We got up early to get into the park before the crowds arrived. We started out by driving to the gate but turned back after seeing the long lines. Walking ended up being faster and we boarded the shuttle at the visitors center, getting off at the Grotto stop in order to hike upper, middle and lower emerald pools. They were somewhat of a let down as there was very little water and way too many people on the trail. We turned back and only went to the middle pool. Zion Canyon is 15 mi long and 2,640 ft high. It’s sandstone cliffs are deep red and quite impressive.
Weeping Rock was our next stop and the short but steep climb was very worthwhile. Water seeps through the sandstone and shale creating hanging gardens and dripping water. It was gorgeous.
We ate lunch at the Grotto under deep red sandstone cliffs.
After lunch, we took the shuttle to the end of the line at Temple of Sinawava and walked the Virgin River trail toward the Narrows where one can wade into the canyon. We watched the throngs of people wading across the river to the canyon some with rental boots and waders, others in gym shoes or bare feet (they didn’t get very far); it resembled a mass migration!
The buses were very crowded and warm at the end of the day, making for a miserable ride, with us being the only ones wearing masks. People have no choice but to take the shuttle as it is an 8 mi walk on the road to get back to the visitors center. Zion has only one main road. An alternative is to rent bikes. We bought icees to cool off and walked the way back to the campground instead of taking the city bus. Time to relax after a 6-7 mi walking day.
it has been surprising to see such crowds in late September but if you think about it, it makes sense as summers are too hot here. The visitors are a combo of young Europeans, and older retired people. I suppose there are just too many of us baby boomers, traveling the country and fulfilling dreams of seeing the national parks in retirement!We did observe how fit and lean Europeans are, no matter their age as contrasted to Americans who for the most part are hugely overweight.
