Zion, Bryce, Salt lake, 2016 Rotary Zone Conference: Monday

Got out the door by 8:30 this morning (that's good for us!). Drove about 30 miles from Hurricane to Springdale/Zion. Back in 2000, the National Park Service instituted a shuttle bus system in the park. The road is too windy and narrow up the canyon to accommodate lots of traffic. There were horrendous traffic jams! The system works great. You park at the visitors center then take the bus, getting on and off at will. Its free!

We started with a 2.6 mile hike along the Emerald Pools Trail. Nice trail up to some small water cascades over the cliff. Some great views of the valley. Wildlife sighting included a tarantula on the trail!

Then back on the bus, heading up the canyon to the end. Then back down to the Zion Canyon Lodge for lunch at their outdoor cafe. Then back on the bus and down to the museum, then back on the bus and back to the car. Simple! (For future reference, since you won't have access to the car, bring whatever you'll need for the day. Ex: picnic, extra battery). This park has lots of interesting hiking options. Bring your mtn bike!

We left the park about 3:00 and head up out of the canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon (about 90 miles). The road winds its way up the canyon going through the famous Zions/Mt. Carmel Tunnel (1930) complete with windows! Saw two herds of mountain big horn sheep. Once on top of the plateau, its a couple of hours of nice road as you get up to about 7000 feet. Quick stop at the German bakery in Orderville for a donut!

Arrived in Bryce Canyon City at about 6:30. Crazy place, dominated by Ruby's Inn (celebrating its 100th anniversary). This is a huge complex of hotels and tourist services. Sure looks like its all owned by the same company! The only place to eat real food is the restaurant at Ruby's. Very busy, long lines, bus loads of obnoxious oriental tourists. But the dinner was excellent - all you can eat salad bar.

Weather today was good this morning but it clouded up and rained a bit later.