Day 3: On the flip side [of Zion]
So, my mini-vacation is over… but, before leaving, I fit in one more morning of exploring. I woke up early to take advantage of the time I had before my afternoon flight. After checking out of the hotel and packing the car, I drove through the east region of the park, which is much different than the south, where I’ve been wandering around. The shuttle bus driver mentioned it was a must see yesterday, and it seemed like the perfect activity before driving back to Vegas.
Springdale
Not to be selfish, I drove over to my sister’s hotel in Springdale and dragged her and a friend along for my morning excursion. Needless to say, she wasn’t thrilled about being woken up so early, but she told me later she appreciated it. She’s been so busy helping her best friend preparing for the wedding, she missed out on seeing much of the park.
Zion-Mt Carmel Highway
The scenic 10-mile Zion-Mt Carmel Highway runs through the park connecting its south and east entrances, splitting off right after the entrance. The view along the way was gorgeous!!
South Zion National Park
Zion Canyon
The first part of the drive, on the south side of the park, is steep! It goes up a series of switchbacks as it climbs the canyon before entering the tunnel. I’m just glad I wasn’t walking.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
Tunnel Vent
The Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, a mile long, was carved right into the sandstone mountain directly connecting the east and south portions of the park. It seems quite amazing to me. It was drilled along the edge of the mountain with several ventilation windows giving a quick view of the Canyon.
East Zion National Park
Checkerboard Mesa, on the left
We finally made it to the other side. It is different, although, that’s to be expected. As opposed to being in the canyon, we were now on top of it. We drove a for a while, making a few stops along the way for pictures. We didn’t drive the entire highway, which is also how you get to Bryce Canyon. It was a fun morning, but we ran out of time. I still had to drive back to Nevada for my flight home.
This morning’s Flickr set: park pictures
Trip Home
After dropping my sister off at her hotel, I began my drive back to Vegas Airport.
Somewhere in Arizona
From the air
A few friends, who had also had flights in the afternoon, carpooled with me, so I didn’t have to drive. Okay, not that I would have minded the drive, but it was their contribution, since I rented the car, but it was nice to have the break. It also allowed me to snap a few pictures along the way. Traveling went very smooth. No hiccups at all. We cut it close getting back to the airport for my liking, but even that wasn’t much. I’m just too anxious about timing, so we actually made it in plenty of time.
So, I’m home and ready for the week to begin… not. I want to go back.
This afternoon’s Flickr set: random travel pics
*I didn’t feel the need to make a unique set for the travel pictures, so there in my Anywhere 2008 set
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