Bryce Canyon Sunrise
After our fun evening of country entertainment a few of us hardy-types joined Joe at 5:45am for a 10 minute drive in search of a Bryce Canyon sunrise. I thought we would be heading to Sunrise Point (it seemed to be a natural); however, Joe said that Fairyland Point was a better view for sunrise. It was a quiet spot – maybe only 1 or 2 others there. We positioned ourselves on the Fairyland Point trailhead and waited for the sun to come over the horizon.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a different plan. It was quite a cloudy morning in the east although it was clear to the west. The views were still amazing and it was great to have a quiet experience overlooking the hoodoos.
Back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. The hotel was beautiful but we didn’t spend much time there. With a “coffee to go” we were back in the van heading towards Zion National Park the last of the Mighty Five National Parks on our tour.
Zion National Park
Entering the park from the 25 mile Zion-Mount Camel Highway is stunning. There is a 1.1 mile long tunnel built in the 1920’s which is limited in size (height and width). Large vehicles (including delivery trucks) need to be escorted through the tunnel at times when it can be restricted to one-way traffic. Fortunately, we were not there during one of the times so no delays for us.
Inside the park, vehicles are not allowed beyond the Visitor Centre, except for those staying at Zion Lodge. They run a shuttle service up and down the park to access at various stops for hiking or sightseeing. We were early enough in our arrival to have a good parking spot for the van at the Visitors Centre. We hopped on the shuttle as a group, going to Zion Lodge as a jumping off point for exploring the park. We agreed to meet back at the Lodge for lunch. Craig and I headed of to the Lower Emerald Pools, an easy 45 minute in and out hike through Juniper-Pinion forests up to the lower Emerald Pools. Temperatures were rising fast so by the time we reached the pool where the falls trickled over the pathway. It was a welcome cooling off. I imagine the falls are stronger in the spring, but the misty-ness felt great as we walked under the overhang. We decided not to proceed to the Middle Emerald Pool trail, but headed back to the Lodge instead to meet the group for lunch.
We enjoyed lunch with most of the group back at the Lodge. Because the temperatures were continuing to rise (expected to be over 100 deg), we decided on a short walk to the next “up canyon” shuttle following the Grotto Trail with Barb, Gus and Madelon. On the way, we discovered a mule deer resting in the shade of a hollow in the hill. We weren’t the only ones feeling the heat!
The Grotto is shuttle stop #6 of 9 stops. We then travelled to stop #9 – Temple of Sinawava. This is one of the most popular stops in the park where people access the River Walk to the Narrows slot canyon. Not sure of the amount of time it would take, we elected to cool off by the river for a little while.
Back on the shuttle to go “down canyon” stopping at #8 – Big Bend. This is where the Virgin River follows a big curve in the canyon. We didn’t go down to the river; however we did see some Condors flying high above the canyon near the formation called The Organ. Apparently there is are four condors living in this area. We were told we might see hikers on the Angel’s landing trail high above us. I was sure that I saw a couple of people…but they are not visible in my photos! Angel’s Landing requires a special permit to hike. It is a narrow trail with the last half-mile being one-way, using chains along the 3 ft wide path. Definitely not for me – ever!
View of the Organ from Big Bend Stop #8 
I believe this is part of the Angels Landing Trail 
Angels Landing – This is not my photo!
Back on the shuttle back to Zion Lodge. The heat of the day had made us pretty thirsty and the five of us decided it was time for an afternoon beer. We saw Scott, Mick and Aiden in the lobby. They were pretty much ready to go to the hotel. We agreed to meet everyone at the Visitor Centre after we finished our drinks. Jan and Enid had also come looking for us. We headed down on a busy shuttle to the Visitor Centre and with everyone on the van, Joe drove us to the Hotel – Springhill Suites Zion. Beautiful property with stunning views.
Craig and I chose to walk to the local grocery store for something light for dinner. Springhill is a nice community, with a free shuttle through town that will also take you to Zion. Quiet night in preparation for our final day of the tour.
Next up – Day 6 Zion NP and trip back to Salt Lake City
