Zion National Park is “the gift that keeps on giving.”  Although there are so many notorious destination hikes, such as the Narrows and Angel’s Landing, it seems as if one could drop down into any canyon in the park and find equally stunning scenery.  Maybe not the adrenalin rush of guide rails of chains or special water boots required, but no less of a feast for the eyes.

Occasionally, the daily email circulates for recommendations for hikes when the gang appears to have “hikers block,” where no specific destination comes to mind.  Whenever that happens, the default always seems to be, “Or we can just drive back through the tunnel to the East side, and hike the canyons up there again.”   We did this hike at least three times that I was along, and I never grew tired of it. 

The first time we explored this area of the park, the intention was to find “Many Pools,” an unofficial  trail that has no trail markings, just a write-up on a couple of non-NPS websites.  The site compares the area to “root canals,” with several drainage areas extending off as the “roots” of a tooth.   After we hiked the first “canal,” we discovered the second which had even more pools.  We began referring to it as “Many Many Pools.”  Finally, it just became known as “The canyon area east of the tunnel,” because there appeared to be no end to the “canal” areas for exploration.

Mark: “Pick a landmark, and give it a name. That way you’ll recognize it on your way back. Like this? A whale’s back.”

I have always tended to stick to the designated trails, so this was a new experience for me just hiking “wherever.”    No cairns, no trail markers, no maps, just vast slickrock sandstone in all directions, with a plethora of topographical points of interest.  Hoo doos that looked like ancient forts.  Outcroppings resembling the bow of the Titanic.  Reflective pools, some coated with clear ice formations that cast shimmering outlines of shadows on the bottom.   And just enough twisted, weathered pines to punctuate the landscape.   Wander in any direction, and beauty abounds, like an endless playground for grown-ups.

Bobbie “Holding down the Fort.”

Ellen: “Just resting.” 😉

Balanced Rock

When I look back on the photos of this area, I always laugh when I see what has been referred to as “donkey-like hiking.”    I look at the photos where we are all following in lock step as if there were some invisible trail with signs indicating “Stay on the Trail!”   I ask myself, “With all that wide open area, why are we all following in single file?”   But the fact is, hiking with this group is more than hiking.  It is an entertainment venue, and I always want a ring side seat.  😉
After two days in the desert sun
My skin began to turn red
After three days in the desert fun
I was looking at a river bed
And the story it told of a river that flowed
Made me sad to think it was dead

You see I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name
‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain
La, la, la, la-lah la la la…  
~America