Zion and Bryce Canyon are two of my favorite National Parks in the Southwest. Zion epitomizes everything that I love about the desert: hugh sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River cutting it's own path down the canyon, and wildlife that manages to carve out an existence in such a dry environment.
Zion Canyon is a spectacular place. We did a four mile hike with Kellen and Mei to the lower and upper Emerold pools. It was awesome. It was hot (100 degrees) and both kids were champs.
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| Hiking near the Virgin River. |
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| Kellen took this shot of a small waterfall at the lower Emerald Pool. |
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| Mei trying to cool off. |
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| The ampitheater surrounding the Upper Emerald Pool. |
After two great, but hot, days in in Zion we packed up the car and drove to Bryce. The two parks are only about 90 minutes apart which made this a very easy leg of the trip.
Even though the word "Canyon" is in the title, Bryce isn't really a canyon. Bryce is really an escarpment that runs North and South for about fifteen miles. The rock being eroded has soft, easily eroding layers mixed with more weather resistant layers. The resulting geologic features are amazing.
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| The family on the rim trail at Bryce Canyon NP. |
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| Hiking in Bryce. |
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| Just another spectacular view from the Navajo Loop Trail. |
While in Bryce we hiked the kids around the Navajo Loop Trail. It is quite spectacular and in just over three miles it takes in many spectacular views. Mei endured in the backpack while Kellen really enjoyed this hike.
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| Kellen at the first tunnel. |
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| Hoodoos. |
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| Kellen hiking in Bryce Canyon. |
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| Kellen and Kerry in the "Narrows" in Bryce Canyon |
After two nights of camping in Bryce we packed up the car and drove to the furthest southern point in the park. We finished our trip by walking a short loop with more spectacular views and Bristlecone Pines.
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