Zion NP - Take a deep Breath

Looking West from hwy 9 on the way into Zion National Park. A cold front a day or so previously had left a little bit of snow at higher elevations. I think that is Pine mountain in the distance.

After a disappointing visit to the "Ghost Town" of Grafton (I guess I wasn't expecting it to be so manicured) I decided to spend the balance of the day in & around Zion NP revisiting some favorite places & a few new ones. The trip is winding down so I figured a relaxed afternoon was in order & since I was beginning to run low on memory (flash memory - for the camera) I shot the rest of this day with a tripod which forced me to slow it down a little. Zion is an easy place to go trigger happy.

Here I thought I was so creative shoot'n this little pine tree, then I find it later in my photography guidebook & it is a very well shot subject... & here I thought I was so smart! A cool little tree growing in such an impossible place.
Canyon Overlook. Due to construction this was inaccessible on my last visit so it was on the list so to speak.
Looking back up at Canyon Overlook from just off the road below. The overlook is atop the arch.

A nice bonus for coming this late in the season is the Scenic Drive, which is serviced only by shuttle bus during peak season, is open to private cars at this time. This allowed me to pull off as I pleased & stumble around.
Riverside Walk. This ends at the start of The Narrows, a clear all time favorite hike. It was very cool on this day, plus 5 C maybe, so without proper gear (wet or dry suits at least below the waist) it was a no go this time. Riverside Walk is a close substitute with the steep canyon walls, rushing water, & fall colors.
I talked to a couple who had just finished day-hiking The Narrows, they told me very early on the water came up to the bottom of their packs... Damn, I was hoping maybe I could sneak in a little ways maybe knee deep or so. I remember the place, its not short either. After that stretch the route is in and out of the water...




Court of the Patriarchs.
A slight variation on the Virgin River Sunset with the The Watchman in the background... from the walking bridge instead of the crowded road bridge.

Casa de Montana again at "South" campground. A 'see your breath' headlamp dinner!