~ our world ~
I finally visited gorgeous Zion National Park in April. I don't know how I lived my entire life in Utah and never made it to Zion. I'm so glad we made it happen.
Zion was just as beautiful, just as breathtaking as everyone had promised. (Can you even believe the blues and greens in the pictures?) We crammed as much into two short days as possible: climbed Angel's Landing, hiked to the Emerald Pools, checked out the Narrows (unfortunately the runoff was too swift to hike it). We also spend a morning biking the entire canyon.
Seriously, best decision ever. That bike ride took me from, "Yeah, I like Zion" to "I LOVE Zion!" Being on the bike made me feel closer to and appreciate the entire canyon. We could check out views that are blocked by the canyon shuttle's roof and stop at any time to get a closer look at the surroundings (which we did often, especially when a wild turkey answer the call of my bike's bell).
In case you're wondering, Zion National Park has a no-car policy. There are a few exceptions, like if you're staying at the lodge in the canyon, but most everyone has to take the shuttle. This makes Zion Canyon a serene place where you're not forever choking on exhaust or looking for a place to park. It was so quiet. So beautiful.
Dan had just bought a new mountain bike he wanted to try, and since I didn't own my own we rented one from Zion Cycles in Springdale (such a cute town). I think I spent $26 to rent the bike and helmet for four hours. Definitely worth it.
If you've ever tossed around the idea of visiting the park, fit it in. There is a reason people travel from all over the world to see it (and why they acted so shocked when they learned I lived six hours away and had never been). It will completely charm you.