Our Trip to Zion

David and Susanna in the Narrows

 Before my oldest son and his family moved far away to Virginia, our family went on a trip to Zion National Park.  We have been there twice before and always enjoy the amazing scenery.  We left on Saturday morning and returned Wednesday about lunch.  Our first two nights were spent in a hotel and the last two nights were spent camping.  The weather was really hot--Monday had a high of 101 degrees.  Next time we'll try to go before it's so hot.

Talmage, Everett, and David in the Narrows

We have been to Zion's before but this is the first time any of us have hiked to Angels' Landing.  The oldest seven children went on Saturday afternoon right after dinner.  Then Tuesday morning my husband and I went by ourselves.  This is considered a strenuous hike, somewhat dangerous, and 6 people have died there in the last 10 years.  As you take the shuttle to the stop, the recording warns you that if anyone in your company is uncomfortable during the hike, please reconsider.  My husband and I made it almost the whole way but when we saw the last 3/8 of a mile which is up a narrow ridge, my husband decided he was done and we turned around.  I didn't want to do it alone and this is not a hike you can push anyone to do. I'm actually glad we didn't see it before we let our kids go, otherwise we might not have let them.  Whether you make it to the top or not, the view is great.



To get to the top, follow the tree line.

 

We went swimming in the Virgin River.  The children really enjoyed that, especially my youngest two.

 

We saw Weeping Rock--a very short hike and definitely worth the effort.  We also did the Lower Emerald Pool hike which is an easy hike and also worth it.



We visited Kolob Canyon on Sunday after church in Hurricane

The oldest children and my husband did part of the Narrows hike.  It's an 8-10 hour round-trip hike which involves being in water up to your knees the entire time.  They went about 45 minutes down the river and then turned around.  To do the whole hike you need good shoes, a walking stick for balance, food and water, and good weather.  Hypothermia is actually a risk because of the cold water.  They had the right weather but they didn't really have the time or equipment.

 

 

It wasn't without challenges, of course.  Our second son had to leave Sunday evening to get back to school.  Our grandbaby didn't enjoy camping and didn't get enough sleep so my oldest son and his wife left a day early.  The airbed my husband and I slept on developed a massive leak and was basically useless.  And the heat and sun were relentless--our camping site could have used more shade.  But we enjoyed it and I'm glad we did it.