Zion National Park
Driving through the West
Growing up my family visited the national parks spanning the country, often visiting the same parks repeatedly. So, imagine my surprise when I found out everyone didn't do this.
After some trading some ideas back and forth, my friend, Dani, and I decided to set out across the west in a whirlwind tour of national parks, stunning vistas, and ending with a little wine tasting. Day 1 started with grabbing her at the airport, an In 'n' Out burger (animal style, of course), and culminated with a trek through Zion National Park.
Court of the Patriarchs
"The Patriarchs are three neighboring sandstone peaks on the west side of Zion Canyon. Each is named after biblical fathers. From left to right (south to north) they are Abraham Peak, Isaac Peak, and Jacob Peak. Abraham Peak is the tallest at 6,890 feet. The white top of Jacob Peak rises behind the orange rock of Mount Moroni. The Patriarchs were named by Frederick Vining Fisher, a Methodist minister who ventured into Zion in 1916, labeling numerous prominent points in Zion Canyon."
Temple of Sinawava
"The Temple of Sinawava is the massive amphitheater that unofficially marks the beginning of the canyon, though a stroll on the Riverside Walk will show that the canyon starts much farther upstream.
It quickly becomes apparent why the temple has become one of the park's most popular destinations. The trail alone is lined with wildflowers during the spring and summer. As the temple comes into view, sheer rusty red and chocolate brown cliffs rise high into the sky, seemingly never-ending like some of the world's tallest skyscrapers.
Picturesque waterfalls tumble gently into a deep pool below and extensive hanging gardens of lush green foliage and brightly colored flowers hang from varied levels and crevices, making it seem almost too good to be true. It is definitely postcard material."
Weeping Rocks
"Weeping Rock offers a spectacular view down-canyon, especially of Zion's signature landmark The Great White Throne. Water that has filtered for 1200 years seeps out of the Navajo Sandstone where it meets the Kayenta Shale and forms a steady rain in front of an overhang. Enroute you pass through a sloping swamp, a distinctive feature of Zion, where maidenhair fern and horsetails grow."
