After driving to Orderville to check out a German Bakery, which BTW is excellent, we decided to take a drive through Zion National Park.
That didn’t necessarily mean we’d be stopping anywhere and I know the Virgin River Canyon where shuttles run has been slammed busy this summer at a 33% increase in visitation. Not our thang.
In fact Bill says this means we need more parks and wilderness for people to experience.
I truly love the drive on the east side of the park past all the marvelous sandstone cliffs.
And although it was almost bumper to bumper we did get lucky and see Big-horn sheep. At first very far away.
Thank goodness for zoom.
Then right next to the road munching away.
Plus the drive through the tunnels is fun.
And the scenery is superb.
Breathtaking beauty. Not everybody’s cup of tea I imagine but I love it. I bet most touristy places would love to have a 33% increase in visitors. That’s huge!
It is gorgeous but the increase makes it harder to enjoy.
Wow, that scenery is amazing! Can’t wait to get out there next year (though I selfishly hope it’s not as crowded as this year!)
Zion is amazing but with the National Park Service celebrating it’s 100th birthday next year I suspect it will be very crowded. Recommend going in spring or fall.
great shots to take with me to work – –
love,
B
Thanks. Don’t work too hard.
Zion is an a great park and your pictures are fantastic!
Thanks Lynda. Great and very busy.
We thought Zion was much more crowded last fall than the previous year. Guess we bloggers should stop talking it up;-)
I believe the crowds have to do with the #FindYourPark campaign.
Thanks for the ride! That’s probably what we’ll do when we visit, too. Beautiful photography!
Thanks Grace. Maybe a fall visit wouldn’t be so busy.
Those are amazing photos, what a stunningly beautiful place. Crowds though must spoil it, I like to see these sort of places as a loner 🙂 Have a good week Diane
Thanks Diane. I’d rather enjoy a piece of wilderness all to myself.
Love, Love, Love Zion! Absolutely amazing park. When we were there the big horn sheep were walking right alongside our car, it was crazy! We were in Zion and Bryce in November and it was a beautiful time to visit, very few people and no traffic.
I do love seeing the sheep but don’t think I’ll return until at least fall or winter.
do you know Mark and Bobbie Johnson – Ouray Colorado?? steve
I’ve never met them but follow the blog.
been to Ouray Co.??
No, seems like a summer place and that’s when I work.
Great photos as usual. I love Zion especially in the fall. You saw Big Horns and I got to see a large herd of Tule Elk in the Owens River Valley right on Hwy 395.
Look forward as alway to your nxt post.
Be Well
Rosemary
Thanks Rosemary. I’d like to return to Zion in the fall. A herd of Tule Elk sounds like a wonderful sighting.
I totally agree with Bill about the need for more parks and I want a BIGGER PARKS BUDGET! Where do I tell them how I want my tax money spent? I was so excited to see your title and know I’d get to see your fabulous pictures of Zion. Can’t believe visitation is up 33%. What in the world will happen on the centennial next year? Fabulous pictures Gaelyn. I have never been able to get a good one through a tunnel.
More parks and the budget to operate them would be awesome. A very small portion of tax dollars goes to NPS. Sadly, those of us who look for solitude in parks may not be visiting during the centennial year. Second time I’ve scored in that tunnel with a decent shot, but also took many that sucked.
After 5 visits to Zion in the last eight years, we decided our May 2014 visit would be the last during the “tourist” season. The crowds were maddening, and there was no way to escape as the exit roads were in gridlock. Can only imagine what it must be like this year. Hopefully we can plan a visit for the later part of the Fall season.
I’d like to further explore the west side up the Kolob Terrace area and stay out of the crowded canyon.
Lovely photos, I could almost imagine having it all to myself 🙂 Like Sherry, I can’t imagine how it will be next year for the big anniversary. The sheep on the ridge is awesome.
Thanks Jodee. As a seeker of solitude in nature I may pass on the parks next year or look for those less traveled.
Visiting the less well-known is a great idea giving the visitor more solitude and, at the same time, giving those who are visiting the well-known for the first a fair shot at a great visit too. Love the beautiful pictures.
Beautiful; isn’t it funny how often it happens that if you zoom in on an animal because you think you’ll never get a better view, then a few minutes later there’s one right in front of you?
I never know if it is good or bad when a NP gets ‘slammed.’ No fun to fight crowds, I totally agree with you there. But if people don’t go, then will there wtill be funding?
Congress just doesn’t seem to give a shit about funding our parks so it really isn’t about the people’s wants.
You really have nailed the Big Horn Sheep this year….yet again! We will be heading there in October and hopefully the tourists won’t be there in the great numbers. Our mission is find Chukkars:) Oh yeah…and get married:)
Where are you getting married?
You know, I spent a summer here back in 2002 and haven’t returned since. Constantly on the lookout for my next excuse to go to Utah, which is why I so love following your travels =)
You should definitely plan a return trip to southern Utah. I’m learning so much about the place from Bill. We’d be happy to show you around.