Thursday, December 12, 2013

RonnieAdventure #0078 - Zion National Park, Part 2, Washington County, Utah

I had so much fun looking at all of my file pictures from Zion, I decided to continue the last RonnieAdventure for another week. Although most people think of Zion as park full of mountain peaks, canyons, streams and waterfalls, there are also Aspen trees in the "high country."













 

 
Pine Creek is popular for canyoneering because the trail starts at the edge of a highway and ends a few miles down the road at the same highway. The only problem with the trail is that at one point you have to rappel into a pool of cold water and then swim to the other side. However, there are some dry sections of the canyon where you can see the sun and get warmed up.












The trip to Canyon Arch is a great hike because it incorporates a number of different aspects found in Zion, all in a very short distance. The first part of the trail is well maintained and there are even steps cut in the rock to make the assent easier. The trail also goes close to Weeping Rock, which is a large alcove with dripping spring and a lot of hanging plants and moss. The trail narrows as you get higher in the canyon and there are chains attached to the canyon walls for those that would like a little extra security when crossing the narrow ledges. The arch itself is very hard to photograph, because it is in a canyon and there is no way to take a picture with nice blue sky in the background. However, it is possible to find sunflowers and blue sky in the open areas.

 
 
 

 
 


 
"Subway" is probably the most popular hike in Zion, so it is very difficult to get a hiking permit to enter the canyon. However, the wait is worth it because the scenery is fantastic,
 














  
 
 (Restaurant located outside of the park - If anyone knows what a "New York Style Chinese Buffet" is, please let me know. Thanks!)
 
 
 
 
 
 

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