Weeping Rock
We started out by taking the free shuttle up the canyon to Weeping Rock Trailhead. After a short 1/4 mile hike you find yourself at the base of Weeping Rock. Since most of the rock in the canyon is sandstone, water from the plateau above is able to seep down. Once the water hits a more solid rock, the pressure forces it out the sides of the cliffs. The trail took us to the base of a waterfall and we were able to see (and feel) geology at work!
Waterfall at Weeping Rock
View from the start of trailhead
Coming down the trail
Wo to those who are at ease in Zion...Angel's Landing
The focal point of the park is Angel's Landing. It got its name from a Methodist preacher who believed that the peak was so high, that only the angels could reach its summit safely. It is a dangerous hike and we received a few warnings on the shuttle bus about hiker safety on the trail. Megan and I decided to play it safe and only hiked up half way. The hike up was much steeper than I remembered, but the views were worth it.
Angel's Landing dead ahead!
Looking back down the trail and Virgin River
At the top of the 1st set of switchbacks!
The focal point of the park is Angel's Landing. It got its name from a Methodist preacher who believed that the peak was so high, that only the angels could reach its summit safely. It is a dangerous hike and we received a few warnings on the shuttle bus about hiker safety on the trail. Megan and I decided to play it safe and only hiked up half way. The hike up was much steeper than I remembered, but the views were worth it.
Angel's Landing dead ahead!
Looking back down the trail and Virgin River
At the top of the 1st set of switchbacks!Lunch at Zion's Lodge
Once we made it down the Angel's Landing trail, we decided to take a lunch break and rest at Zion's Lodge. Zion's Lodge was built in the 1920s and has been rebuilt once after being washed away in a flood during the 1960s. It's not as elaborate as the lodges in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, or Glacier, but was also financed by the railroad in order to promote tourism. Currently, the lodge is being renovated and improved. We loved just sitting on the bench out in front relaxing and eating lunch. We also splurged and bought a yummy frozen treat from the Lodge cafe!
Zion's Lodge with Angel's Landing in the background
Once we made it down the Angel's Landing trail, we decided to take a lunch break and rest at Zion's Lodge. Zion's Lodge was built in the 1920s and has been rebuilt once after being washed away in a flood during the 1960s. It's not as elaborate as the lodges in Grand Teton, Yellowstone, or Glacier, but was also financed by the railroad in order to promote tourism. Currently, the lodge is being renovated and improved. We loved just sitting on the bench out in front relaxing and eating lunch. We also splurged and bought a yummy frozen treat from the Lodge cafe!
Zion's Lodge with Angel's Landing in the backgroundLower Emerald Pool
For our 3rd hike of the day, we took a easy 1/2 mile trip to Lower Emerald Pool. We saw another waterfall, yucky brown (not emerald green) water, and lots of red clay mud. At least it wasn't a steep hike!
For our 3rd hike of the day, we took a easy 1/2 mile trip to Lower Emerald Pool. We saw another waterfall, yucky brown (not emerald green) water, and lots of red clay mud. At least it wasn't a steep hike!
Court of the Patriarchs
We wrapped up our day by stopping at the Court of the Patriarchs. The Patriarchs are 3 peaks that were named by the aforementioned Methodist preacher for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A Nephite patriarch is also represented by Mount Moroni.
Abraham's Peak on right
Abraham's Peak (left), Issac's Peak (center), Mt. Moroni (front right), and Jacob's Peak (back right)
Court of the Patriarchs Shuttle Stop
We wrapped up our day by stopping at the Court of the Patriarchs. The Patriarchs are 3 peaks that were named by the aforementioned Methodist preacher for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. A Nephite patriarch is also represented by Mount Moroni.
Abraham's Peak on right
Abraham's Peak (left), Issac's Peak (center), Mt. Moroni (front right), and Jacob's Peak (back right)
Court of the Patriarchs Shuttle Stop
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