Postcards: Emerald Pools & Wilderness Area Trails, Zion National Park
By Richard White, March 23, 2014
After yesterday's hiking the Canyon Lookout Trail in Zion National Park, Utah we decided to check out some other trails in the park today. In the morning, we did the Emerald Pools Trail (lower, middle and upper) and then headed to the Zion National Park wilderness area where there are less people and we were told some easy to moderate hikes for beginners.
We were also told to get there before 10 am as there is limited parking. So we were up early for breakfast and to check-out. It was cool and windy and we were wondering if hiking so early was a good idea - we are fair weather hikers at best. However, at the Park Gate we were told that as the air warms, the winds would die down within the hour. He didn't lie - it was a beautiful morning for a hike. Not sure how people do it in the summer when the temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius almost daily.
Postcards: Emerald Pools Trail
While yesterday's postcards spoke for themselves, I think these postcards do need some context. For example, there are not emerald-coloured pools on the Emerald Pools Trail.
Postcards: People On The Trail
Postcards: Zion Wilderness Area
Last Word
I think we lucked out in visiting Zion National Park in late March as the weather was cool in the morning, but quickly heated up by 11 am. By April, you are already getting temperatures of +30 Celsius in the afternoon.
We also lucked out in that we could take our own car to wherever we wanted to hike and then move on. Beginning in April, you have to take the Park's shuttle bus rather than your car as there are so many people visiting and limited parking. It would not be the same experience with so many people and buses.
If you are traveling in the area of Zion National Park, consider booking a night or two in Springdale and plan a couple of fun hikes or maybe a bike, horse or tube ride.
I also think the light was wonderful in the spring. The southerly sun was low enough to get into of the caves and gaps, which wouldn't be the case in the summer when the sun is more overhead. The combination of the coloured rock and the intense sun had a magical synergy. I can see why the indigenous people would see this as a sacred place.
If you like this blog, you might like:
Grassi Lake Trail Treasure Hunting
Postcards: Canyon Outlook Trail, Zion National Park
Everyday Tourist Transit Tales
