In an attempt to avoid binge-watching Netflix episodes or lazying around at home during the holiday shutdown (mentioned in my first post), I planned a last minute trip to Zion National Park.
Everything was booked and scheduled the day before we left. Because I was going with my in-laws - who had already been to Zion - I concentrated on the hotel accomodations. I figured the hikes could be coordinated with them either en route or once we arrived. With the Zion Lodge - which is inside the park - going for about $230 USD per night, I settled on a room with 2 double beds at the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale, Utah. Springdale is literally at the entrance of the park, so if you are on a budget I would highly advise you check out hotel rates in Springdale over the Zion Lodge.
The next morning went all wrong: my wife - Minaal - and I slept in, there was traffic on the way to my in-laws house, and by the time we got there, they hadn't even packed yet. It was 10:30 AM by the time we left the house. Traffic near Las Vegas made it even worse. It was 6:45PM by the time we checked-in to the hotel. We completely forgot Utah was in a different time zone as well, so when we went out to eat most of the eateries had already closed. The only spot open was called Oscar's Cafe. The food was awful! My enchilada was cold, bland and tasteless.
Our hotel included an excellent continental breakfast - pancakes, waffles, premade omelettes, etc. After we ate, we hopped in the car and drove up to the Park. The scenary was amazing! The sun shinned down as the red rock popped from under the snow covered mountains with no clouds in sight. Every turn through the winding roads left you breathless. At the end of the road, we decided to take our first hike.
Weeping Rock Trail
The parking lot was full, but no one was on the trail. Half way up, there was a chain with a sign stating the trail was closed due to ice. Rules are made to be broken, right? Well, at least that's what my father-in-law said. Peer pressured, I decided why not. We stepped over the sign and continued on. The path was as though walking through the Arctic; trees frozen over & icicles hanging from every rail. At the end of the short half-mile hike, there is a large slab of rock with random water seeping through. An interesting phenomena for sure. We took a moment to admire the spectacle, then carefully walked back to the car and made are way to the next hike.
Emerald Pools Trail
The Emerald Pools Trail felt like walking through a winter wonderland. The hike started at a beautiful ice-covered and extremely slippery bridge crossing the Virgin River. The heat from the sun started to pick up, and so the snow and ice began melting and falling from the trees. I had to be careful here, as this time I had my 8-month old daughter strapped to my chest. I used my Dolica tripod as the walking stick. Only the Lower Emerald Pool was accessible, as the Upper Emerald Pools hike was also closed due to ice. The 'pool' was filled by water coming from a tiny waterfall. After slipping and falling for the second time while on her back, Minaal decided to not wait for me and hurried back. But this wasn't the worst hike for her.
Overlook Trail
This hike was categorized as Moderate difficulty with "steep drop offs." There was so much ice at the very beginning of the trail that I wasn't able to make out where the steps were. Patches of this ice continued nearly all the way up to the top of the canyon. At the top, however, we had forgotten all about the struggle up. It. was. Beautiful! From the top you get an amazing frame of the valley with the outline of the curvy road that took you to the base of the Canyon. Down below green pine trees stuck out from the snowy white powder. I snapped a couple shots, then it was time to head back. On our way down, there was a turn on the trail which was visibly covered in all ice. One one side was a cliff wall, and on the other was a wobbly rail with a straight drop behind it. Minaal decided she should go first, as her sister had slipped the entire way up. Right with her first step onto the ice she slips, falls on her back, and starts sliding off the cliff. Instinctively, she grabs the bottom of the rail. I turn to see her dangling and struggling to pull herself up. I take a step, lean down to pull her up, but somehow I, too, slip. I slip allll the way.. to safety! I stand up to turn, and I see my father-in-law wedge one foot against the cliff wall, then strategically place his other foot as close to Minaal as possible without losing his balance. In one fluid motion he lifts her entire body up, and calmly places her next to him.
After that experience, we figured we'd count our blessings and call it a day. It was only 3:00 PM, but enough was enough. Angel's Landing and the Narrows will be another time. Cards, TV, and dinner. That was the remainder of our evening. We did our prayers and knocked out. The next morning we recounted each others explanation of what had happened over breakfast. Loaded the car and drove back home.
Zion National Park is truly a must-see place for any adventurer. The picturesque landscapes, mile-high fresh air and treturous hikes make it the ideal weekend getaway for any southern Californian.
Trip Map
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