Zion National Park

We decided to venture out and visit Zion National Park. Beginning next month, you can only visit the canyon by boarding a shuttle bus which isn’t something we would even consider. However, in the months of January and February, you can drive into the Park in your car. So, even though it is still a bit chilly, we decided to head up and explore a bit.

When our kids were young, we would visit a dude ranch on the edge of Zion National Park. We remembered hiking into the Park from the dude ranch, making our way down the entire north wall of the canyon, and then picking up a shuttle bus which took us back to the dude ranch. We set out to see if it was still in business, and were pleased to find out it was.

Although we had been to Zion NP many times in the past, there were many areas we discovered where we had not visited before. Kolob Terrace was one. To the early Mormons, Kolob meant the place where the Gods lived. Kolob Terrace must have been one of those places. The scenes were magical with the snow cover and the clouds moving amongst the peaks.

We also visited Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. This, of course, is not named for the Brit who left a fortune which founded the museums on the capitol mall in Washington DC. No, this is named for Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism and the church of the Later Day Saints. While it was a challenge to drive up, even in a 4WD vehicle, the views made it well worthwhile.

Talking to you soon.