June 2004

As the temps soared into the 100's in the greater Phoenix area, we headed north to the higher elevations of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Utah.

Although the weather was unusually hot (reaching 100 degrees) we still took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the scenery by hiking Middle and Upper Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk at Zion and Taylor Creek Trail at Kolob Canyons. (North Zion) With use of a free shuttle system that accommodates all scenic stops and hiking trails in the park it became unecessary to drive your vehicle.

The wild flowers were abundant. Some flowers looked familiar (common morning glories,phylox,columbine) while others just seemed to strangely adapt to the surroundings and climate (like the hanging garden on the River Walk trail). A deer, quenching his thirst in the Virgin River at Zion, appeared unaffected by the spectators passing by.

About 120 miles north is Bryce Canyon. We camped at Ruby's RV Resort & Campground conveniently located within a mile of the park entrance. Here you have an opportunity to go horseback-riding, take a helicoptor ride above the canyon, an airplane tour, enjoy a delicious meal at Ruby's Inn or swim in either of their two heated pools. Adjacent to the Inn is a nightly rodeo also operated by Ruby's. Our National Parks Pass got us into the park free and at an annual cost of $65.00 has more than paid for itself. As part of the benefits we had free use of the park shuttle.

"Breathtaking" is the only word that describes the awesome
colors and unusual shapes of the rock formations at Bryce. Cool steady breezes and absence of noise made hiking the trails a pleasure. Daytime temps were in the mid 70's, while nights dipped into the chilly 30's. Scenic views could enjoyed at Fairyland, Sunrise and Sunset Points, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. (Our favorite was Fairyland where the formations resembled castles.)

Among the trails we hiked were, Navajo-Loop and Queen's Garden at Bryce and the Buckhorn and Golden Wall trails in
the Red Canyon National Forest.