Southern Utah 2009
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Our first stop was Zion, where we picked up an annual pass to all federal recreational fee areas for $80. The entrance fee for most of the parks we visited was around $25 per vehicle, so the pass paid for itself. And, we can use it to visit Death Valley on our next Vegas trip. We spent more time shopping in Springdale than hiking. Since parking in Zion is almost impossible, you're encouraged to park in Springdale, on Zion's western edge, and take a free shuttle to the park. But once you're out of your car, you may as well explore the town's many shops.... I had forgotten how scenic the near near and east of the "tunnel" is. Most of the photos are from that area. (Note: in many photos, I've included a person or vehicle for scale so you can grasp the enormity of the landscape.) |
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| Scenic shopping in Springdale | From Hidden
Canyon trail (bus in lower photo) |
"Beehives" east of tunnel |
| One park we
missed on our earlier trip was Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park.
The state park only has a short trail and little access to the
dunes. Just before the park is a federal area with free access but
it allows ATVs. |
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes Park |
 We
spent the night in Kanab, where many Westerns were filmed. Many
actors stayed at the Parry lodge, so we stayed there too. In the
evenings, they show free movies (in a barn) filmed in the area.
The set of The Outlaw Josie Wales is in Kanab.
From Kanab, we spent a day driving a long loop which took us to the Grand Canyon's north rim then east to Page (AZ) back through the Vermillion Cliffs. The return from Page is very remote but very scenic. |
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Grand Canyon North Rim |
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| Susie on rim trail | Are we having fun yet? | Not too remote for a post office |
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| Grand Canyon Lodge | Rental cabins | Bison at Grand Canyon meadow |
