Zion National Park

Hidden Canyon, Zion National Park

From the moment we entered Zion we were awed. Sweeping rock formations with their mesmerising curves and lines that lead the eye, to a mile long tunnel (exciting!) that emerges into a lush canyon of sheer cliffs, trees (often in the most unlikely places) and rushing water. 

Checking in to our campsite I asked for two nights (we had already increased our stay an extra night by the time we reached the switchbacks on the other side of the tunnel). The ranger was happy to sort us out but he made sure to pick a site that was available a third night as well, quietly confident we would be extending our stay. He was right, we spent four days exploring the hiking trails along Zion, still sore from our Grand Canyon descent. We didn't renew our tent site though, after four days of hiking around Bryce and Zion without a shower we were feeling our skin crawl so we checked in to Zion Lodge and finished our stay with a civilised touch.

We got our feet wet in the Virgin River along the Narrows. After that escapade we had several people recognise us as 'the crazy Australians' throughout the rest of our time in Zion. It'd be refreshing in Summer. Another great hike we did was along Hidden Canyon, very interesting sandstone layered rock formations, their colour coming alive in the light rain.

Photosynth of the layered sandstone in Zion Nation Park. Keep an eye on the size of the pine trees to get a sense of the scale.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon must be seen from the inside to be truly appreciated. The beautiful colours created from the suns reflections down the slot canyons and amongst the hoodoos and the stark, sudden surprise of seeing a vibrant green pine tree growing from the lifeless rock as you round a corner is a delight for the senses.

The Navajo Loop trail takes you right inside slot canyons

Full moon and well below freezing

On the topic of sensory overload, Bryce Canyon was probably the coldest night we will have on our trip, -8C (17F). Cooking as quickly as we could with the surrounding air trying to freeze our pots we retreated to the relative warmth of the car to eat our meal before bracing ourselves for the rush to the sleeping bags. A particularly good excuse for an after-dinner sortie in the car was the views of a full moon rising over the canyons, heater on full.

Walking amongst the Hoodoos is reminescent of the Pinnacles, Western Australia, only much much larger. The tallest approaching the height of a 10-story building.

I took a photosynth along the Navajo trail, on the other side of the slot canyon where the title photo was taken. Check it out here: Bryce Canyon, Navajo Loop Trail Photosynth.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and was founded by the Mormons (see: This is the place).  On our excursions to the city from Antelope Island we explored the Mormon Temple and the State Capitol Building.

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Pushing on towards Yellowstone we left Salt Lake City and Utah. The drive to Bear Lake and the Idaho border was through a canyon where the fall colours were in full swing. This was also bear territory, our lunch spot was beautiful but we didn't stray far from the car.