We have arrived at our last of the Mighty 5 National Parks. Zion. From everywhere we looked down in Bryce Canyon, we are now looking up.  Zion soars, it’s much warmer here.

Because this is the park closest to Las Vegas, the crowds are larger here. Traversing through the Mount Carmel Tunnel was interesting. The striking cutouts exposing the gorgeous scenery not only provided a good release value for inter-tunnel gases but a welcome relief for the claustrophobic.

Unlike Bryce Canyon, water is what has carved this beautiful land. From sandstone formations on the valley floor, we headed through the Virgin Canyon Gorge. The Virgin River has been a key to this environment, and the tall fir and Ponderosa Pines provide welcome splashes of deep green.

Highway 9, the Zion Mount Carmel Highway, led us by the White Cliffs, Checkerboard Mesa, and to the Kolob Terrace and Hurricane Cliffs.

We also visited the Zion Human History Museum for some great exhibits about human interaction with the geology, water, plants, and animals of the area.

Homeward Bound

From Zion, we headed to Springdale for a great Mexican meal at The Whiptail. Then on Interstate 15 to our final destination in Las Vegas, passing through a corner of Arizona, and the Basin & Range flatlands en route. Before heading home, we had one night in hot Vegas (116 on arrival). Nothing was happening at the Sphere during our brief stay, but if you love magic like we do, the Mat Franco show (at LINQ) was really worth seeing.