ZION NATIONAL PARK April 2009 Day 5

Today was our last day here in Zion National Park as we are headed to Bryce Canyon in the morning. There is so much to see here so being our last day we made it a very active one. The day started with a 2.5 mile bike ride up to Canyon Point where we caught the shuttle to the top of the Scenic Drive. Once there we filled our water bottles and headed out on a 2 mile hike called "The River Walk" which takes about 1-2 hours depending on how much sight seeing you do. It wasn't that easy of a walk as it was crowded and very up and down but it was very nice.

Kathy at the start of the River Walk





The Organ and The Pulpit as seem from The River Walk







One of the views from The River Walk






The Pulpit and The Organ viewed from the other side.

Once we finished the walk we hopped on our bikes and rode 5 miles to another spot called "The Grotto" where we had the lunch we brought with us and rested a bit. We then road about a mile down to the Zion Lodge where we locked up the bikes and headed out on a hike to "The Emerald Pools". There are three pools that run into each other and start from a single little waterfall high about the Upper Pool. The trip is about 3.0 miles roundtrip as you reach the pools in order and then work your way back down. This was the toughest hike we did as the climb in elevation was over 600 feet and much of it through paths that were very rocky and very narrow. There was also places where you did not want to look down. I must admit that my heart was pumping by the time we reached the top and we still had to come down and that was almost as difficult.








The waterfall that runs into the Lower Pool





















Kathy slowly making her way up through the maze















Rod at the Upper Pool. Yes he did make it.
















The Waterfall that starts it all by running into the Upper Pool











The Zion Lodge from about half way back down from The Emerald Pools.






Once we reached Zion Lodge after the hike we had to get on our bikes and ride the last 3 miles back to the campsite, but I must admit it was a little slower. Upon reaching the campsite neither one of had the energy to make supper so we limped across the street and had a nice supper. Needless to say it was an early night.

Zion National Park is beautiful and I would recommend that everyone comes here at least once in their life. I would also recommend that you spend at least 5 days here.

Tomorrow we head for Bryce Canyon.