Zion National Park is a canyon bordered by huge sandstone cliffs, among the highest in the world. Through it runs the Virgin River which, over millions of years, has cut through the rock and created the canyon. Since 2000 access has only been possible by means of a shuttle bus. Before the shuttle the summer months would find 5000 cars a day competing for 400 parking spots! You park at the Visitor Centre and the bus takes you to the end of the canyon with numerous stops on the way. It was raining off and on during our visit but never heavily. We went to the bus terminus and then walked the mile to “the narrows” where the river fills the canyon. Very different from the other parks we visited on the Colorado Plateau. You could understand why Isaac Behunin, the Mormon who first settled here named it Zion - a refuge of quiet and solitude, a place to worship.
Our drive from Zion to Las Vegas encapsulated the differences in terrain and culture which are found in the USA. In 150 miles and two and a half hours you journey from the mountains down on to the plain of the Mojave Desert. We began our journey driving through a rain storm with the temperature in the mid 50s and were soon sweltering under blue skies with the temperature in the 90s. The road stretches ahead of you across a desert landscape then suddenly, like a mirage, you can make out the tall buildings of Las Vegas shimmering in the heat. Then you’re in the midst of it - huge advertising hoardings, massive digital screens and the make believe land of Las Vegas hotels!
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In the Natural History Museum of Zion National Park is a quote of Isaac Behunin, "Man can draw closer to God within these canyon walls than in any manmade temple." And from my experience, I do believe he was right.
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