{"id":1270,"date":"2020-07-10T22:31:32","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T22:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elishalemoire.wordpress.com\/?page_id=1270"},"modified":"2020-09-25T00:49:40","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T00:49:40","slug":"your-guide-to-zion-national-park-and-area","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/your-guide-to-zion-national-park-and-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Zion National Park and Area"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>September, 2016<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage has-small-gutter\"><ul><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-1\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"0\" data-id=\"2345\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2345\" class=\"wp-image-2345\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1317-1-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-2\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"1\" data-id=\"2341\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2341\" class=\"wp-image-2341\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1320-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-3\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"2\" data-id=\"2342\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2342\" class=\"wp-image-2342\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1423-1-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-4\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"3\" data-id=\"2343\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2343\" class=\"wp-image-2343\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1376-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-5\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"4\" data-id=\"2340\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2340\" class=\"wp-image-2340\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1314-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In September 2016, we decided on a trip to Utah.&nbsp;&nbsp;We were looking to spend some time with my brother and had been to Seattle a few times already, so we thought why not meet somewhere else instead.&nbsp;&nbsp;We flew into Las Vegas, met him there, along with his new girlfriend, Amy, for the first time, rented a car and drove to Utah.&nbsp;&nbsp;We had 6 days to spend in Utah, so we opted for 3 in Zion National Park and 3 in Bryce Canyon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zion is the most visited National Park in Utah.  September felt like a good time &#8211; less crowds and not as warm as the main summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be prepared for crowds on every day of the week though as people are in search of red rock cliffs and challenging hikes with epic views year round.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We stayed at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.choicehotels.com\/en-ca\/utah\/springdale\/quality-inn-hotels\/ut101\/rates?adults=2&amp;checkInDate=2020-06-25&amp;checkOutDate=2020-06-26&amp;gpa=GPADRACK&amp;pmf=CANADA&amp;product=localuniversal&amp;source=PMFGPADQIRACK_cn_UT101_localuniversal_CA_1_desktop_2020\">Quality Inn &amp; Suites Montclair<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 basic and simple accommodations for this trip as we just needed a place to sleep and shower.&nbsp;&nbsp;I picked this particular hotel as you can easily access the shuttle to the park.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although it was a bit further from the park entrance, I had read that the closer you stayed to the main entrance the more likely the shuttle would be full.&nbsp;&nbsp;We never had an issue getting a spot on the shuttle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Springdale is a fun little spot with a main road full of hotels, local restaurants, boutique shops and stores full of gear mostly dedicated for hiking.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a free hop\u2013on-hop-off shuttle that runs along the main drag with pick up points to take you into the park.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We arrived a little later on the Saturday, checked into our hotel and opted for a quick evening hike of the Emerald Pools Trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a network of trails of varied lengths to the lower, middle and upper Emerald Pools.&nbsp;&nbsp;A great way to break in the legs for a couple days of hiking.&nbsp;&nbsp;We picked the 4km round trip hike of all three pools, which took about an hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Best Hikes \u2013&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><em>Here are some of our favourite hikes from this trip!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Day 1 \u2013 Observation Point; Distance: 12.9km roundtrip and Elevation Gain: 2150 feet<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have to say this was by far my favourite hike and it was only the first day.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is less crowded then the popular Angel\u2019s Landing trail and some many say even more strenuous.&nbsp;&nbsp;To access this trail, the shuttle drop off point is the Weeping Rock.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trail starts with a bunch of switchbacks providing no relief from the blazing sun until the trail turns east.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the hike, you have views of Echo Canyon on one side of the climb.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, as the trail wraps back around the other side of the mountain you will have sweeping views of Zion.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many opportunities for photos with the most majestic landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;With more climbing, you will finally reach the Canyon Rim where the trail begins to plateau eventually leading you to Observation Point.&nbsp;&nbsp;At this point, you are higher than Angel\u2019s Landing which offers infinite views of the valley, Angel\u2019s Landing and the East and West Canyon rims.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2346\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2346\" class=\"wp-image-2346\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1331-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2347\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2347\" class=\"wp-image-2347\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf.jpeg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf-225x300.jpeg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf-665x887.jpeg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf-195x260.jpeg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fullsizeoutput_10bf-750x1000.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2348\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2348\" class=\"wp-image-2348\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1372-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2349\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2349\" class=\"wp-image-2349\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1341-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2350\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2350\" class=\"wp-image-2350\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1338-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Day 2 \u2013 Angel\u2019s Landing; Distance: 8.7km roundtrip and Elevation Gain: 1488 feet<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcome to the most popular hike in Zion.&nbsp;&nbsp;I recommend going as early as possible for this hike to avoid the crowds.&nbsp;&nbsp;This hike is known for the strenuous zig-zagging climb referred to as Walter\u2019s Wiggles and is not for the faint of heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;This section will leave you breathless and not from the view.&nbsp;&nbsp;As you continue you will eventually reach the section where there is a stability chain for guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;As this path offers traffic going up and down and only one chain, it can be a little nerve-racking dealing with crowds \u2013 so again, the earlier the better.&nbsp;&nbsp;I just remember my brother with both hands in his short pockets hiking down and how bold I thought he was as I held the chain a little tighter in some sections.