Zion National Park

Zion National Park : Court of the Patriarchs

Zion was another one of the amazing stops we fit into our thirty day whirlwind tour around the United States.  Of all of them, it was one that caught us the most off guard. Most of the pictures you see online are of the Narrows. Granted they are a spectacular portion of the park, but the Court of the Patriarchs for instance. Wow. Something else. When we popped out of that tunnel to enter the main portion of the park we were not ready for what we saw. 

You are on the road hugging the mountain side carefully switching back repeatedly down the road until you reach the valley bottom. Where the Virgin River cuts its way, the resort lodge, the free shuttle system and the campground along with most trails are located down here too. 

The red rock on its own, cut somewhat like the mountains I am familiar with the Canadian Rockies, but coloured like the mountains characteristic of the southwest. Mix that with a blue sky dotted with white clouds, and the lush greenery and its really a full, natural RGB landscape.  

The busses ran frequently through the valley to the different scenic stops and trailheads along the way.  There were plenty of nice spots for a picnic for anyone who was passing through for a short day.   Facilities within the park were limited.  There is a lodge that offers meals during the day, but you should make sure to pack everything you will need.

The Virgin River narrows are one of the main draws to the area.  A section of the river banked by steep cliffs with a popular hike heading straight up stream from the last bus stop.  Do not do this during foul, or the threat of foul weather because of the possibility for flash flooding.  The ranger station in the area has a lot of information about the river flow volumes.

Zion is a close neighbour to Bryce Canyon National Park, another scenic getaway within the Golden Circle.

If you would like some art for your home or office from the landscape you've seen here, you can purchase some that we created during this trip, at the links below

Court of the Patriarchs Print 
and
The Virgin River Narrows Print #1
and
The Narrows Print #2