Zion

We entered Zion from the east and went through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.  When you exit the tunnel you get a wonderful view of the Zion Canyon below.

Our first hike was the Riverside Walk that starts at the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle.  The Riverside is an easy sand covered paved trail the ends at the famous Narrows.

We strapped on our Keen water sandles and up the Virgin River we splashed as the canyon walls got closer and closer together.  

A short way up the river we got to a section that was 3 to 4 ft deep.  Most turned back but I took it as an opportunity to take a swim in the 64F water.  

The kids had a great time.  They said it was the best hike they had been on "ever".  Dad did good.

Back at the Riverside Walk trail, we found a tree to dry our bags, shoes, and clothing before hiking back to the bus.

Next we too the bus to Weeping Rock.  

For our last hike we wanted to do the Lower Emerald Pool hike but the trail was closed due to a rock slide.  Instead we took the Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools.  This was a 2 mile rocky hike along the edge of the mountain with views of the Virgin River and the Zion Lodge.

By the end of our hike to the Emerald Pools we headed back into Springdal for lunch and to the hotel to cool down at the Desert Pearl pool.

We left Zion the same way we entered through the historic tunnel headed to Bryce Canyon.  Before we left Zion National Park we got to see a couple of mountain goats and the Checkerboard Mesa.

Grand Canyon

We started our Grand Canyon visit just after sunrise at Mather Point.  The pictures of the canyon I show here won't do it justice.  It was big with massive long range views.

Next we took the Grand Canyon blue line bus to the Hermits Rest transfer where we hiked down the steep Bright Angel Trail.  This trail is 6 miles long with a total elevation of 3,000 feet from the canyon rim.  Needless to say we didn't go far before turning around and hiking back up.

After our short hike we got on the Grand Canyon Red line bus to Hermits Rest.  The benefit to starting early was no lines to get on the bus.  Our first stop was Trailview Overlook to get a birds eye view of the Bright Angel Trail.

Our next stop on the red line was Mohave Point were we watches the ravens play.

Next we stopped at Pima Point and walked the Greenway Trail to Hermits Rest for post cards, stickers, and treats.

After our visit at Hermits Rest we took the red line back to red line / blue line transfer where I got the notification that our table at El Tovar Dining Room was ready for our lunch reservation.  We were seated at a table by the window with good views of the canyon and the Rim Trail.  The service at El Tovar was 5 star.  Our server Kaleb was amazing and he recommend the Elk Burger that did not disappoint.

 After our filling lunch we decided to beat the heat and retreat back to our hotel to cool down in the pool.

That evening we returned to the Grand Canyon for dinner at the Arizona Steakhouse.  This restaurant also had good views of the canyon and hikers passing by on the Rim Trail.  Our server Kai was great and recommended the Elk chop which was was more like an Elk file. So good!

After dinner we drove to Grandview Point for sunset where we also was some local wildlife.

The next morning we went to Desert View on the east side of the Grand Canyon for our last stop before driving north to Zion.