.jpg "East entrance Zion NP UT")
I entered Zion National Park from the East entrance at 5700 feet (1737.36 meters). In 1864 Mormon pioneer Isacc Behunin homesteaded in the canyon and called it Zion, a Hebrew word interpreted as a sanctuary. Zion was designated a national monument in 1909 and is celebrating its centennial..jpg "Checkerboard Mesa Zion NP UT")
Checkerboard MesaWithin a mile I stopped at the first of many overlooks. The horizontal lines are caused by crossbedding, a remnant of ancient sand dunes. The vertical lines formed because of the contraction and expansion of the sandstone.
.jpg "Zion NP UT")
This Navajo sandstone reaches a thickness of 2200 feet (670.56 meters) and forms the spectacular cliffs in Zion..jpg "Zion NP UT")
I only wish there’d been more places to pull off the road..jpg "Zion NP UT")
.jpg "First tunnel Zion NP UT")
First tunnelThe Zion Tunnels were completed in 1930, the longer 1.1 miles (1.77 km) in length with six windows. I fit through the first one with no problem. But…
.jpg "Second tunnel Zion NP UT")
…the second tunnel cost me $15 to stop traffic and drive straddling the double yellow lines because my camper is over 7’9” (2.36 meters) wide. I wasn’t the only one. And it was rather fun to be in the lead..jpg "Zion NP UT")
The road drops 600 feet (182.88 meters) into Zion Canyon..jpg "Zion NP UT")
I found a place to camp at the South Campground with no problem. In fact it seemed pretty quiet in the park. Took the shuttle up to the Lodge and treated myself to a delicious dinner. Have you ever eaten Quinua (keen-wah)? It’s a grain-like seed from the goosefoot (Chenopodium quinoa). It came with my Navajo Eggplant. Very yummy..jpg "Zion NP UT")
The West Temple and Towers of the VirginAfter a good night’s rest I rode the shuttle up canyon to walk the Virgin Riverside walk and beyond into The Narrows.
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