We had a long day’s drive across Southern Utah.  It sure is a beautiful! We didn’t have a chance to stop in Capitol Reef NP, but did drive through and take some photos.

We thought we would find a place to camp on our way to Zion, but failed to realize that we were passing through some very high mountains.  We went higher and higher, and finally came to an unplowed road and a big barricade.

We backtracked and found another way to get to Center City, a town near Zion.  We spent the night in a motel there and got up early the next morning to arrive at the park by 7:30am.

We knew we had to be there early in order to secure a coveted campsite.  It was a two hour wait at the South Campground, but we didn’t mind, because we were rewarded with a great spot.

This was the view from our site, and believe me, the photo doesn’t do it justice.

Andy has become an expert fire builder, splitting kindling and laying the wood just so to create a fire with just one match!  He has tried to teach Buzz to help with the splitting, but the little guy can only do so much.

In the Old Testament, Zion is more than just a mountain in Jerusalem.  Theologically, Zion is the Holy Hill; God’s dwelling place.  I can understand why Mormon settlers named this place Zion.  Fleeing west to escape religious persecution for their polygamous lifestyle, surely they believed that God was with them in this place of beauty and magnificence.  I was pretty awed myself.

We hiked the Watchman Trail, which took us up on the mountain right behind our campsite.  There were a few steep drop offs and the climb was a bit strenuous, but certainly worth it!

Bryce Canyon is only a short distance from Zion, so it was easy for us to take a day trip.

Yes, it’s amazing too!  The outlandish rock formations are known as hoodoos. The colors and the landscape are really charming. I was thinking of our own Bryce and wishing she could see this magical place.

We had a day hike down into the canyon on one of the many trails in the park. We would definitely like to come back and camp at Bryce…there are a lot more great hikes here!

Here are some more pictures from our last day at Zion.  More hiking, more awe-this park could very well end up being our favorite.

FYI-if you’re into off road vehicles, Utah is your Mecca.  Just saying.