Cedar City, then Zion Park

Back on the road. Once we get out of the Moab valley we're back on nice flat plains.

This certainly isn't the prairies we've driven through this trip. Looks like a solid wall of rock.

The road couldn't go around so they cut right through. Because the rocks are sloping, in some spots the rock is overhanging the road. A little scary.

There are still deep canyons along the way. If I look a little puzzled it's because I can't figure out why Grammy keeps telling me to back up some more.

Well, we're all set up in Cedar City Utah, the closest city to the major National parks that we want to go to. We're here for a few days and after a day of leisure it's time to do some more exploring.

Zion National Park is one of the busiest National parks and even this time of year there were way more people than we've seen in any other park we've visited. Bad picture to talk about crowds.

This ones not much better; trust me it's busy. Just not along this walk.

Something we haven't seen in other parks is wildlife. Lots of deer and wild turkeys.

After our strenuous hike at Arches, we weren't sure about a long hike but just like well oiled machines, a chance to cool down and get refueled and we're ready to go. A hike up this canyon to see the Emerald pools just got us ready for more.

 

The hiking trails took us through some lovely sights.

Our next hike took us along the Virgin river which cuts through immense high and steep cliffs.

At some points the cliffs are more overhang and need support to get through. Fortunately Grammys hand has healed enough to handle the strain.

All that walking and stone lifting made a lunch stop imperative. What a great day, sitting in the sun, listening to a babbling river and surrounded by majestic scenery.

Doesn't this look like something out of Jurassic Park? Zion Park is characterized by tall straight cliffs with a lovely river running through it. 

It's much more peaceful here than in the other parks we've been to. They were awesome but more desert like. Here there are animals, waterfalls and lovely pools.

The area of the park is relatively small and with the huge crowds, free shuttle busses are used to transport you to the various viewpoints and hikes. It sure relieves the congestion.

Look back at some of the pictures of Canyonlands or Arches and you won't see this kind of greenery.

At the other end of Zion Park is a small drive through Kolob Canyon. It doesn't have the water and greenery like the main park but the landscape is awesome. The cliffs are the highest we've seen yet.

Pictures just don't do these immense cliffs and canyons justice. After a long day of hiking and sightseeing we've seen most of what Zion has to offer. What's next?