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Zion October Afternoon

Katherine Hanson by Katherine Hanson
Zion October Afternoon
Southern Utah has got to be one of the most extraordinary places in which to live. Easy access to Zion National Park is without a doubt a major reason. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the park; hiking any of them is worth the 45–mile drive from St. George.

 

IMG_9535WestRimTrailheadZionNP
Bridge across Virgin River near the Grotto

 

One of my favorite areas in Zion (ok – they are all my favorite areas, I admit it) is the West Rim trail. You can start from the top or you can start from the bottom, but if you hike the entire length you’ll be pounding your knees on nearly 14 stunningly scenic miles of unforgiving Navajo Sandstone slickrock.  You’ll want some serious anti–inflammatories on board, plus you’ll need to spot a car at one end.
None of these options fits my plan for the afternoon, however. My choice is a six–ish or seven–ish mile, out–and–back hike to a lovely bridge across a small canyon hidden in the heights of blindingly white sandstone. The trail ascends gradually from the Grotto across loose talus slopes of silty–sandy Kayenta Formation. It continues relentlessly up, up, up until reaching the massive streaked cliffs of Navajo Sandstone.
IMG_9404WestRimTrailZionNP
West Rim trail

 

IMG_9422WestRimTrail
West Rim trail ascends talus slope of Kayenta Formation

 

IMG_9416OpalizedSilicaFilling FracturesInNavajo Sandstone
Opalized silica fills fractures

 

IMG_9419OpalizedSilicaFilling FractureInNavajo Sandstone
Opalized silica fills fractures in Navajo Sandstone

 

Once past the gaggles of holiday hikers chattering their way through Refrigerator Canyon, up Walter’s Wiggles to Angel’s Landing and on to Scout’s Lookout, I finally have the trail to myself.
IMG_9433WestRimTrailThrough Refrigerator CanyonZionNP
Refrigerator Canyon

 

IMG_9514Walters WigglesZionNP
Walter’s Wiggles are cut into Navajo Sandstone

 

In the next post we’ll continue to the bridge, high above Zion in the Navajo Sandstone.
I hope you’ll re–fuel and join me!
IMG_9456Lunch View
Katherine Hanson

Katherine Hanson

Hey there, I'm Katherine Hanson, the curator of watchingforrocks.com, a site dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems of the USA. With a passion for exploration and a love for discovering the beauty in every corner of this vast country, I'm on a mission to share the best cities, national parks, historic landmarks, and entertainment hotspots that the USA has to offer. From towering mountains to bustling cities, there's so much to see and experience. Join me as I embark on adventures and uncover the wonders that make America truly remarkable.
Facebook / E-mail: [email protected]

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