Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah

We came into the park through the East Entrance.  This allowed us to drive the scenic Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway.  There is a 1.1 mile long tunnel along this highway that takes you into the Canyon area. We noticed all of the layers of red, pink, cream and different shades of brown that is unique to Zion National Park.  This highway is very twisty and curvy and a fun drive. 

We stayed at the Springhill Suites in Springdale. It is fairly new and really nice. They provided free coffee, water, tea and hot chocolate all day plus a free continental breakfast. 

Springdale has a free shuttle service that will take you to several stops

in town plus the Visitors Center at the South Entrance. I really recommend using the shuttle because you don't have to worry about parking inside the park. Then you can hop onto the park shuttle which will take you to all of the main attractions. While on the shuttle,  they also give you information about the sights, their history and what makes them unique. They also describe some of the trails. There are certain places in the park where private vehicles are not allowed,  but the shuttle is. So it's easier to ride it around the park. 

The lady at the Visitors Center recommended The Temple of Sinawava as our first foray into the park. This is the very last shuttle stop. It is a one mile (one way) accessible, paved trail that ends at The Narrows Trailhead.  It follows the Virgin River on a windy path that seems to narrow and open as you walk along. 

This is the beginning of The Narrows Trail.  You can rent water pants and shoes for the hike. This is a very popular hike in Zion. 

We were going to hike back to the Visitors Center via the Pa'rus Trail backward. But it was raining and I had expensive camera gear. So we hopped the shuttle back. By the time, we got back to the Visitors Center,  it stopped raining.  So we decided to hike the trail in the other direction. This is another paved, accessible Trail that follows the river and takes you by the campground. It is 1.8 miles long one way.  It's a very easy hike.

We were going to hike to the Emerald Pools, but that trail was closed for maintenance.  Several trails were closed due to rock slides. We tried to stop at the Canyon Overlook, but couldn't find parking.  So we called it a day and grabbed an early dinner. If you're in Springdale,  Meme's Cafe is a great place to eat. 

We are heading back to Vegas for our last day tomorrow.  I wonder if we'll see grumpy Elvis again....