Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Western Trip..Zion National Park..Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel..Riverside Walk

Western Trip..Zion National Park..Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel..Riverside Walk… Hope this post gives you a “FEEL” for the place. I think there are enough "sky" photo to link with SkyWatch Friday & might as well link with ScenicSunday
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From the east:US-89 passes east of Zion and connects with SR-9 (The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) at Mount Carmel Junction. From there SR-9 travels through the park's east Entrance and into the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel before descending into Zion Canyon.DSC_0332
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“Planning a trip to Zion National Park can be as challenging as exploring the park itself. The park newspaper contains a wealth of information.” CLICK FOR NEWSPAPER
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The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel Construction of the 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920's and was completed in 1930. At the time that the tunnel was dedicated, on July 4, 1930, it was the longest tunnel of it's type in the United States. READ MORE
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Out of the tunnel and looking back."Window” in the cliff
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“Forbidden Rite Of Passage::  Some summer park workers and local teens defied a ban on pedestrians and raced through the tunnel at night, running their hands along the sides to keep their bearings in the blinding darkness. Some of those participating in Thursday's predawn Tunnel Walk admitted to having made the run in the past while naked — part of a forbidden rite of passage.” READ MORE
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Quick stop to “stretch” the legs
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Getting Hungry.. Time for a Picnic
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From left to right: Larry,my wife Linda and sister Sara getting ready for lunch.
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Always on the lookout for scenery
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Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up, rather than looking down from the rim as in many parks.
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Trail Distance: The hike is 2-miles for the round-trip but there is little elevation change and hiking is on a hard surface.
Average Hiking Time: 1.5-hours for the round-trip
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Lush vegetation (ferns, trees, moss) watered by the weeping walls.
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The trail starts at the Temple of Sinawava, the 8th and last stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
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What do these names make you think of? West Temple, Towers of the Virgin, the Altar of Sacrifice, Angel's Landing, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Peaks, Mount Majestic, Cathedral Mountain, Mystery Canyon, Mountain of Mystery, Temple of Sinawava, the Pulpit, Weeping Rock, Great White Throne, Mountain of the Sun, East Temple, the Watchman. I  think the beauty of Zion National Park is spiritual in nature.
DSC_0426DSC_0381DSC_0415 Joe Todd & Linda reporting from the trail Zion National Park.."Gateway to the Narrows,Riverside Walk”.. As Always, Thanks for stopping by. Heading back to Carmel Junction..staying at::: Zion Mountain Ranch..Bryce Canyon National Park next.. 

14 comments:

wenn said...

wow..simply lovely scenery..

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

We love Zion!

Sylvia K said...

Yep, Zion is one of my favorite!! Terrific captures of a gorgeous place, Joe! Enjoy your weekend!!

joy said...

This place is worth vsiting! Awesome scenery!

Unknown said...

Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Lona said...

What a great trip you and Linda had. Such wonderful rock formations and colors. It makes you just watch for John Wayne or Clint Eastwood to appear riding through. LOL!

Judy said...

Wonderful scenery!! I think the fourth photo is my favourite! The red of the cliffs, and the rolling clouds are awesome together!!

genie said...

I cannot believe the landscape and scenery. Never having been west other than to WA, I have seen none of those gorgeous national park areas. What I would give to make the trip. Maybe one day. This one is impressive with so much to see. A heavenly spot to be with good eyes and a good camera. genie

Light and Voices said...

Zion is on my "bucket list." Drop dead gorgeous scenes.
Joyce M

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

WOW! Beautiful photographs! Zion National Park is on my bucket list, especially now that I am moving west and will only be one state away.

A Colorful World said...

Wonderful header, Joe! And I love all the shots of Zion Canyon. Just beautiful!

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful scenes from Zion. it is a beautiful park. Your photos brought back nice memories of my trip with my hubby years ago. We stayed in one of the cabins overnight in the park. Thanks for sharing, happy skywatching!

TONY LETTS said...

Fabulous looking place!

Hey Joe, we just bought ourselves a Chevvy - does that make us part American? :)

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

That tunnel? What is it for?