Zion National Park
After spending days in the desert Southwest, we were perhaps a little weary of the dry country -- the sights were certainly impressive to see, but the mind longs for a little reprieve from the bare rocks, thornbushes and cacti.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
Zion is just one such place. Situated along the valley carved out by the Virgin River, it is mild, moist and verdant - a desert oasis in its very definition. From here, you get to look up at the mesas and buttes from below.
Did I say it is verdant? A hike along the Virgin River is pleasant, and Zion Lodge is located at the heart of this green valley.
We even hiked up to a waterfall -- Emerald Falls.
Cottonwoods and other broadleaf trees grow luxuriantly along the river, gently and firmly constrasting from the dark green conifer forest and brown thorny bushes of the high country.
There are some famous formations here too, the following picture is of two of the Tree Patriachs.
We stayed only one day inside the park, and the next day I took the trail to Mount Carmel before departing, though I did not take the famous Angel's Landing Trail
Zion
Zion
Virgin River
Zion Lodge
Emerald Falls
Virgin River
Virgin River
patriarchs
Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel
