Zion National Park

August 18 and 19, 2015

Our visit to Zion National Park was amazing. We camped on the east side of Zion at Zion RV Campground.  The entrance is probably just a mile from the campground. 

As you enter the park from this side, not too far down you see a formation called Cherkerboard Mesa.

Erosion has accentuated the texture of ancient sandunes.

Not far and just before the first tunnel...

....we saw a group of mountain sheep.

One was resting in the shade. 

    Must be better feeding grounds on the other side of the road. 

This park is beautiful!!

After you go through two tunnels; one of which is through the mountain about a mile and 1/4, the terrain changes.  From the east side, the scenery opens up to huge mountains in front of you. 

   The opening at the base of this mountain is a window of the tunnel. This was zoomed in. 

The park has a free shuttle bus service that takes you to area that pov's are not allowed to go without a permit.  We hopped on the bus at the Museum and traveled along the Virgin River.  One stop is so you can get a good view of the Three Patriarchs. There are eight stops to access hiking trails. 

      Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

On another stop, we got out and hiked about a .6 of a mile. 

  The path led to a few waterfalls and emerald pools. Here Glenn is walking through the trickle

  of the falls. 

Water is coming off the mountain. Sure was refreshing after our hike up. 

   This is a popular place for rock climbers. 

On our second day into the park, we saw more mountain sheep. 

  Two were sparing.    

We really enjoyed this park but then again, we have enjoyed all the National Parks we have visited on this trip.  Bryce and Zion are probably our top two. 

Now it is on to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.