West - Day Twenty-Four - July 16, 2005

The day began with a couple of brisk morning hikes before the sun rose too high in the sky. For those of you who are familiar with Bryce, you may be interested in knowing that the Navajo Loop Trail was closed due to trail damage this past winter/spring. It's one of the most popular hikes in the park. As an alternative, I hiked down the Queen's Garden Trail and then followed the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Inspiration Point. After taking the shuttle bus back to my car, I drove the 18 mile scenic drive, stopping at all of the overlooks to take in the vistas, as well as hiking the Bristlecone Loop Trail at Rainbow Point (a total of about 4 miles of hiking). Noah, Justin and Katie would be interested in knowing that I got my junior ranger badge here! They offer the program to "kids" of all ages so I thought it would be fun to do. Having done it with the kids all along the way, I am a big fan of the program.

By this time, it was about 2pm and the thunder clouds rolled in. Some fantastic lightning strikes as I drove down 89 turning west on route 14 to find Cedar Breaks NM. With a sign for the turn missing, it took a bit of effort to find it but back up over 10,000 feet, it was well worth it.

I then headed to Zion NP. They instituted a mandatory shuttle system back in 1999 so no one can drive on the scenic drive except Zion Lodge guests. I was glad to be able to get my car to the lodge. The drive in from the east is amazing, particularly going through the mile long tunnel that was blasted out of the mountainside back in (I think it was) the '30's. With the elevation dropping quickly, the temperature rapidly rose back up over 100F again. On the valley floor, it was oppressive. Luckily, the rooms had air conditioning.