From Bryce Back To Zion (May 12)

On the Wednesday morning, I was up bright and early to drive the Bryce Canyon scenic route before heading back to Zion. I wasn't up bright and early to see the sunshine but early enough to beat most of the other tourists along this route. It was 18 miles one way and I stopped at all the pullouts along the way gradually working my way in elevation to Rainbow Point which was as far as you could go.

It was very scenic and they say on a clear day you could see all the way to New Mexico.

I was scenery watching and this little fellow was people watching!

I completed the route and then made my way to the highway to head south to Zion. The further south I went, the higher the temperature got and by the time I reached Zion, it was sweltering. It was only noon, so I had a quick bite to eat, changed into summer cloths, packed my pack, hopped the shuttle and aimed for the park with a few smaller hikes in mind.

WEEPING ROCK

This was a lush gorgeous area and very refreshing. I followed the bridge over a creek that led to the Weeping Rock. It was a short walk of about 10 minutes.

I stood under the lip of the ridge to gaze out at the scenery and watch the water drip over the edge. My camera isn't fancy enough to get fab shots of this but I can share the colorful wall with you.

There are even rock benches to sit on and just relax and enjoy!

I rode the shuttle and got of at a couple of stops just to have a look around before heading on to my final hike for the day which started at the Visitor Center.

THE WATCHMAN TRAIL

This is about a 6km round trip and they suggest a nice evening hike. Late afternoon would be fine for me to do this. The trail started a short walk from the Zion Visitor Center which is at the entrance to the Park.

I would highly recommend this hike for the variety of trail conditions and scenery. The flowers were in full bloom and colorful.

The trail led you high above Springdale where you had views of the little town and far off in the distance. With only 100 meters of elevation, that was all it took to get views like this.

This was a really long day and time for me to call it a day. That is after dinner and a beer and time on my patio. Tomorrow is a big day and my last day of hiking so I need a good night sleep.

Peekaboo and Queens Garden Trails (May 11)

PEEKABOO TRAIL and THE QUEENS GARDEN

On the Tuesday morning I drove northwest to Bryce Canyon National Park.  It was a two and a half hour drive.   My intentions were to hike Peekaboo Trail this day and Queens Garden the next.  Once I got hiking I couldn't stop and ended up completing both.  If you check the google earth map below, you will see I did a figure eight.  That meant I only had to climb back up out of the amphitheatre once.  

I started at the Sunset Trail parking lot and hiked down the switchbacks to the bottom to start the Peekaboo Trail.  I read reviews that it is easier to go down this then to come up it.  

The colors were amazing and like nothing I had ever seen before.  This is the only place on earth where the scenery looks like this.

The trail meandered all over and around and through these pinnacles and pillars.  There were a few arches to peek through and others you hiked right through.

Even though the summit is at the top before you even start hiking, I still wanted a victory shot.  I was actually summiting mentally.  I criss-crossed paths with the same folks a few times and at one point a fellow patted me on the shoulder and said you are always smiling and that is great.  I guess my mental summit was obvious!

At the four way junction I stopped for lunch.  I met some nice people and chatted for awhile.  We were all really enjoying the day.  One loop down, one to go!  The Queens Garden was next and folks were telling me to make sure I don't miss it!  It was worthy of royalty!  You can see the trail wind around the base of the pinnacles.

The trail above was leading to an arch.  The window gave me a gorgeous view of the gardens beyond.  After taking the photo, this was an arch I could walk through.

The Queens Garden offered views far beyond the amphitheatre.  

Of course, I have to have a summit shot from this trail too!  

After just over 4 hours and 11.5km later, I completed both trails.  I sat on the rim for awhile taking in the beauty.  It was spectacular!  I then headed to Ruby's Inn, checked in and hung out.  The plan for the next morning was to drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Route before heading back to Zion.