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Zion - Utah
Descriptive:
The Virgin River runs through Zion's lush canyon, while precipitous cliffs rise 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The walls of the cliffs, particularly the Court of the Patriarchs, are multicolored and look like an Indian painting in the setting sun. The monolithic Great White Throne towers 2200 feet over the main valley, dominating the surroundings.
Key locations:
The Narrows provides a stark example of the erosional cutting of the Virgin River: towering 1500 feet above the stream bed, the canyon's walls are just wide enough to stand in. The trail ends at the Temple of Sinawava.
Weeping Rock is a short hike, about a quarter-mile, to a spring which seeps groundwater down the cliff's face. A slight overhang is just above head level, and the water trickles to the ground, giving the appearance of weeping.
Upper and Lower Emerald Pool are two pools several miles up the mountain caused by the joining of two waterfalls. The pool is an idyllic place to stop for lunch, a shady retreat on white sands as smooth as silk. At one point on the trail, a bridge crosses the Virgin River, which rages beneath one's feet.
Hanging Gardens is a romantic enclave of plants draped like a canopy from the rock face. The perch they have found is due to seeping groundwater.
Activities:
Horseback riding
Fishing
Mountain climbing
Trails:
Canyon Overlook
East Rim Trail
Hidden Canyon Trail
Lady Mountain Trail
LaVerkin Creek Trail
Sand Bench Trail
West Canyon Trail
West Rim Trail
