This is the seventh in a series of posts about my visit through parts of Arizona and Utah.
(Click words that are bolded for more information.)
(Click words that are bolded for more information.)
White Navajo Sandstone in Zion National Park
The next stop on our journey through Utah was Zion National Park. In contrast to Glen Canyon filled with the waters of Lake Powell, which we viewed by boat, and the Grand Canyon, which we viewed from it's rim looking across and down, our view of Zion National Park was from the canyon floor looking up at multiple peaks of solid white and orange rock. And it was a glorious sight!
The Virgin River, a tributary of the Colorado River that empties into Lake Mead, runs through Zion Canyon and provides an oasis for unique plants and animals to thrive along its green banks as the river winds its way along 15 miles of the canyon floor. Mormon settlers in the 1850s settled in the canyon and farmed the land until the canyon became a National Monument in 1909. Because of its awe inspiring beauty, the canyon was named Zion, a reference to the ancient city of Jerusalem and the future Heavenly city.
The Virgin River, a tributary of the Colorado River that empties into Lake Mead, runs through Zion Canyon and provides an oasis for unique plants and animals to thrive along its green banks as the river winds its way along 15 miles of the canyon floor. Mormon settlers in the 1850s settled in the canyon and farmed the land until the canyon became a National Monument in 1909. Because of its awe inspiring beauty, the canyon was named Zion, a reference to the ancient city of Jerusalem and the future Heavenly city.
The Virgin River flows through Zion National Park
With over 4.3 million people coming to Zion National Park in 2019, it was the fourth most visited National Park in the United States. (The Grand Canyon was second.) Many of the stately mountains protecting the canyon were given names by early visitors and explorers of the canyon. A Methodist minister gave Biblical names to several prominent peaks, including Great White Throne, Angels Landing, the Watchman, and The Three Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Zion National Park
Despite the crowds, there was serene beauty in the canyon the day we visited. It was a beautiful fall day with clear blue skies and a pleasant breeze. Because it was peak season, only shuttle buses were allowed through the canyon. We spotted some rock climbers. They looked like tiny ants crawling up the sheer rock face. Many people hike the trails of Zion National Park, which range from easy to strenuous.
Can you see the rock climber near the bottom left?
The weathering of this white mountain reflects its name, Checkerboard Mesa.
Checkerboard Mesa - click on photo for info
Do you see the cliff wall arch near the bottom of the photo?
Lots of rock varnish on these sheer red rock faces
As our time in Zion Canyon drew to a close, I couldn't help but play this old hymn in my head, Marching to Zion
It will be my final destination, and I hope yours. In the meantime, I will continue marching through this world with my eyes open in wonder, awe, and praise to our Creator, the King of Zion.
~ Debbie
First stop - Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden here.
Second stop - Montezuma's Castle here.
Third stop - Sedona here.
Fourth stop - The Grand Canyon here.
Fifth stop - The Desert Watch Tower here.
Sixth stop - Glen Canyon and Lake Powell here.
Seventh stop - Zion National Park here.
Eighth stop - Between canyons here.
~ Debbie
First stop - Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden here.
Second stop - Montezuma's Castle here.
Third stop - Sedona here.
Fourth stop - The Grand Canyon here.
Fifth stop - The Desert Watch Tower here.
Sixth stop - Glen Canyon and Lake Powell here.
Seventh stop - Zion National Park here.
Eighth stop - Between canyons here.
