Court of the Patriarchs“One hardly knows just how to think of it. Never before has such a naked mountain of rock entered into our minds! Without a shred of disguise its transcendent form rises preeminent. There is almost nothing to compare to it. Niagara has the beauty of energy; the Grand Canyon, of immensity; the Yellowstone, of singularity; the Yosemite, of altitude; the ocean, of power; this Great Temple, of eternity—” -Frederick S. Dellenbaugh
With a craving for a bit of nature we packed our bags and drove north on the I-15 to Zion National Park. Last summer we made a visit and succeeded at the small, touristy hikes, therefore we agreed that we were up for something a little more challenging this time. We began at the River Walk/Temple of Sinawave trail and walked the mile in to where the trail ends. From this point on you are wading through the river, hiking on rocky banks and at times crawling over large rocks. Since we got a late start we didn't know for sure how far to extend ourselves up the canyon knowing that we would also have to hike back out. Since this is the tail end of the Narrows hike I was determined to see some super narrow canyon. At every turn of the river we decided that maybe ONE more turn would be the one. Finally we made it to the Orderviile Y and walked up into the narrow canyon that was about 12 ft wide. After a few snacks and some water we put ourselves in reverse and trekked back down the river proud that we had made it so far. I told the kids that maybe next summer we'd attempt the full Narrows hike from the top...... I guess we will have to wait and see!
Walking down the trail....
Beginning our hike in the river
Gorgeous canyon walls that surrounded us
Jason and Jace crossing the river
Lauren and I crossing the river
Mr. Skinnyton....
Lauren and Jace in the "narrow" canyon
Jace, me and Lauren
Family photo
Lauren resting on a rock at the end of our hike
Jace you rock!!That night after our hike at Zion we drove up to our cabin in Cedar City. The next day we drove up over the mountain and stopped to admire Cedar Breaks for a bit.
This furry squirrel was waiting to greet us
Lauren and Jace at Cedar BreaksSince our Zion pass was still valid we drove the back road on the 89 highway and into Zion from the top and went through the tunnel. We had lunch outside at the lodge and enjoyed the great scenery. It even sprinkled on us for a bit.
Jace after lunch
Jace liked this little waterfall on the trail to Weeping Rock
At Weeping Rock
Jason and Jace at Court of the Patriarchs
Jace, me and Lauren at Court of the Patriarchs
It was so nice outside heading out of Zion that we rolled down all the windows and nearly blew the kids away...... and they loved it! Sadly we had to return to the dust ball we call home but we get to look forward to going back again someday......
