Day 2 - Zion National Park, UT

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Bryce, Zion & North Rim

Day 2 - Zion National Park, UT

Zion Sign
Entrance to Zion National Park

Unlike yesterday, we all got up bright and early at 6:30 a.m. By 8 a.m. we were on our way to Zion National Park.

The National Park Service does not allow cars in Zion Canyon. Instead, they set up a shuttle bus system that runs from the town of Springdale right through the canyon. This system eliminates traffic and makes for a very nice experience. We left the bikes in camp and used the shuttle system all day.

Angel's Landing

Our first stop was the trailhead for Angel's Landing. This is a large fin that rises over 1500 feet above the canyon floor. We worked our way up several switchbacks to the to Refrigerator Canyon. After this canyon we came to a long series of switchbacks called "Walter's Wiggles". At the top of the wiggles, the route is very exposed. The trail is narrow. Sheer cliffs drop 1,000 feet or more on either side. The NPS has installed chains to hold on to while you climb. After one half mile of pure terror, we reached the summit. The view was spectacular. I felt that I reached the top of the World.

More Angel's Landing Photos

This guy wants my Cliff Bars.

There were lots of chipmunks at the summit. The little buggers were brazen. They kept climbing all over my pack. One woman got startled when a chipmunk climbed on her foot. She kicked by reflex and sent the little rodent tumbling off the precipice.

While waiting for Jean, Duane, Dave and Jean to finish the hike, I spotted a coyote running across the road. Coyote
Coyote

Ken, Bob, Jean and Tom in the Narrows. Next, we went to the end of the canyon to The Temple of Sinawava. At the end of this trail we reached the Narrows where the canyon becomes a slot canyon. We hiked and waded for about one mile. It was a lot of fun and very pretty.

On the way back to camp, we visited the Weeping Rock. Water seeps through the cliff face and falls off an overhang.
After returning we went out to dinner at Pizza & Noodle. I got some great pasta. This group is wimping out on me. We haven't cooked a meal yet.

The view from under the Weeping Rock.