Bryce Canyon National Park / Zion National Park (April 28)

Odyssey Unlimited description of today's activities: 

We depart this morning for Zion National Park, another celebrated Utah destination. Upon arrival mid-day, we have lunch on our own then begin our visit at Zion’s nearby visitor center, where we learn about this inimitable region, which encompasses four separate biomes: desert, riparian (or riverbank), woodland, and coniferous forest. Zion itself is so named for the 15-mile-long, 2,500-foot-deep Zion Canyon cutting through the park’s western half. We get our first taste of Zion’s wonders this afternoon then have the evening free for dinner on our own

- - - - -

Departing the yet-to-become-a-megalopolis of Bryce Canyon City, we made a quick stop at the edge of the park in an area called Red Canyon where Butch Cassidy frequently hid.  

We backtracked along the road we came in heading southwest until we got close to Mt. Carmel Junction where we turned onto the road to Zion. At the turnoff we passed the Thunderbird Restaurant with a neon sign advertising "Ho Made Pies.  Our guide explained that although the butt of an ever increasing number of snickers over the years, it was not intended as a joke.  At the time it went up, neon signs were very expensive, so the shop saved some money by shortening "home" to "ho".  Whatever the value-added it provided to their business at the time, the number of people who stop there these days 'just because' made a short-term frugal signage decision a long-term wise investment.

We rolled on into Zion National Park at the east entrance and along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. (I checked - the name is the same regardless of which direction you're going.)  We passed magnificent scenery. 

We transited the 1.1 mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, getting momentary glances through venting windows.

vent holes from the inside-out and outside-in

rock climbers are circled in white

We descended into the park valley through some serious switchbacks, then drove to the Zion Lodge.  In the distance were the Great White Throne and Angels Landing, both serious ascents.

The weather forecast for tomorrow not being promising, we went on two hikes today.  

The first hike was on the Emerald Pools Trail.  We were able to walk from the lodge to the trail head.  Once on the trail, there was some rise and uneven footing in places, but it was far from challenging.  The hike was fine and the Emerald Pool picturesque, but neither were anything special.

In the interest of time, we had lunch at the Castle Dome Café, nice name for a crowded food court with a long line, long wait after ordering and limited seating to eat mediocre food.  

The second hike was on the Riverwalk Trail.  Our bus not being permitted to transport us to destinations within the park, we took a shuttle bus from Zion Canyon Lodge to the last stop - Temple of Sinawava.

We got to the end of the trail, or more specifically the feet-dry portion of it.  To continue, it would have been necessary to walk about a half-mile in chilly river water.  This wading is part of the trail, but due to the height and velocity of the water, it was not allowed.. There was not much to see, so a few minutes later, we turned around and followed the trail back to the tram stop.  This hike was more about the walk than the destination.

Perhaps the most interesting thing at the end of the trail.  

When we returned to the lodge, we boarded our bus for the trip to our hotel - Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park.  

For dinner we walked to Jack's where we had an informal, good dinner.