misting us as we skirted under it. Rosie LOVED it! Waterfall became her new favorite word - at least for our time at this park. She listened carefully for the sound of water as we continued our climb. At each spot that we rested she found tiny waterfalls and had to put her hands in every one!
climbing to Upper Emerald Pool
Zion National Park, Utah
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Each of these trails is only just over a mile each. However, while the Lower Trail is paved, it is steep in spots and the Upper Trail was sandy, very rocky, narrow and steep. But the large pool and surrounding boulders at the top of the hike was like a sanctuary. Peaceful. And Rosie spied a squirrel - her first of the trip - and was mesmerized.
waterfall at Lower Emerald Pool
Zion National Park, Utah
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We were so fortunate to have such terrific weather for our days at Zion. Each morning was chilly starting out, maybe high 40’s and very dry but it warmed up quickly - especially after hiking a few miles!
After 3 hours of hiking we took a well needed break for a picnic lunch. We had hoped that Rosemarie would take a nap after lunch - but that was NOT happening today. After a few futile attempts we all caved in and just moved on to our next adventure!!
Riverside Walk
Zion National Park, Utah
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The Narrows
Zion National Park, Utah
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Riverside Walk and the Temple of Sinawava was next up. This 2+ mile trail follows the Virgin River along a narrow canyon and led to the start of The Narrows; where one could walk for 9 miles into the slot canyon beyond while wading in as much as 4’ of water. Alas, we chose not to do that with a toddler.
Of course we encountered many more squirrels - which Rosie was on the look out for - and we did see a Mule Deer! This was a beautiful hike; the sound of the rushing river and the red/ochre canyon walls rising up around us was magical. And seeing it together, as a family, made it even more special.
By this point Rosemarie needed some actual rest time and, surprisingly enough, we did too.
a worn out hiker!
Zion National Park, Utah
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We went out for a delicious dinner at The Whiptail Grill. Sitting outside (under some heat lamps) we dined on burrittos, tacos, chili rellanos and a good variety of local brews. We all felt like we deserved our meal tonight! As we ate we watched the surrounding cliffs turn bright red as the sun set.
dinner out
Zion National Park, Utah
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Our next day began with the Weeping Rock Trail, a short but very steep climb up to a rock alcove with dripping springs. We then headed to the Visitor Center to see the displays, buy postcards, and allow Rosie to say hi and goodbye to all the stuffed animals. After another picnic lunch we would head to the condo we had rented near Bryce Canyon setting up the perfect opportunity for the baby to actually nap in her car seat.
Weeping Rock
Zion National Park, Utah
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the family at Weeping Rock
Zion National Park, Utah
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Ty and Amy at Weeping Rock
Zion National Park, Utah
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Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, built in the 1920’s, connects Zion Canyon to the east side of the park and out to Rt 89 heading north to Bryce Canyon. The 2 lane road twists and turns its way up and out from the canyon floor. The views are brilliant and scary! At the summit, around 7,000’, there is a 1 mile tunnel through the mountain. It is barely 2 lanes wide, maybe 12’ high and very dark except for the carved out ”windows” every 100 yds or so. Once through the tunnel and down the back side of the mountain the topography changed completely. The lushness of the canyon was replaced by dry desert plains.
Rosie in her favorite seat in the POD
Zion National Park, Utah
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Next stop.....
Bryce Canyon National Park!
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