We arrived at the second of the “Mighty 5” National Parks for four full days of fun in the Utah sun. DeeDee & Jon (our looper friends from FL) were continuing their vacation in the area and we were able to meet up for hikes.
Zion has massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky which we enjoyed during our first hike to Upper Emerald Pools. The park uses a shuttle bus system as there just isn’t room in the park for so many visitors to drive on the roads in the narrow canyon. We were very lucky that the campground which Dave and I and Greg and Helen camped was near the Visitor Center and a shuttle bus stop.
Zion has one dog friendly trail that runs alongside a river. On our arrival day, Helen and I took Murphy on the trail and let him swim. He was in heaven. As we were walking back to the campground, we stopped to speak to a park ranger and he noted Murphy was wet. He said, “Be sure he doesn’t drink any of the water in the river.” Huh? He said there is a toxic algae bloom in the river and two dogs succumbed to it last year. Oh no. Poor Murphy. Our campsite is very close to the river and he can’t swim in it.
Greg, Helen, Jon, DeeDee and myself left early in the next morning to board the shuttle bus to the trailhead for our hike. Dave’s ankle was a bit sore after our two hikes with Murphy in Bryce, so he stayed back and did a shorter walk with Murphy. Sorry Dave! ☹ We had a wonderful hike to the Upper Emerald Pool (it wasn’t emerald in color at all) and back down a different route. We ran into wild turkeys on the trail (two sets of three) and then a horseback riding group passed by us. That looked like fun!
When we got back to the campsite, Dave joined us for a late lunch in the nearby town of Springdale (via a free shuttle) and wouldn’t you know it. It had a bakery right next door. I couldn’t resist trying a sugary kronghnut (a cross between a croissant and a donut) and a cream cheese Danish. We then stopped by Brew Pub for refreshing beverages. It was just outside of the park, so Murphy was able to join us on the patio.
As Jon & DeeDee drove to their hotel, they spied sheep on a cliff in the park. After DeeDee sent a few drive-by pictures, our intrepid photographers, Greg & Helen, drove to the area and once again, got great photos with their telephoto lens. They were even hiding behind a bush to not disturb the sheep. The Desert Bighorn Sheep never knew they were there. Awesome job once again Greg & Helen!
The next day Jon, DeeDee and I met early (7 a.m.) to hike the Narrows. Greg & Helen had hiked it on a previous trip so they went on a different hike (described below). The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. The gorge has walls a thousand feet tall and in some places, the river is only twenty to thirty feet wide. There is no trail and often you are walking in the river, stepping on or around rocks or small boulders or along the bank if there is room. You can hike 5 miles upsteam without a permit, or with a permit you can start at the top – 16 miles away and hike down. Two local outfitters rent neoprene boots and socks and a wooden hiking pool, which the three of us rented the night before our hike. We choose to hike up to a “Y” (the 2-mile point once you are in the water and then up another ½ mile to a small waterfall. (We had to walk a mile to get to the start point – so our entire adventure was 7 miles). The deepest the water was up to our waists, and often it was shin or knee deep. DeeDee was brave and brought her camera, so most of the pictures are where the river was shallow. The hike was a blast and we all three really enjoyed it. Jon said he had a “permagrin” and couldn’t stop smiling. The water was a bit chilly for us Floridians; around 60°, but refreshing at the same time. I’m ready to do it again!
Greg & Helen had hoped to do the popular Angels Landing hike, which requires a permit to limit the amount of people on a strenuous trail lined with numerous sharp drop-offs and narrow paths. Unfortunately, the trail was closed for trail maintenance while we are in Zion. They were able to hike up to nearby Scout Lookout, which includes hiking up (and down) Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks, built in 1926. Once on top (and hiking up 1700 ft), they had a nice view of Angels Landing and the canyon below.
As I publish this, Milton, a Category 5 hurricane, is barreling toward the west coast of Florida. We are so fortunate to have our good friends, Ginger & Juan, preparing our townhouse for landfall. It is so hard, you don’t want it to hit your area, but then, you don’t want another area to be hit either. So many people are still grappling with their loses from Helene, just a short time ago. Go away Milton! I’ll provide an update in the blog next Sunday. Till then –
The Narrows hike is one of my top 5 hikes Brenda, Hoping everyone stays safe from Milton Dave, and I can beat a stupid bacteria, so please let me swim Murphy.
So beautiful scenery. Has it been warm. It’s been over 100 here the past week. Sorry about Murphy not being able to swim or fdrink in the River. That algae bloom is a killer, not just for dogs but kids and adults. Love your pictures especially the wild ani,Al
Ls.