Zion National Park

First stop in Utah, Zion River Resort in the town of Virgin about 14 miles west of Zion National Park. The park is right next to the Zion River. The sites here are grassy and spacious, and it would be easy to just sit outside and enjoy the park.

But this area is a beautiful area, so we do have to go explore. Our first day, we explore the outer edges of the park. Literally "the road less traveled". The RV park is very close to Kolob Terrace Road, which takes you north out of Virgin and to the Western Edge of Zion.









It is slightly higher mesa than the river canyon. Certainly a lesser traveled area but has some grand scenery.

Looking east towards Zion Canyon

After a couple of days at Zion River Resort, we move a few miles down the road to WillowWind RV Park in Hurricane, UT. We have stayed here before and really enjoyed our stay.

So these are the hike options once we arrive.

While we are here, we do a couple of hikes. The first one is Three Falls Trail. This trail was a little difficult to find...you know, where Google takes you to the closest point...where you have to climb someone's back fence and through a drainage ditch. Anyway, we met a nice little old couple who lived at the house and were able to point us in the right direction.

We hike to the 1st Falls.

Yes, that dot on top is Tom following the trail. I'm sure you can also see the trail he followed (not).

 Once we get there, I don't see a trail to the 2nd Falls. Tom thinks he does and heads up the side of the gorge.
Guess he was right; he did find the 2nd Falls.

That speck next to the far tower of rock is Tom (waiving) and Tank (wagging his tail).

Tom's shot looking back down the canyon

Time for a game of 'Where's Wendy'. Can you find her?

The next day, we set out a lot earlier and head over to Zion National Park. The last time we were at Zion, we took the shuttle to see the sights, but that doesn't leave you much time to do any of the hikes. This time, we do the Watchman Trail (so glad we did this hike in the morning).

When we reach the top, we think we see some people learning to rappel down the mountain. It turns out we've come across Search and Rescue doing some training.

My reward for making it back down the trail.