A travel note of the Grand Circle lap, day 1.
The first destination is Zion National Park. It is about 3 hours drive from Las Vegas, but please be aware that it will be one hour ahead of the time difference from Nevada State to Utah State.
Gods retreat
From the view spot of Mount Carmel Highway, past the gate of the entrance of the National Park. As its name suggests, a large rocky mountain rises devinely.
Zion NP, Utah
Zion NP, Utah
Zion NP, Utah
A base town of Zion· Springdale
First of all check in at the inn. The parking lot in the park was crowded, but it is convenient to stay, as the free shuttle bus runs throughout the town center of Springdale and the gate of Zion National Park.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express.
The city of Springdale is at the entrance of the valley. It’s a wonderful landscape from the inn. It may be nice to relax in the pool during the hot day.
We change clothes according to today’s hiking route and we will finally start on Zion trip. The time is already early afternoon and in the summer Grand Circle it is a difficult time to act outside. However, Zion has a trail that can be enjoyed even in this burning hell.
In Oscar’s Cafe near the inn , get on a lunch with Mexican-style dishes. Black sesame? Or I got something ‘s chips and burrito.
Virgin river rising trail · Narrows
We will rent an important item “wooden cane” at Zion Outfitter , an outdoor shop near the shuttle bus stop for Zion National Park . It was 7 dollars a piece.
In the park, we will take you on this two-way shuttle bus. It is harsh in the summer because there is no air-conditioner … I thought of becoming a heat stroke ,,,,,. It seems that there is a thunderstorm at this season in the evening, so be sure to stop by the visitor center before you board the bus and check the flood forecast.
Zion NP, Utah
Get off at the stop called Temple of Sinawava, the deepest part you can reach by shuttle bus. From here we go into the trail called Riverside Walk along the Virgin River which built this Zion Valley and proceed further.
Zion NP, Utah
There are many squirrels beside the trail. It seems that tourists have come close to approaching by foods given easily. (Feeding to wild animals is prohibited.)
Zion NP, Utah
There was also a fat guy with plenty. Slow movement, get used to humans and do not run away at all. Let’s not give food because they are cute.
Zion NP, Utah
The end of the Riverside walk, the big quay approaching both banks of the Virgin River is the beginning of Zion’s specialty trail “The Narrows”. The Virgin River itself is a hiking course, and it will proceed as it faces the inside of the river.
Zion NP, Utah
The body that was in the hot desert climate is also relaxed and healed.
The quays will settle on both sides of the river. Just “Narrows”. It seems that in a deeper place it will be as wide as a human being.
There are many trail courses in Zion, but there are few trails that can be enjoyed in the midsummer daytime, so they are crowded with hikers.
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows 360 degree photo
This is a 360 degree image. Please touch and drag around.
The Narrows1 – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
If I avoided the deep part, I could walk at the maximum enough to reach above the knee.
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
Narrows is a one way trail
The Narrows, Zion NP
Although it is a virgin river that looks calm, there are intense flows in some places, sometimes you can be taken your feet, so it is safe to have a cane.
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
Narrows is a one way trail that goes up the river and returns to the same road.You can enjoy it according to physical fitness. Since people can proceed at their own pace, I also had a lot of families.
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
I tried to soak it myself because it was too hot. I recommend you to wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes so that it will not cause problems even if wet.
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
The Narrows, Zion NP
By the time I returned to Riverside Walk, it was past 17 o’clock and the sunny day was falling. It was fine on this day, but in the evening it is often rain, so there is a danger of flooding so you need to be careful not to be too late.
Zion NP, Utah
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
By the time in the park shuttle bus back to the visitor, it has become the 19 o’clock. We took dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub in front of the bus stop and the finish of today.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
This pub is a watchmaker who stands at the entrance of Zion National Park, its name is right “Watchman” (The Watch man), it’s next to the great quay. At sunset is just right time. It is nice to watch the Watch man shining in the setting sun.
The Watchman, Zion NP
We got a terrace seat where watchmen look good. I am also blowing a mist for heat measures.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
The Watchman, Zion NP
Zion Brewery’s craft beer.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
A big steak, fried potatoes and salad with plenty to eat.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Steak with potatoes. We were small enough to share it with the two of us.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Cheers for the Watchman, the first day of the Grand Circle is over.
Tomorrow early in the morning, we will challenge a trail that can be said to be the most famous of Zion National Park.
These are related articles.
It is a journey from Las Vegas to Arrival of Zion.
A trip around the Grand Circle. I summarized highlights.
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