Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Warning:
The last half-mile of this trail is along a knife-edge ridge—
deinitely
not
for anyone with a fear of heights.
•
TheNarrows
(Zion National Park): The sheer 1,000-foot-high walls are awe-inspir-
ing, almost frightening, as they enclose you in a narrow world of hanging gar-
dens, waterfalls, and sculpted sandstone arches, with the Virgin River pouring
over and around your feet and legs—but the views make it worth getting wet.
Warning:
Because the Narrows is prone to flash flooding, check weather fore-
casts carefully before setting out.
•
InspirationPoint
(Bryce Canyon National Park): An appropriately named stop, In-
spiration Point provides a phenomenal view down into Bryce Amphitheater, the
park's largest and most colorful natural amphitheater. From here, you see the Si-
lent City, packed with hoodoos (rock formations) that inspire the imagination.
Some like the view even better just south of Inspiration Point, along the Rim
Trail, up a little rise, at what is usually called Upper Inspiration Point.
•
Queen's Garden Trail
(Bryce Canyon National Park): Presided over by majestic
Queen Victoria, the thousands of colorful and intricately sculpted spires present
a magnificent display when viewed from the rim. From this trail below, they're
even better.
•
The Rim at Sunrise
(Bryce Canyon National Park): If you thought the hoodoos
were magnificent in the full light of day, wait until you see them glowing with
the deep colors of the morning sun as it rises slowly above the rim. The chan-
ging angle of light creates a constantly moving panorama of shadow and color.
Walk along the Rim Trail or stop at the viewpoints along the northern half of the
park's scenic drive. for the Rim Trail; see chapter 6 for information on the scenic
drive.
The Best Natural Spectacles
•
TheGreatWhiteThrone
(Zion National Park): A huge white monolith, the Great
White Throne demands attention as soon as you glimpse it. Considered the sym-
bol of Zion National Park, this massive block of Navajo sandstone towers 2,000
feet high, and can be seen from the scenic drive as well as from several hiking
trails, including Observation Point Trail, Deertrap Mountain Trail, Angels Land-
ing Trail, and Emerald Pools Trail. See chapters 3 and 4 for descriptions of the
Great White Throne and the trails that give you the best vantage points.
•
TheNarrows
(Zion National Park): It's difficult to comprehend that this beautiful
canyon, 1,000 feet deep and less than 20 feet wide in places, was carved from
solid stone, beginning millions of years ago, by the often gently flowing Virgin
River at your feet. But to see the flip side of the river, just wait for a rainstorm;
it becomes an angry, destructive force that you can well imagine would slice
