We were at the Southern Campground at 8 AM as advised, found a really nice site and were ready to explore Zion National Park by 9:30 am. About 14 years ago this park began using buses to move people through the park instead of letting them drive their own cars. Not only does this cut down on crowded road ways and no parking spots but it is good for the environment and makes for hassle free exploring.
We took the bus all the way to the end of the road at Temple of Sinawava and walked along the Virgin River up into the canyon. At the end of the walk we found people putting on dry suits and wadding boots preparing to walk in the river up the canyon into The Narrows. If we were to do this (which John is considering) we would have to rent the gear. It could be a 10 mile hike round trip with 60% of the hike in water.
We then rode the bus to Weeping Rock where water has worked its way through the sandstone and falls down the sides of the canyon wall. Many variety of flowers and ferns grow on the rock walls forming hanging gardens. It was very pretty.
Near this walk is the hike to Hidden Canyon. The sign says it is only 1 mile with 870 feet of elevation but our legs beg to differ! Like many national parks, the CCC was used to construct many trails and buildings in the park. This steep trail was mostly paved until we got to the upper reaches. Then it was rock and sand and slick rock and sandstone.
In places the ledge was so narrow that grab-chains were attached to the wall so we could hold on to them and not fall! When we reached the top I was breathing pretty hard and not sure if it was from the hike or from fear of falling! We could have gone further up the Hidden Canyon but I’d had enough climbing and was worried about getting down so we turned around. It was actually not as bad going down as I imagined.
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