Zion NP

With nearly half of the state designated public land, there are quite a few parks to visit.  Next on our route was Zion NP.  Named by the LDS/Mormon settlers who tried to farm the canyon floor, almost all the features of the park have biblically-sourced names.

Our first task was the climb to Angel's Landing.  A narrow spur of rock extending out into a horseshoe bend in the canyon, it affords a terrific view.  The lookout is shown below, just coming into the morning sun.

 

Looking back down the canyon

 

 

 

 

We are headed to the top!

 

Eventually the trail became a walk across the ridge top, with a few chains for safety. 

 

 

Here we are at the top, the canyon stretches south from here.

  

 

Zion is one of the wintering locations for condors.  We were lucky to spot a pair high up on the cliff face.  These birds have the largest wingspan of any North American bird.

 

The next day we drove out to the western edge of the park, well above the canyon proper.  From there, we hiked into the Northgate Peaks area.

 

 

 

 

We nearly stepped on a walking stick along the track.  These little creatures are so well camouflaged, that many species have become asexual, reproducing without another member of their species.  Apparently, it's hard to find each other!

 

With some daylight left to burn, we drove around to the east entrance.  This is past the long tunnel required to enter the park from this side.  From there, we hiked up to the canyon overlook. 

 

 

On the way back to the van, we dropped into the Pine Creek slot canyon.