We must confess ... Tim and I had no worldly idea of what we were getting into by coming here to Zion National Park. We can not help but to be awe inspired. Zion is home to the tallest sandstone cliffs in world. The cliffs range in height from 500' to over 2,000' tall.
The Virgin River here in Zion is a tributary of the Colorado River. It is 162 miles in length. The unique geography of the park lends to a stunning landscape.
Unlike the Grand Canyon where you stand on the rim and look out, Zion Canyon is usually viewed from the bottom looking up. After much discussion and research last night we decided to hike the Emerald Pools Trails. Wow . . . Super stunning spectacular amazing magnificent and mind blowing! How can this NOT be the best trail here?
The Emerald Pools Trails is comprised of three trails. The Kayenta Trail, the Upper Emerald Trail and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. Rated easy to moderate. My opinion is that it sure is easier to hike here at these lower elevations than at the 8,500' elevations in the North Rim. I could have ran up the trails today!!! LOL
The three separate sets of pools create a unique oasis providing a year-round habitat for a variety of life forms. One of those, aquatic green algae, led early visitors to dub these the "Emerald Pools." The Upper Emerald Pool lies at the base of a cliff and is framed by the colossal cliffs on three sides. In the end we discovered all of these hidden gems.
At the end of the day Tim and I were able to enjoy another linen dinner tonight. We aquired a Red Pass which is a driving permit for Zion Canyon to get to the lodge for our reservation at the Red Rock Grill. Our dinners were very, very good - Bison Meatloaf and a Bison Burger!
Tomorrow's hike . . . Will be like no other hike that we have ever done before!!!
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UPDATE: Gas ABQ Balloon Distance Challenge
Team 7, Anulfo Gonzalez and Angel Aguirre, Spain: 1,189 miles (1,914.5 km), 53:27 hours, landed near Campbellsville, KY
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