We took a day to visit Zion National Park. Donna and I hiked three trails at the Park, The Upper Emerald Pool trail, The Riverside Walk Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail. Each trail was brimming with spectacular scenes. On more than one occasion, we grabbed the camera to snap a picture, only to look through the viewfinder and realize there was no way to truly capture the experience. The colors, expanse, depth and magnificence just escapes the frame’s edge, and honestly, description. But we tried.
The Emerald Pools trail begins with a steep stair case, and continued to climb over the next half-mile to a pool fed by a misting fall from the mountain above. The pool was surrounded by mountain, and large boulders, and is only apparent from close proximity. It’s hidden nature adds to the quality of the experience and the aura surrounding the pool. As we descended, we took a trail that led to another pool fed from the pool above. This pool opened to the draw of the mountain, and you could see the valley below. There was quite a cliff at the edge, and we heeded the warnings to not get too close. The trail presented many views of the river valley below.
Donna sticking to the ‘safe’ side of the trail… 
We drove out to the Riverside Walk trail head and hiked up the Virgin River. As we progressed the cliffs on either side diverged. This natural occurrence from the years of erosion was breathtaking. There were many places along the paved trail to step off and get right down on the river. There were a ton of photographers (apparently there was a workshop going on) trying to capture the essence of nature in this wonderful place.
After visiting Arches National Park, we think this could someday become an arch… 
The final trail for the day was the Canyon View Trail. We had to drive out top the trail head which involved a tunnel through the mountain that was completed in 1930. The tunnel had several windows carved out of the mountain. These windows provided the only light to the tunnel and also great views as you passed. This trail caused the most trepidation of the day. Donna was a good sport and posed for a couple pictures by the most uncomfortable of places on the trail. (Editorial comment (from Donna): Kevin is being far too kind. This trail scared the crap out of me!!! ).
The view at the end of the Canyon Overlook Trail 
Seriously? Where do they expect us to step? 
Three pieces of wood seem woefully inadequate! 
The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel… 
Mule deer, on our way out of the park 
They’re really not concerned about us…
We visited on a Monday, which Mary advised would be good because we were off-season, and we would miss the weekend crowd. Of all the National Parks and Recreation Areas visited on this trip to date, this was the most crowded. We would recommend visiting off season. The trails are quite narrow, and passing other hikers could present a challenge if the trails were more populated than we experienced. And finding a parking place was a significant challenge. All in all, this park was amazing.