Zion National Park

When Nishant sketched us in Zion in the year 2019, I had no idea what I had put down for a while. Soon, as I started learning about the elevated peaks of limestone and red rocks I was desperate to go to this place and we were able to pull it off in the year 2020. Yes, 2020, when we were at the peak of the virus spread. I have a story to tell, for now I hear you say Go Raizadas!

Utah was never a state ever planned for us to visit, however, the feet with roller skates don't halt. Glad we grasped the speed towards the lush majestic mountains. They say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, here in Zion, you are held wonderstruck by each wrinkle in the red sandstone mountain. The immutable yet ever changing Cliffs of Zion stand resolute in Vermilion, pink and white cliffs.

Zion is more than massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red that soar into the brilliant blue sky.

An experience to jot down , the wilderness hiking on the trails along side these gorgeous cliffs. Viewing the picture above, anyone would raise questions like, Can you climb these mountains? How do you go there? Do you need to plan ? Can you take kids along? The trivial answer to all of them is 'Yes'!

Flying to Utah was the begin of our plan that was thought well and implemented successfully. Most of the national parks in US are heavy crowded around summer and fall of the year. Zion National Park is sure to have its peak visitors around September- October time of the year. We had booked our transportation - shuttle service (optional) for the park in advance. There are plenty of vistas at different and wide spread spots within the park. Driving and parking your own vehicle is convenient but not always the best choice during peak hours. Also because there are spots within the park that don't allow private cars if the shuttle is in its run for the day

The fact that we were out of the our home during this time, was in itself an act of bravery. With Nishant's birthday around the corner this trip was truly dedicated to the courageous man's birthday.

Talking about the bravery, we were all geared to the start the day off with the first hike in Zion National Park. We had chalked out the day with varied activities. We focussed on hikes and vistas. When traveling with family, always choose those trails that fall in the best of the ability of the family. Since we traveled around Covid time, the shuttle service required to have a reservation, other wise it's not a necessary but a useful commodity for transportation.

When using a shuttle service one must always be mindful of the shuttle stops, picks and drops. And never wait of the last shuttle. If the shuttle is full or if you miss the last shuttle, be prepared to walk nine miles back to the Zion Canyon visit . We took the Zion Canyon Line shuttle that took us to the following destinations.

River Walk Trail & The Temple of Sinawava

Blessed are the parents where kids comply in every mile of the hike they accomplish. We hiked 2 mile round trip that paralleled the Virgin River and here you directly land into the heart of the Canyon.

With the sun glinting off the towering 3,000 sandstone canyon walls, mule deer grazing the greens, wild turkeys, small squirrels darting along the trail, and the rushing crystal clear waters of the Virgin River, its always easy to see why this point is called Temple. We were attracted to every tiny element on the trail. Notwithstanding the masked personnel around you, we laughed and squinted our eye to every instance of a cough or sneeze....was fun to have hidden laughs for once.

Varied ecosystems, here the deer was as homely as the squirrel sitting by our side on the rock, or the mountain goats herding across the cliffs.

And they never fall! Seeing with human eye at ground level, it's so relative to see them on the verge of a fall, however they are as confident and rooted to these cliffs as a human to stone age.

Day 1 had all of us exhausted to hell. Evening did not allow us to walk anymore in the city, however the fictional vibes of the city allured us to explore the city the following day and we did.

Angels Landing/ Emerald trail with Waterfall

Outside of the Angels Landing, it doesn't get more classic than the Emerald Pools of Zion National Park. The striking desert oasis is directly across from the historic Zion Lodge which is easy access. The trail follows a small verdant stream that collects in a series of pools

En route to Emerald Trail to upper pool...

We loved this hike, was special in its kind. Had water streams on the route to hike and our energy drink, coca cola always rocks on such hikes. The highlighting memory was when we four sat tired on a rock against the falling stream of water and we laughed to drinking coca cola.. We hiked the loop covering 2.5 mile round trip to the lower pool, middle and upper pools. Overall an hour of a hike.

The Middle Pool occupies a large, open area surrounded by slickrock. Pools of water have collected from the trickles above. At the edge of the main pool is a long drop-off leading down to Lower Emerald Pool. From this vantage point we could look out over canyon bottoms filled with a lush deciduous forest. The Upper Pool itself is surrounded on three sides by sheer cliffs. Maple trees shade this natural amphitheater, making this one of the most peaceful day-hike destinations in Zion Canyon

Zion Lodge

Although the name Zion means peace and refuse, I profoundly would call it Lion only because of its grand, majestic and king's vibe, just like that of a lion in the jungle. Zion Lodge truly stood to its name. The beautiful lodge lies in the middle of the hiker's paradise. I recall how we devoured the grilled chicken sandwich on the lush green open grounds. Open yards for visitors to sit and relax, for tired ones to lay down eyeing straight up to the open blue sky after a very long hike.

The picture below doesn't do justice to reveal the utter satisfaction of sitting on this ground with food in hand and deers cross by. Ahh so be it all! Amen!

The Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook Trail is a moderate, 1 mi (1.6 km) trail on the East Side of Zion. The path begins with a series of sandstone steps with a metal handrail leading visitors over rocky terrain above a dark slot canyon. Near the end of the trail, the view opens up to an expanse of red and cream-colored slick rock. The end of the trail is marked by a fenced cliff edge facing the main Zion Canyon, with excellent views of the Towers of the Virgin. I can never forget this trail not just for the views towards the end, but also because of the adrenaline rush during this hike, shot hike yet steep, moderate level of difficulty but expanse of the rugged rope hold on the staircase rock hike, stepping on the wooden bridge about 163ft of elevation, made us rethink our decision at each step. An experience like no other before!

The breathtaking Canyon Overlook! Worth the climb of 163 ft of elevation.

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep along the trail.

Apart from the varied ecosystems inhabiting the park, part of Zion's uniqueness comes from the geology.

Great Basin and Mojave Desert soils tend to be similar over great distances. Zion's stacked prehistoric environments has eroded into many soils. One can actually acquire a doctorship learning thru the Stratigraphy science.

Zion for sure has to be one of the bucket list items of your life. The parking at the trail head is too short and zaggered here. One has be super vigilant to get a spot and head to the trail with a bottle of water/soda of your choice.

Exit views of the park

As you exit the Zion National Park, the mesmerizing views bear no more than hangover for few days. Here's to some that we captured.

The drive taking us out of the park seemed to play the reel by yash raj film productions (popular indian movie director known for his romantic movies), a reel where I was singing and dancing around in this valley of gorgeous mountains with the love of my life

Pictures are not worth describing them, truly the beauty lies in your eye vision. A heaven on earth!

Not to lemon the fresh bruises from the pandemic in the year 2020, we did not see this trip coming as sanctioned from our families. However, we rolled on with arms, ammunition and all sorts of travel safety tips that actually never deterred us in anyway. We had gotten used to receiving family and friends messages like "Be Safe!" , instead of "Have fun, enjoy your trip!" wishes. Ha! dare we stayed back.

Every place leaves a mark in your life, this one is heavy embossed 🙂.

Takeaway Itinerary

Day 1

• Fly from Dallas to Las Vegas (Spirit Airlines have great deals for morning flights)

• Get a car rental and drive to Salt Lake City (Springdale City), that is approx 2.5 hr drive

• Crack down at your reservation for lodging. We had Holiday Inn suites booked at Springdale. SpringHill Suits by Marriott is another popular one for stay.

• Explore the city and groove into the fictional vibe of the city

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Stay tuned for the Bryce National Park!