&nbsp;&nbsp;A side note is that people have tragically fallen to their deaths on this hike with the most recent in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;There has been a total of nine deaths according to the park website.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be careful, hike responsibly and know your limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2351\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2351\" class=\"wp-image-2351\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1434-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2352\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2352\" class=\"wp-image-2352\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1430-1-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2353\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2353\" class=\"wp-image-2353\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1429-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4164\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1-768x432.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1-665x374.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1-462x260.jpg 462w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/20160906_115713-1024x576-1-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Hidden Canyon; Distance: 5.2 km round trip and Elevation Gain: 1391 feet<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Angel\u2019s Landing is a shorter hike, we added on Hidden Canyon later that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;This trail is accessed by part of the trail for Observation Point with fewer switchbacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;This trail also has similar chains from Angel\u2019s Landing along the upper part of the trail, but it didn\u2019t seem as scary on this hike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here you will get incredible views of Cable Mountain across the valley along with the red sandstone cliffs accompanying you for most of the hike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you get to the canyon you can continue on following the footprints along the sand.&nbsp;&nbsp;The canyon is shaded, offering respite from the sun and you can continue as long as you wish.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trail officially ends at a very impressive natural arch where you can turn around and hike back the same way you came.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2355\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2355\" class=\"wp-image-2355\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1393-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2356\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2356\" class=\"wp-image-2356\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1385-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2357\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2357\" class=\"wp-image-2357\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1388-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4165\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1-347x260.jpg 347w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/img_1380-1-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Day 3 \u2013 Watchmen Trail; Distance: 4.8km round trip and Elevation Gain: 300 feet<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We were looking for something a little shorter as we were leaving Zion to head to Bryce Canyon later this day.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are here during the prime summer months, this trail is completely exposed to the sun offering no relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I recommend adding this one in earlier or later in the day during those months.&nbsp;&nbsp;The nice thing about this trail is it is usually not that busy as tourists are either hiking The Narrows or Angel\u2019s Landing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not the most glamorous start to this hike as you will weave behind employee housing and construction materials, but eventually head into the hills, looping around a valley until eventually you are on top of the first layer of cliffs above the canyon.&nbsp;&nbsp;From the main viewpoint, you will see Springdale in the distance and the majestic towering Watchman\u2019s Peak to the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stop here, grab a spot to sit and have a snack and just marvel in the beauty that surrounds you.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here we were off to Tropic, Utah our next destination just outside of Bryce Canyon.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute drive with most of it through Zion National Park, which will require a fee if you don\u2019t have a park pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, I was driving these narrowing twisted roads so could not be fully engaged in the views of the surrounding landscape on our drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2359\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2359\" class=\"wp-image-2359\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1412-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2360\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2360\" class=\"wp-image-2360\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1401-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2361\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?attachment_id=2361\" class=\"wp-image-2361\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/img_1410-750x1000.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Noteworthy Eateries:&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><em>A couple of our favourite spots from our stay in Springdale.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/cafesoleilzionpark.com\/\">Caf\u00e9 Soleil<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 Little did I know that the new girlfriend was vegetarian \u2013 so this was a perfect spot to please everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;They offer a great selection of wraps and we stopped here our first night, grabbed a table on the patio and enjoyed some live music.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Turkey Bacon Guacamole Wrap, Hummus Wrap, and Superfood Veggie Wraps were hits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deepcreekcoffee.com\/\">Deep Creek Coffee Company<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 Another great little caf\u00e9 offering healthy, vegetarian friendly and gluten free options.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Avocado Toast and Honey Mustard Wrap are noteworthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flanigans.com\/dining\/\">Spotted Dog Caf\u00e9<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 A little more up-scale then we had planned on this trip, but a nice bistro with cozy art-filled dining rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the weather permits, I recommend grabbing a table outside as it has that European outdoor dining vibe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lots of options from fish, hormone-free meats and vegetarian dishes all handcrafted using fresh local produce.&nbsp;&nbsp;A cozy little place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reservations recommended.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zionbrewery.com\/\">Zion Canyon Brew Pub<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 Welcome to southern Utah\u2019s first micro-brewery!&nbsp;&nbsp;Located at the entrance of the park, you will find a large patio with a view of the Watchman trail.  They serve up great beer and pub food with some of the best views.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of our favourites were the Nachos, Kale Chicken Caesar, Elk Burger and Mediterranean Hummus.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was the perfect spot post hike to grab a brew and share some food!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September, 2016 In September 2016, we decided on a trip to Utah.&nbsp;&nbsp;We were looking to spend some time with my brother and had been to Seattle a few times already, so we thought why not meet somewhere else instead.&nbsp;&nbsp;We flew into Las Vegas, met him there, along with his new girlfriend, Amy, for the first [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1270"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1270"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4166,"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1270\/revisions\/4166"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}