ZION CANYON
May 4 2009
A three hour drive from Las Vegas brought us a panoramic view of Zion,
but nothing prepared us for the brilliant colors as we neared the canyon.
The view from Observation Point, a four mile hike.
Taking the shuttle, we viewed most of the canyon from below looking up at the rock formations above.
The Great White Throne and the Three Patriarchs are a few of the most prominent...
...along with the Watchman and Checkerboard Mesa...
A short hike took us along the Virgin River to the Emerald Pools and misty water falls.
Other hikes would have taken us further along the canyon floor following the Virgin River.
On the way back to the car we spotted a wild turkey.
Then we drove down Pine Creek Canyon on the Carmel Road through arches and tunnels...
... to Mt. Carmel Junction towards Bryce Canyon...