Day 2 - Page, Arizona to Zion NP to Page, Arizona

We were up early and anxious to get started for Zion. Our plan was to have a quick breakfast at the motel, however once again our meal plan went south. Last evening, we saw two large yellow buses drop off tourists for an overnight at the motel and it appeared most of them wanted breakfast at the same time. The only Starbucks in town was at the Safeway, so off we went for a mocha and a couple of pastries.

Back on State Route 89, we stopped briefly for our drink and pastries at the dam.

SR 89 generally heads West to Kanab, Utah, before turning North to Mt. Carmel Junction. That drive took about 90 minutes. Along the way there are many spots deserving investigation if we just had more time and were 20 years younger. If those two requirements were met, we would explore Blue Pool Wash, the Birthday Arch, and the Toadstool Hoodoos.

For those that don't know, this is a Toadstool Hoodoo. I didn't want to walk miles to take a photo to show you what a Toadstool Hoodoo was, so in the interests of education I stole this one from the internet.

Every sign of civilization between Page and Zion is nothing but a wide spot in the road, except for Kanab, Utah. With a population of roughly 4,800, it is an oasis with things like restaurants, motels, an airport and more. We stopped at Glazier's Market for a little walk-about and a snack bar. There was a really nice-looking Hampton Inn, which would probably serve our needs should we want to see more of this country.

Continuing on 89 North for another 19 miles brought us to Mt. Carmel, Utah. If one is into hiking, this stretch includes the Dinosaur Tracks trailhead, Red Canyon Slot trailhead, the Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon trailhead and the Belly of the Dragon trailhead. Slot canyons are very plentiful in this area. As the name implies, they are narrow and where you don't want to be in a flash flood.

Mt. Carmel is an extra wide spot in the road, with a couple of gas stations, one restaurant and a pretty decent looking golf course. Running generally West out of town is Highway 9, which takes you through Zion National Park. The East entrance is where the government takes $35 per carload for the 11-mile trip. Fortunately, I purchased a Senior Pass in 2004 for the bargain basement price of $10. The National Park Service, knowing seniors are among the wealthiest in the country, now charges $80.

I had explored Zion on Google Earth for over a year and had high expectations. I was a little disappointed by the colors. I had expected to see more shades of red and yellow in the rocks. It wasn't quite there for me. However, I was blown away by the rock formations. There is no way to describe the variations in that short 11-mile journey. Even now I look at the photos and they just don't do justice to what I saw. I will post a few phots, but to really see the beauty here, you must visit.

The drive through the park is slow, on a narrow road, with sufficient pull-offs for taking photos and general walking around. We had already decided to see the park in both directions, so didn't stop on the East to West drive. There are two tunnels on the drive. The longest is 1.1 miles and has windows cut in the wall, so the passengers can get a short view outside. Drivers should pay attention, as its narrow and dark.

We thought about lunch after exiting the West side, but the crowds and traffic quickly got us turned around and headed back through the park. This was the time for us to stop for photos, which as I said really don't tell the story of the park. I think maybe 6 or 8 trips might be a start on getting to know Zion.

We headed back down Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel and I made a left toward Kanab. After a few miles Barb suggested I was going the wrong way and I assured on course. After miles of not recognizing anything, I stopped, checked the GPS and sure enough was headed the wrong way. I admitted the mistake hoping that would be the end of it. It wasn't. Once in Kanab, we stopped for what I think was the best ever Subway sandwich. The drive back to Page was uneventful.

That evening we headed back to the Dam Bar and Grill for dinner. The waiter was the same from lunch yesterday and he remembered what beers we both had. I felt like a regular.

Back at the motel we both turned early. Driving/riding seems to tire us a little more than in years gone by. Probably because of all of those years that have gone by. Anyway, it was a great day. Zion is really worth seeing. May have to do it again sometime. Tomorrow we head back home.