Dynatrekkin'

Come along with us!

May 17, 2024

Day 126 / April 26, 2024

Posted by

Ember Hutton

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We weren’t originally planning to visit Zion until next week, but once I discovered our campground was only 45 minutes away from the East Entrance we couldn’t resist spending an extra day there. Back to Utah we go…

The name Zion means “promised land.”

Our first stop at Zion was…the entrance gate. 🤦🏻‍♀️ The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway has a tunnel with a clearance of 13 feet 1 inch. The ranger had to measure the RV in front of us because any vehicles over 11 feet 4 inches have to have an escort to drive through the tunnel.

Park rangers are stationed at both ends of the tunnel and convert traffic flow to a one way direction when an oversize vehicle is present. They have to take up both lanes to fit through the middle of the tunnel – we will not be attempting this with the Beast!

The 1.1 mile tunnel was started in the late 1920s and completed in 1930.

We were amazed by the views that awaited us on the other side of the tunnel.

The sedimentary rocks in Zion are made up of layers like a cake. 🍰

Adler pointed out Crawford Arch, which is clinging to Bridge Mountain, a mere thousand feet above the canyon floor.

We checked out the Human History Museum and watched the NPS park film about Zion. It was the newest one we’ve seen so the kids were very impressed as they’re used to seeing park films from the 1980s!

We then hiked the Pa’rus Trail because it’s the one and only trail dogs are allowed on. “Paws on pavement!” as they say here at Zion. 🐾

Even though his paws were on pavement, Riggs still spotted these mule deer. He pointed and yipped like he was on a hunt but kept those paws where they belonged like a good boy!

We were enjoying the scenery when the clouds really started to roll in and it started to sprinkle…

The Virgin River was mighty inviting for Adler to throw rocks into.

Riggs did not get the memo to look at the camera. There goes our Christmas card! 😆

Suddenly the skies opened up and it started to pour and hail. We had to run all the way back to the start of the trail – it was definitely a hike to remember!

Our clothes were still soaked but we couldn’t just drive past all of the gorgeous overlooks.

The clouds were not letting up as we headed out of the park.

And soon it was snowing – welcome to spring in Utah! We love it!

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About the author

Hi! I’m Ember and I love traveling and photography but not so much organizing said adventures and pictures. Chronically blogging in past tense. :)