Zion National Park
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Canyon Overlook Trail Zion National Park |
April 18, 2010
Having just completed an exploration of the Pine Creek Waterfall, I continue
up the mountain through the mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
At its far entrance are two parking lots for visitors to this popular trail.
Even at this late hour, though, finding an available space is problematical.
It is busy at the trailhead
Much of the route is fenced
About five minutes into the walk, I encounter an elevated wooden walkway constructed around a difficult spot. Although it actually hangs over a cliff, there is no danger. Just don't bend too far over the railing!
The Boardwalk
Nifty cave
There is something new around every turn. Nearly every trail in this park features a weeping wall of some kind.
Slippery trail
The tunnel is inside that mountain
The view from the overlook is predictably outstanding. A mere hour ago I was exploring an area of Pine Creek that lies just out of sight down below.
At the overlook
The highway winds down to Zion Canyon
From the overlook there is something to see in every direction.
East Temple
Hoodoos
A tunnel air vent
When I first drove through the big tunnel in the 1960s, one could pull over at those air ducts and peer down the canyon; but that option disappeared a long time ago. There is just too much traffic nowadays.
Milkvetch (locoweed)
Fifteen minutes of walking are sufficient to return me to the trailhead.
Nearing the end of the line
§: This was a fun trail. The west-facing canyon view rates to be much nicer in the morning, however, with the sun at one's back. I'll do that next time.
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