In February snow was piling up in the mountains but we were very excited to receive the COVID vaccine.
Needless to say, the park was very crowded. However, Julie had nabbed reservations for the park shuttle. The next challenge was finding seats on the town shuttle from the hotel to the park entrance. Definitely a process--nothing like earlier years when you could simply hop in a car.
Matt, Julie and the kids did several ambitious hikes that took them up the West Rim Trail and an exploratory adventure in Clear Creek where they found several panels of rock art as well as a fresh cougar track.
Mid-week LuJean and I joined the crew for several short hikes (really walks) in the main canyon. It would be easy to say "been there--done that" but we found the beauty of Zion is still stunning.
Here we are waiting for the town shuttle to take us back to the hotel.
Below is a view of the top of the East Rim Trail which is now closed due to a massive rock slide. For details copy this link:
https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2020/01/16/zion-national-park-weeping-rock-trail-closed-due-future-dangers/4482205002/
Due to the crowds and COVID restrictions we ordered dinners from various restaurants and ate in the lobby of the new Springhill Suites.
Lots of changes in Springdale as old businesses have closed and many new shops and restaurants have popped up.
Rock art in Clear Creek.
While the kids were hiking LuJean and I took our jeep on long loop that took us from the Kolob Terrace Road out to Smiths Masa and then back to the town of Virgin via the Hurricane Mesa access road.
Looking back toward the park from Smiths Mesa--one fun and very beautiful adventure.
It's good to be out and about again!
