The Floor of Zion Canyon
After our morning of hiking the upper trails we are hungry and thirsty. Time for a beer and lunch at the pub in the Village!
This is the Zion Canyon Village. Stores on the left for neat souvenirs, rental bikes and equipment for wading up the Narrows. Pub in the center for food and beer. Grocery store and more souvenirs on the right.
The view from our table on the patio of the pub. Beer really tastes good!
Just behind the Pub is the pedestrian bridge over the Virgin River connecting to the Visitors Center.
The Visitors Center is the gathering place for travelers wanting directions, curios, and restrooms. It also has a very large parking lot where you can park your vehicle and catch the shuttle that travels the entire length of the canyon, stopping at all of the major view points and trail heads.
The shuttle consists of two linked busses. The views out of the windows and the glass ceiling windows are incredable. The shuttles are scheduled close together so that you only need to wait a maximum of ten minutes at a stop for the next ride.
We get off at stop 4 to look at the Court of the Patriarchs.
And here we are! Look how tall Kai is!
A last look and back to the shuttle to continue our journey.
Our next stop is the Zion Lodge and the trail that leads to the Emerald Pool. We were looking forward to seeing the Emerald Pool, so we headed over to the trail head.
Oh, well. Back to the shuttle.
Our final stop is the end of the shuttle route. This is the start of the mile-long River Walk, that leads to the start of the Narrows.
The River Walk runs along the side of the beautiful Virgin River. Although early afternoon, the entire canyon is in shade from the surrounding giant cliff walls. It's definitely jacket weather.
Looking up to the sun on the top of massive cliffs.
The River Walk trail ends here at the start of the Narrows. Most persons who venture into the Narrows have rented special shoes and clothing for walking in the frigid water. But, Karl and Audrey don't bother with such soft stuff. They venture out in tennis shoes with pants rolled up. Will they make it across?
Yes!! They actually continued on for about half a mile, crossing the river twice more.
They finally return, victors over the elements! Now for the wet and cold walk back to the shuttle, and ride to the parking lot at the Visitors Center.
Kai at the Visitors Center. We pick up the car and head up to the east entrance of the Park, and to home base in Kanab.
As we near the east entrance to the Park we make a stop to pick up some small sandstone rocks for souveniers. Beautiful late evening. The sun sets about 4:45 in the evening. Tomorrow we will head southeast into Arizona to see sights around Glen Canyon.