Sat, Apr 30 2016 - AN EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE at ZION and BRYCE (View Original Event Details)
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The adventure our group had in Utah was indeed extraordinary! From arrival in the Las Vegas airport to our return to Atlanta, we had beautiful weather, scenic hikes, challenging climbs, and indescribable views.
The first day of hiking took us to the Emerald Pools and the Kayenta Trails. Unfortunately, our plan to hike the Narrows that afternoon had to be altered, as the flow in the Narrows was too high and rapid for safe hiking. Instead, we took the Riverside Trail and later the trail to Weeping Rock.
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Our second day in Zion featured a hike up to Angels Landing for some of us, or a trek along the West Rim Trail for the rest. Both of these hikes offered amazing high-altitude views of the Zion canyons. The afternoon gave our group a choice of horseback riding or a short hike on the Pa'rus Trail, followed by an exploration of the Human History Museum.
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Our toughest hike took place on Day 3, when we completed a 15 mile sxploration through Zion's Kolob Canyon. It was a hot day, and all of us ran low on water. We made it to our goal - - the Kolob Arch - - which proved to be a half mile of technically difficult maneuvering. But we all made it, and relished a break to soak our feet in the river on our return hike. It's hard to believe, but we made 52 creek crossings (26 each way) during the hike - - and not one of us got water in our boots.
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We left Zion on the 4th day, but not before tackling a beautiful hike along the Canyon Overlook Trail. This hike provided our only views of the Big Horn Sheep that inhabit the canyon. How excited we were to see the animals and take pictures of them. The views of the canyon were well worth seeing.
Our 5th and 6th days were spent in Bryce Canyon, where we learned quite thoroughly what hoodoos are! These unique rock formations were stunning throughout the canyon! They demanded photo after photo from all of us. We had sunrise and sunset hikes, a hike along the rim, a beautiful hike to Queens Garden, and an evening of stargazing for those who could stay awake after dark.
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Our last hike took us along the Fairyland and Tower Bridge Trails 9.5 miles of breathtaking views of the hoodoos and sandy hills.
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What a terrific dozen members comprised our group for the week. Not a minute of drama, but lots of sharing, friendship, and enjoyment among us. ~ Joyce
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